Zak Acupuncture Case Studies In London 07967525168

According to HealthDay News--- Millions of Americans plod through each day exhausted. Not because they're working too hard, over-exercising or not taking enough vitamins.The real reason, experts say, is because they unknowingly have a sleep disorder.

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by a reduction or pause of breathing (airflow) during sleep. It is common among adults but rare among children. OSA is a respiratory condition in which the throat repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Air is blocked from getting into the lungs, and low oxygen levels cause the brain to wake the person up.Some evidence suggests that a type of acupuncture called auriculotherapy acupoint pressure may help treat sleep apnea. It was shown in a pilot study that acupuncture was more effective than placebo treatment (sham acupuncture) in producing significant changes in the respiratory events assessed by polysomnography.A common sleep disorder may affect the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the heart, raising the risk of heart disease in otherwise healthy people.A new study is the first to show blood vessel abnormalities in otherwise healthy people with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes periodic interruptions in breathing during sleep. Previous studies have linked sleep apnea to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other risk factors for heart disease.

Anyone that has ever had trouble sleeping can attest to the difficulties at work the following day. Experts recommend eight hours of sleep per night for ideal health and productivity, but what if five to six hours of sleep is your norm? Is your work still negatively affected? A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have discovered that regardless of how tired you perceive yourself to be, that lack of sleep can influence the way you perform certain tasks.

People are diagnosed as suffering with acute insomnia if they have had problems sleeping for less than three months, and chronic insomnia if the sleeping problems persist for longer. As chronic insomnia leads to an increased risk of developing major depression, researchers are seeking to find out more about how the transition from acute to chronic insomnia takes place in order to prevent this.

Can acupuncture help?

Brazilian researchers have done research about this condition, they found A single session of either MA or EA( electro acupuncture) 10 Hz had an acute effect in reducing the AHI as well as the number of nocturnal respiratory events of patients presenting with moderate OSA.
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Reference:Freire AO, Sugai GC, Togeiro SM, Mello LE, Tufik S.Acupunct Med. 2010 Jun 15.

Studies that compared auricular acupressure and sham control showed equivocal results. It was also found that acupressure, reflexology, or auricular acupressure as monotherapy or combined with routine care was significantly more efficacious than routine care or no treatment. Owing to the methodological limitations of the studies and equivocal results, the current evidence does not allow a clear conclusion on the benefits of acupressure, reflexology, and auricular acupressure for insomnia.

A review of six separate randomized, controlled trials was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009. All six studies were conducted in Hong Kong or mainland China, and all compared auricular (ear) acupuncture with either a placebo or another treatment. In four of the studies, auricular acupuncture was compared with pharmaceutical drugs, in another it was compared with routine non-interventionist care, while in another it was compared with "sham" auricular acupuncture (in which needles are inserted into random locations rather than the prescribed to meridians).

Meniere’s disease is a condition where patients have spells of vertigo and nausea, affecting 30,000 Britons. It’s devastating and many patients find they can’t work and their lives are seriously disrupted.

Meniett device, have demonstrated positive short-term effects of transtympanic pressure treatment via the Meniett device in medically intractable Ménière's disease

According to this independent study, the Meniett device seems to be a minimally invasive, non-destructive treatment tool, which can reduce vertigo and associated functional handicap in Ménière's disease. These effects are maintained up to 18 months after treatment so far. Previous surgical or chemical vestibular ablation procedures may adversely influence the effect of the Meniett device.(1)

There are some thing you should know:
Slight risk of infection from tympanostomy tube
Not reimbursed by all insurance providers
Ménière's disease is not responsive to Meniett therapy in a small portion of the population

What about acupuncture treatment?

In Chinese medicine, dizziness is usually classified as some kind of wind. Wind is a tricky pathogen, in that it tends to move around (making you dizzy). It usually affects the upper part of your body, much like the wind outdoors, and it comes and goes, just like strong gusts on a windy day. In Chinese medicine, wind is frequently the diagnosis not only in cases of dizziness, but also with tremors, some headaches, numbness, high or low blood pressure, and even itchy skin conditions.

The root cause of wind is almost always a deficiency of some vital substance in your body, such as Qi, Blood, or Yin. For example, anemia is considered a Blood deficiency in Chinese medicine and is a common cause of mild dizziness or light-headedness. Another example is a depletion of your body's moistening and nourishing Yin, which can cause dizziness. In this case, your body is like a farmer's field that has dried out to the point where the smallest breeze will make the dust rise.

Whatever the root cause or depletion, Chinese medicine has a lot to offer to effectively treat dizziness. The best known treatment is acupuncture, which involves the insertion of tiny needles into your body to stimulate healing. Also effective for dizziness is scalp acupuncture, Like it sounds, scalp acupuncture entails needling acupuncture points on your scalp to affect brain function, and can be used for neurological conditions. In many cases, Chinese herbal medicine

The root cause of wind is almost always a deficiency of some vital substance in your body, such as Qi, Blood, or Yin. For example, anemia is considered a Blood deficiency in Chinese medicine and is a common cause of mild dizziness or light-headedness. Another example is a depletion of your body’s moistening and nourishing Yin, which can cause dizziness. In this case, your body is like a farmer’s field that has dried out to the point where the smallest breeze will make the dust rise.

Whatever the root cause or depletion, Chinese medicine has a lot to offer to effectively treat dizziness. The best known treatment is acupuncture, which involves the insertion of tiny needles into your body to stimulate healing. Also effective for dizziness is scalp acupuncture, Like it sounds, scalp acupuncture entails needling acupuncture points on your scalp to affect brain function, and can be used for neurological conditions. In many cases, Chinese herbal medicine—the use of a specific formula for a specific condition—can be effective, too.

In China,Acupuncture treatment of this disease, the earlier report found the early 1960s. The general body acupuncture, in recent years, one after another -- the scalp acupuncture, moxibustion moxa such pressure, the control of acute effects are obvious

Body acupuncture
Points
Main Points : Taichong, Hegu, Neiguan, Zusanli, Ashi, Sanyinjiao
Points allocation : Baihui, Fenglong, Tinggong, Lieque ,Ashi
Points used for vertigo and Ménière's disease
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Reference:Rajan GP, Din S, Atlas MD.J Laryngol Otol. 2005 May;119(5):391-5.

Professor Yardley's urgent appeal comes after her study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and published in the British Medical Journal, revealed that the exercises, such as turning your head right to left and back again or nodding your head up and down, led to reduced dizziness within a matter of weeks of starting, and the benefits lasted for at least a year.( Sciencedaily)

Acupuncture points are locations on the body that are the focus of acupuncture, acupressure, sonopuncture and laser acupuncture treatment. Several hundred acupuncture points are considered to be located along meridians (connected points across the anatomy which affect a specific organ or other part of the body). There are also numerous "extra points" not associated with a particular meridian.

Acupuncture textbooks, schools, practitioners and clinical researchers designing randomized controlled trials on acupuncture all assume that acupuncture points are small and must be located precisely. Really?

A.F. Molsberger et,al have done a research to answer your question.

Seventy-one medical doctors with ≥200 h acupuncture training and ≥2 years of clinical experience independently identified 23 commonly used acupuncture points on a male volunteer, using sticky transparent films with an X/Y grid placed asymmetrically around acupuncture points.

Their conclusion is that ------In respect to the high degree of variation in the localization of acupuncture points, we suggest that the term ‘acupuncture field’ is more appropriate than ‘acupuncture points’ to describe the clinical reality; for the design of sham-controlled acupuncture trials, we recommend a minimum distance of 6 cm between verum and sham points on face, hands and feet, and up to 12 cm for all other parts of the body.
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Reference :European journal of pain 2012

There are lots of information about NHS treatment,,,,,,,according to Dailymail today news (28/05/2012)

You can get free NHS hospital treatment if you are lawfully entitled to be in the UK and usually live here. This is called being ordinarily resident.

Some people from abroad who are not ordinarily resident in the UK can receive all NHS hospital treatment free of charge. If you are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment, family members including your spouse, civil partner and dependent children will also be able to get free treatment, but only if they are lawfully allowed to live in the UK. In many cases, they must also be living with you throughout your stay to qualify. (more detail)?

Anyone else will be charged for the full cost of any treatment they receive unless an exemption applies to the particular therapy.

While treatment in an accident and emergency department is automatically free to all, emergency care elsewhere is not.However urgent treatment, such as maternity care, will always be given regardless of residence status or ability to pay afterwards.Anyone who owes more than £1,000 in unpaid NHS hospital charges will be identified to the UK Border Agency and will not be allowed to come or stay in Britain until the debt is paid off.

So,just having a British passport is not enough - patients must also be permanently based in the UK.

A new appointment scheduling website called Zak acupuncture appointment, allows you to make an appointment with acupuncturist of Zak acupuncture clinic assuming he or she participates in the service. You can book an appointment directly on the website, without the delay associated with calling the office directly. An email confirmation is sent to you right away.

Another option or resource to obtain answers to your acupuncture treatment questions when you can’t reach your acupuncturist is to consult with an acupuncture blog. Zak acupuncture case studies is to help you answer your acupuncture questions, and find the best acupuncturist in your area who you could potentially manage your health.It is excellent resources for consumers who want quick, reliable and updated acupuncture information.

Zak Acupuncture Case Studies and Forums is an info weblog dedicated to reporting evidence-based studies and research on Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).Zak hope to stands out as an independent, trustable, and credible source of information and his humble effort of building an info blog based on evidence-based Chinese medical studies could benefit people in the long term.

When Zak first started blogging in 2006, he didn't think anybody was interested in what he had to say. At the time, only a few acupuncturists were blogging and he mostly wrote commentary about current acupuncture research and case studies.But all that changed when he receive a lots of email from patients.At that moment, Zak says he realized blogging was a great tool to connect with patients.Zak says the main purpose of his website is for education purposes. Zak says acupuncturist have little influence over healthcare industry , so it's important for acupuncturist to help patients understand what acupuncturist deal with. The site receives about 1000 visits each day.Even he puts a lot of time into social media presence, but says it's been worthwhile.

Zak says. "I've gotten opportunities to connect to the mainstream media, such as Dailymail,Bristol Radio—opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise," Zak says. He says acupuncturists on social media can help bridge the gap between the TCM community and the public.

Now Zak become Most influential acupuncture twitter in the world,according to Wefollow.

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Finding a acupuncturist

What should you look for in an acupuncturist.

Above all, someone you feel you can see .

You can seek references from friends or relatives who’ve had positive experiences in acupuncture or from your primary-care physician. If you are dealing with a specific medical condition, your specialist may know therapists experienced with helping similar patients. You can also consult a local university department of acupuncture or use ATCM Locator Service.

But contrary to popular belief, you won’t necessarily have more success with a therapist who’s the same gender as you are. Acupuncturist in private practice will often allow you to have a brief, introductory talk without charge, perhaps for 15 minutes. It’s not unlike meeting a blind date for a cup of coffee before deciding to go out for dinner, And just as you seek a good fit, the acupuncturist will try to judge if he or she has sufficient expertise in your area of need to be of help.

Acupuncture isn’t for everyone.Some people don’t feel strong enough to deal with the issues. The research is clear: Nobody makes changes unless they really want to.”

A doctor has warned that the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablet computers is causing more and more people to suffer from chronic back pain. The association conducted an online poll, and found that almost all of the 1,500 respondents suffered from back problems.

Whether it is a fake or the real form of acupuncture, research carried out by German doctors found out that this form of therapy can significantly reduce cases of lower back ache. The result showed that the effect of acupuncture was almost effective as the use physiotherapy, drugs and exercises. Both acupuncture and sham acupuncture carried in 1,100 people showed that patients were relieved of symptoms associated with back pains.The research has shown that it is a good idea to keep active, rather than rest. This is especially true in the earlier stages of back pain. Anyone who is suffering from this condition should seek health care immediately so the problem can be sorted out as soon as possible.

Doctor said that a lot of the respondents know that they spend too much time on computers, phones and tablets, but only two out of ten consult a doctor.

Researchers at the University of Western Australia found women who had IVF treatment at a younger age had a higher risk of developing the disease over the following 15 years.Oestrogen, a hormone which is known to fuel certain forms of breast cancer, may be up to 13 times higher during an IVF cycle than normal.

Can acupuncture help young ladies' infertility problem?

Dr. Jamie Grifo, director of the New York University Fertility Center and director of the division of reproductive endocrinology at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, said that "it's not a panacea, but acupuncture does help some patients have better success."according to Medicinenet

Two studies -- one in Acupuncture in Medicine and the other in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation -- found a benefit when acupuncture was used on the day an embryo was transferred into a woman's uterus.

The study from the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation also found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome and men who had infertility issues with no known cause also benefitted from acupuncture.

The latest study from researchers at Adelaide University, Australia, reviewed eight clinical trials, 13 other studies and case reports comparing the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with western drugs or IVF treatment.

Review of the clinical trials alone found a 3.5 rise in pregnancies over a four-month period among women using TCM compared with western medicine.

Other data covering 616 women within the review showed 50 per cent of women having TCM got pregnant compared with 30 per cent of those receiving IVF treatment.

Why don't try acupuncture?
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SOURCES: Lisa Lilienfield, M.D., family practice and pain management specialist, Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine, McLean, Va., and clinical assistant professor, community and family medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; Jamie Grifo, M.D., director, division of reproductive endocrinology, and director, NYU Fertility Center, New York City; April 2011, Journal of Endocrinological Investigation; December 2010, Acupuncture in Medicine

Meralgia paresthetica is an entrapment or "pinching" of the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer portion of the thigh. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes "entrapped" as it passes under the ligament of the groin. The pressure on the nerve causes abnormal sensations of burning, pain, and numbness in the distribution of this nerve, the outer and part of the front of the thigh.Meralgia paresthetica is also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome.

Can acupuncture help?

Maybe, But there are haven't enough research prove this treatment.

Case report:

The authors demonstrate a way to treat meralgia paresthetica (jeans disease) with acupuncture. Two patients with therapy-resistant chronic pain and paresthesia of the lateral thigh became free of symptoms quickly and remained under acupuncture therapy. Gynecological, vertebral and urological factors must be excluded before any kind of symptomatic therapy is begun. The advantages and disadvantages of acupuncture are discussed.

Earlier this month, the Stroke Association launched the U.K.'s first Action on Stroke Month, an annual campaign that aims "to increase awareness of the impact of stroke and reach out to many more stroke survivors, their families and carers."

A transient ischemic attack, TIA or a "mini stroke," can lead to serious disability, but is frequently deemed by doctors too mild to treat, according to a study in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

A new study shows that people who have three or more alcoholic drinks per day may be at higher risk for experiencing a stroke almost a decade and a half earlier in life than those who do not drink heavily. The research is published in the September 11, 2012, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Acupuncture is very important treatment solution for stroke patients. Let review those researches .........

Cerebral ischemia--the reduction or loss of oxygen to the cerebrum; prolonged ischemia may lead to cerebral infarction,Cerebral ischemia is one of the most common diseases treated by acupuncture therapeutics. Recent studies indicated that acupuncture treatment by needling the conception and governor vessels had positive effects in promoting neural regeneration in patients after cerebral ischemia injury. To present an exhaustive review on this mechanisms, Chinese Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has done a research about this to explain why Acupuncture intervention could continuously promote the proliferation and differentiation of the neural stem cells in the brain, obviously up-regulate expression of growth factors, accelerate angiogenesis and inhibit apoptosis.

The research shows that acupuncture plays an important role in angiogenesis- the physiological process involving the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Acupuncture at GV20 and GV14 (Dazhui) increases neural repair following cerebral ischemia. The research also documents that acupuncture at GV20 and GV14 effects the contents and expressions of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). The researchers note that the influence of acupuncture on STATs indicates that acupuncture activates bodily self-protection and reduction of “apoptosis of the nerve cells in and around the ischemic focus.”
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Reference: Yang ZX, Chen PD, Yu HB, Luo WS, Wu YG, Pi M, Peng JH, Liu YF, Zhang SY, Gou YH.Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2012 Jan;10(1):19-24.

Chinese researcher found that Acupuncture can significantly increase blood flow and oxygen saturation in brain cortex, and the effect with combined therapy of scalp and body acupuncture is superior to that with body acupuncture.

If the patient is hypertensive or nervous or still hemorrhaging, very light stimulation is desirable on the scalp treatment areas.During recovery stage, one can use stronger stimulation both on the scalp and body.A comatose stroke patient whose vital signs are stable needs stronger stimulation.Strong stimulation is contraindicated for
spasms.
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Reference:Li H, Hou ZW, Bai YL, Gu SZ.Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2011 Nov;31(11):998-1002.

To assess the therapeutic effect of Jin's "Sanzhen" therapy combined with rehabilitation training on limb-motor function of stroke patients by using Fugl-Meyer scale, Chinese Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine has done a research about this.Their total of 254 hemiplegic stroke outpatients and inpatients from 7 hospitals were randomly divided into Jin's "Sanzhen" (JSZ) group (n = 83), rehabilitation group (n = 84) and combination group (n = 87). Acupuncture was applied to acupoints of Jin's "Sanzhen" including Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (SJ 5) and Hegu (LI 4); Futu (ST 32). Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); etc. The acupuncture needles were retained for 30 min after "Deqi". Rehabilitation training included passive joint movement, standing-sitting training, tapping-pressing stimulation, walking training, etc. The treatment was conducted once daily, 5 sessions a week and for 4 weeks. Fugl-Meyer scale composed of 100-point motor domain of the upper- and lower-extremity sections was used to assess the patients' motor function.

They found that Jin's "Sanzhen" therapy combined with rehabilitation training can significantly improve the limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke patients, and has a good synergistic effect.
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Reference:Han DX, Zhuang LX, Zhang Y.Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2011 Jun;36(3):209-14.

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of SA therapy for the treatment of acute hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage,University of Hong Kong has done a research about this treatment.Their conclusion is : Although Scalp acupuncture therapy is widely used to treat acute hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in TCM, the efficacy and safety of Scalp acupuncture therapy remain to be further determined. No evidence is available on whether Scalp acupuncture therapy can be used to treat acute intracerebral hemorrhage according to the primary outcome measure. However, Scalp acupuncture therapy appears to be able to improve neurological deficit in patients with acute hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Acupuncture can improve not only the physical symptoms of stroke but also the emotional malaise that often accompanies such a significant life change. It should be a routine component of all stroke-rehabilitation programs throughout the U.K. and around the world. The possible mechanisms associated with the therapeutic effects of SA on ICH include the influence on hematoma, brain edema, and blood brain barrier, the products released from haematoma, the immune and inflammatory reaction, focal perihemorrhagic hypoperfusion and hemorheology, neuroelectrophysiology, and so on
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Reference:Zheng GQ, Zhao ZM, Wang Y, Gu Y, Li Y, Chen XM, Fu SP, Shen J.J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Mar 27.

To observe the curative effects of post-stroke hand dysfunction treated with acupuncture at Zhongzhu (TE 3) and Waiguan (TE 5),Chinese College of Capital Medicine University has done a research about this.Their Sixty cases of post-stroke hand dysfunction were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Routine medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation trainings were applied in both groups; Zhongzhu (TE 3) and Waiguan (TE 5) were punctured in observation group.

Chinese researchers found Routine medicine and rehabilitation trainings combined with acupuncture at Zhongzhu (TE 3) and Waiguan (TE 5) to treat post-stroke hand dysfunction can obviously improve the hand dysfunction after stroke, enhance the abilities of walking and daily living, and increase the curative effect.
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Reference:Cheng XK, Wang ZM, Sun L, Li YH.Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2011 Feb;31(2):117-20.

To demonstrate the use of electroacupuncture as adjuvant in the treatment of central pain, diagnosed as thalamic syndrome difficult to control with pharmacologic therapy,Santos AB, Gozzani JL. has published a case report--
......... In July 2009, electroacupuncture, in an attempt to obtain better pain control, was proposed to the patient. Electroacupuncture was done on points in the scalp. After the 11(th) session, her pain was controlled, with no use of opioids or topical amitriptyline, her well-being had increased, her motor coordination improved, she presented global pain reduction, complete in hand and face.
They conclusion:The efficacy of electroacupuncture in pain control and well-being are in agreement with modern studies which demonstrated activation of antinociceptive pathways in the brain. Controlled prospective studies are required to reaffirm and consolidate electroacupuncture as an important technique in controlling central pain.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.
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Reference:Santos AB, Gozzani JL, Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2011 Jan-Feb;61(1):88-94

To compare the therapeutic effects between acupuncture and electric stimulation on post-stroke dysphagia on the basis of rehabilitation training.Chinese Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital has done a new research about this.Their Ninety-seven patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly divided into an acupuncture group , an electric stimulation group and a rehabilitation training group. After treatment, the total effective rate was 96.95 (31/32) in group A and was 94.3% (33/35) in group B, which was superior to that of 66.7% (20/30) in group C. After treatment, the swallowing function in group A, group B and group C were all improved significantly as compared with that before treatment. After treatment, the effects in group A and B were superior to that in group C.

Their conclusion is :The therapeutic effect of the combination of either acupuncture or electric stimulation with rehabilitation training is better than that of simple rehabilitation training. The efficacy on dysphagia is equal between acupuncture and electric stimulation.
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Reference:Huang Z, Huang F, Yan HX, Min Y, Gao Y, Tan BD, Qu F,Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010 Dec;30(12):969-73.

To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with speech therapy for dysarthria after stroke or cerebral trauma,Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine College of Capital Medical University has done a research about this,Their sixty-one cases were randomly divided into two groups. The observation group (30 cases) was treated with speech therapy and acupuncture at Lianquan (CV 23), Jinjin (EX-HN 12), Yuye (EX-HN 13), Fengchi (GB 20), Yifeng (TE 17) and Wangu (GB 12) as major acupoints, while the control group (31 cases) was treated with speech therapy only. The changes of speech and acoustics indices were evaluated after 9 weeks treatment.

They found acupuncture combined with speech therapy can improve the effect on language and acoustics level for dysarthria.
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Reference:Xu JM, Li HL, Lu HY, Chen ZG, Liu LQ, Jing S.Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010 Jul;30(7):537-41.

The University of Hong Kong has done a research about stroke aphasia acupuncture treatment,They found one group showed significant improvement in CAB scores after receiving acupuncture treatment. A significant correlation between changes in AQ and blood oxygen level dependent activation in the lesioned Wernicke's speech area was found. These preliminary results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial to language recovery in chronic stroke patients.

That's really good news for stroke patient.
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Reference:Chau AC, Fai Cheung RT, Jiang X, Au-Yeung PK, Li LS.J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2010 Mar;3(1):53-57.

Chinese The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of TCM found balanced muscular tension needling method can significantly improve the muscle strength, muscle tonus, muscle spasticity and the range of joint motion of the stroke patients with spastic paralysis.

......"Many research. For detail? Explore my website--
Smoking greatly increases the risk of potentially fatal brain bleeding caused by a burst aneurysm, a new study warns.
An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened artery. If an aneurysm bursts, blood leaks into the brain. The chances of surviving a burst aneurysm are about 50 percent, and survivors often have lifelong disabilities.In the new study, published online Aug. 30 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

The research from Finland found that men with the highest levels of a chemical found in the fruit in their blood were at half the risk of suffering a stroke than men with the lowest levels.The chemical, lycopene, which gives tomatoes their red colour, has already been linked with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
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Linked research:
Those who went on a fast walk daily were at half the chance of having a heart attack or stroke as those who didn’t. Jogging daily cut the odds by 40 per cent.But those who said they walked for an hour at a leisurely pace had just the same risk as those who were largely inactive.

The average of someone suffering a stroke has fallen from 71 years in 1993/4 to 69 years in 2005 and study published in the journal Neurology found.It was also found that 13 per cent of strokes occurred in people aged under 55 in 1993/4 which increased to 19 per cent in 2005.

There are many conditions could be treated by Jolts of electricity........The story from Dailymail today. Actually, it is just electro-acupuncture.Nothing is new.

Electrodes implanted in the neck send mild electrical pulses to the sensors, which in turn widen the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
In one study, University of Chicago researchers found a reduction of greater than 20 mmHg in 69 per cent of patients (normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHG).

Chinese researcher concluded that pulse width modulation electro-acupuncture on the ST 36 point prevents the progression of hypertension and diminishes the cardiovascular remodeling in SHR.

stimulating your scalp with electricity could help you lose weight. Scientists at the U.S. National Institutes of Health have found that doing this over the area of the brain that controls fullness can reduce the amount people eat.

Chinese researcher found Electro-acupuncture has an effect against obesity in rats, which may be related to up-regulating obestatin expression in hypothalamus.

Cystitis affects 400,000 Britons and is notoriously difficult to treat.An implant that delivers electrical stimulation to the tail bone is being used to treat chronic (or interstitial) cystitis.

Japanese researcher found Sacral acupuncture could contribute to improve acetic acid-induced bladder irritation through inhibition of capsaicin-sensitive C-fiber activation.

Delivering mild electrical impulses to leg muscles for an hour a day strengthens muscles and speeds up blood flow in patients with heart failure, according to new research.

US researcher found That patient with a total artificial heart was successfully treated with electro-acupuncture for inflammatory arthritis without any adverse events.

Early studies show it triggers nerve activity in the brain that acts to ‘distract’ it from the ringing noise. The treatment is undergoing clinical trials at University Hospital Antwerp.

Chinese researcher found that electro-acupuncture help tinnitus.

Etc,etc......diabetes, asthma, facial pain ....... Electro-acupuncture could help!

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a syndrome characterized by pain or discomfort seemingly originating from the contact of the posterior surface of the patella (back of the kneecap) with the femur (thigh bone). It is the most frequently encountered diagnosis in sports medicine clinics.Flat feet or other faults cause you to carry your weight through the wrong part of the foot,It my lead to this condition.

Can acupuncture help?

To evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment in patellofemoral pain syndrome,Jensen Fysikalske Institutt from Bergen of Norway has done a research about this.

Their total of 75 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were included, of whom 44 were female.Patients had
Individualized acupuncture treatment twice weekly for 4 weeks.Patients were followed for 1 year with the Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS) scale as the main outcome measure. Other tests used were the Stairs-Hopple test, quadriceps atrophy, and evaluating level pain after activity by a visual analogue scale.

They found that acupuncture may be an alternative treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome.
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Reference :Jensen R, Gøthesen O, Liseth K, Baerheim A.J Altern Complement Med. 1999 Dec;5(6):521-7.

Hi,there

For the year Sept 2012 to August 2013 we have some scholarships available to anyone interested in going to China to gain clinical experience in Chinese medicine or Chinese language training at Heilongjiang University for TCM in Harbin. Length of stay is flexible. Scholarship costs cover accommodation and fees.
 
Anyone with Non-Chinese nationality is interested, could you please get in touch as soon as possible, we need to get the applications in by the 28th of May.
 
Please direct emails to Dr Sheng Bo shengb@lsbu.ac.uk 
 
 
Sheng Bo
CITCM London South Bank University
020 7815 8424
 

Researchers found more than a quarter of motorists regularly take to the roads despite suffering from hay fever. And a third of sufferers say they have momentarily lost concentration while driving.

Sneezing and watering eyes will result in some 700,000 drivers who have hay fever having their eyes shut for 60 seconds out of every 45 minutes of driving time, according to the research by One Poll, reducing reaction times and road awareness and raising the risk of an accident and more costly car insurance premiums.

A growing number of middle-aged people who have never before suffered from an allergic reaction to pollen are discovering for the first time this summer that age offers no protection against the curse of a constantly runny nose, itchy, streaming eyes and a prickly throat that just won’t clear.

Can acupuncture help?

According to Daniel Maxwell of The British Acupuncture Council, "acupuncture is great for the symptoms of hay fever due to the significant effect it has on modulating the immune system".New research, published in the journal Allergy, shows the ancient Chinese medicine can dramatically reduce symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy eyes. Researchers found that when they used acupuncture needles with a Chinese herbal medicine, the number of patients feeling better was double that in a group not given the treatment.

In the case of hay fever, it is often aggravated by a pathogen, which causes problems in the respiratory system, and acupuncture uses needles to restore the normal functioning of this system.Because of the way acupuncture can calm a hyper-sensitive immune system, the time to go for a treatment is two to three months before the start of the hay fever season, thus reducing, and eventually completely alleviating allergic reaction in the future. This is particularly important for those teenagers and students who have major exams looming.

Treatment:
1,Cold acupuncture: Dashu, Gaohuang, Fengmen,Pishu,Feishu,Shenshu.
2,General acupuncture: Common use:Yintang,Bitong
Support point:Baihui, Yingxiang,Hegu,Fengchi
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Reference: Walesonline, Chinese acupoint,etc

According to Yahoo health,Sleep apnea has already been linked to a host of adverse health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Now, new research suggests that in people who already have cancer, the sleep disorder may raise their risk of dying from cancer.

When you have cancer and you repeatedly have episodes of low or no oxygen, the cancer cells "try to compensate for the lack of oxygen by growing additional blood vessels to get more oxygen. It's a defense mechanism," Nieto said. And, as those blood vessels keep growing, it helps the tumor to spread, he explained.

People with mild sleep apnea -- five to 14.9 episodes of low or no oxygen in an hour -- had a 10 percent increased risk of cancer death, while those with moderate sleep apnea -- 15 to 29.9 episodes of low or no oxygen in an hour -- had double the risk of cancer death.

Many doctors and scientists have studied the connection between sleep patterns and different health risks and weight gain. It is so important for us to be true to our natural body clock – also referred to as circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the (approximately) 24-hour natural cycles that govern the body, regulating appetite, sleep, and mood.

Scientists specializing in neurology, cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy have discovered abnormalities in bone and bone marrow in rats undergoing chronic lack of sleep. They discovered abnormalities in serum markers of bone metabolism in sleep-deprived rats, which led them to conduct direct measurements of bone parameters; this time in rats experiencing recurrent sleep restriction during a large portion of their young adulthood.

Chinese medicine has always believed that these cycles are controlled largely by light, or the cycles of the sun. Energy should be exerted during the day, while the nighttime is meant for rest and recuperation. Here are a few tips to help you tune into your natural body clock and maintain your weight, health and vitality.

Can acupuncture help?

OSA is a respiratory condition in which the throat repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Air is blocked from getting into the lungs, and low oxygen levels cause the brain to wake the person up.Some evidence suggests that a type of acupuncture called auriculotherapy acupoint pressure may help treat sleep apnea. It was shown in a pilot study that acupuncture was more effective than placebo treatment (sham acupuncture) in producing significant changes in the respiratory events assessed by polysomnography.A common sleep disorder may affect the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the heart, raising the risk of heart disease in otherwise healthy people.A new study is the first to show blood vessel abnormalities in otherwise healthy people with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes periodic interruptions in breathing during sleep. Previous studies have linked sleep apnea to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other risk factors for heart disease.

Brazilian researchers have done research about this condition, they found A single session of either MA or EA( electro acupuncture) 10 Hz had an acute effect in reducing the AHI as well as the number of nocturnal respiratory events of patients presenting with moderate OSA.
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Reference:Freire AO, Sugai GC, Togeiro SM, Mello LE, Tufik S.Acupunct Med. 2010 Jun 15.

ScienceDaily (July 26, 2012) — Shift work is associated with an increased risk of major vascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, concludes a study published on the website of the British Medical Journal.

Treatment of insomnia

Benzodiazepine-receptor agonists (BzRAs) and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) are supported by the best empirical evidence. Benzodiazepine-receptor agonists (BzRAs) are effective in the short-term management of insomnia, but evidence of long-term efficacy is scarce. Also, most hypnotic drugs are associated with potential adverse effects. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective alternative for chronic insomnia. CBT is more time consuming than drug management but it produces sleep improvements that are sustained over time.

Zak work as professional acupuncturist and Chinese Tuina therapist in Chelsea Club (located within the Stamford Bridge CHELSEA FOOTBALL stadium complex,Fulham Road.SW6 1HS).

Arthritis of the thumb usually occurs at the joint found at the base of the thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist. This joint is called the thumb basilar or carpometacarpal joint. Arthritis of the thumb makes it difficult to pick up objects, open doors, turn a key in a lock, get dressed, and many other daily activities we often take for granted.The pain, loss of motion, and weakness that occur as a result of this deformity can make the simplest task impossible. What can be done to treat thumb arthritis?

The goal of acupuncture is to stabilize the joint and possibly bring the thumb into a more functional position by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.It seem to vary depending on severity of condition. Some patients regain full use of the thumb. Others have an improved cosmetic result but no change in their ability to use the thumb. Between 6 and 12 treatments may be required to get on top of the pain. Occasional 'top-up' treatments may be required in the long-term as acupuncture cannot cure arthritis, but can only relive the pain of the condition. Nevertheless, acupuncture can be sufficiently effective in relieving the pain for sufferers who had been on the waiting list for joint replacement surgery to no longer need the operation.Of course,there is a need for future studies to compare results of different treatment options.

So,What's your experience?

Most babies will move into delivery position a few weeks prior to birth with the head moving closer to the birth canal. When this fails to happen, the baby's buttocks and/or feet will be positioned to be delivered first. This is referred to as "breech presentation." Breech births occur in approximately 1 out of 25 full-term births.Moxibustion (a type of Chinese medicine which involves burning a herb close to the skin) to the acupuncture point Bladder 67 (BL67) (Chinese name Zhiyin), located at the tip of the fifth toe, has been proposed as a way of correcting breech presentation.

To examine the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion on changing the presentation of an unborn baby in the breech position,Australian Monash University has done a research about this.They searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (26 March 2012), MEDLINE (1966 to 1 August 2011), EMBASE (1980 to August 2011), CINAHL (1982 to 1 August 2011), MIDIRS (1982 to 1 August 2011) and AMED (1985 to 1 August 2011) and searched bibliographies of relevant papers.

They found that limited evidence to support the use of moxibustion for correcting breech presentation. There is some evidence to suggest that the use of moxibustion may reduce the need for oxytocin. When combined with acupuncture, moxibustion may result in fewer births by caesarean section; and when combined with postural management techniques may reduce the number of non-cephalic presentations at birth, however, there is a need for well-designed randomised controlled trials to evaluate moxibustion for breech presentation which report on clinically relevant outcomes as well as the safety of the intervention.
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Reference:Coyle ME, Smith CA, Peat B.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 May 16

Acupuncture isn't risk-free.

Korean Kyung Hee University Hospital has report an uncommon complication of cupping and acupuncture.

A 47-year-old woman presented with swelling and pain in the posterior nuchal region. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed a well-enhanced epidural mass at the C1-C3 level that was determined to be an epidural abscess.

Korean doctors' conclusion--Although a rare complication, epidural abscess is a possibility when applying cupping and acupuncture. Therapists need to be aware of human anatomy in the vicinity of the puncture and must give continuous attention to hygiene throughout the procedure.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dysphagia is common in patients with neurological disorders. It may result from lesions in the central or peripheral nervous system as well as from diseases of muscle and disorders of the neuromuscular junction. The symptoms of neurogenic dysphasia are:
Difficulty in swallowing food
Feeling that food is lodged on the throat
Coughing or choking when swallowing
Drooling, because of inability to swallow saliva
Food or liquid backing up through the nose

Dysphagia, or deglutition difficulty, is a common manifestation in patients with a stroke and its management is an important aspect of rehabilitation. Acupuncture, a complementary and alternative therapy, is the subject of growing public interest for treatment of stroke

To evaluate the therapeutic effects and long-term efficacy of acupuncture for neurogenic dysphagia,Chinese University of Hong Kong has done research about this.Their Subjects with neurogenic dysphagia undergoing routine swallowing management were randomized to receive either 20 sessions of true acupuncture (experimental group) or sham acupuncture (control group 1) for approximately one and a half months. A third group (control group 2) comprised of non-randomized subjects with neurogenic dysphagia who received routine care were recruited from separate wards. The outcomes were assessed by the Royal Brisbane Hospital Outcome Measure for Swallowing (RBHOMS), as well as by the consistencies of ingested food and fluid.

They found that acupuncture may have therapeutic effects and long-term efficacy for neurogenic dysphagia. However, due to an insufficient sample size and the lack of follow-up for control group 2, multi-centre trials employing a larger sample size may be required to draw concrete conclusions.

Another research from The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University, they found that Acupuncture might be beneficial in the rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia caused by stroke, and the evidence justifies future high-quality studies.
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Reference:[1]Chan SL, Or KH, Sun WZ, Ng KY, Lo SK, Lee YS.J Tradit Chin Med. 2012 Mar;32(1):25-30.[2]Acupunct Med. 2012 Sep 22

So,Acupuncture is commonly used to treat this complication in traditional Chinese medicine practice. We systematically reviewed currently available evidence for the use of acupuncture in treating swallowing difficulties after acute stroke. Only one small randomised controlled trial was identified, involving 66 participants, which did not provide clear evidence of benefit from adding acupuncture to standard Western medical treatment. Considering the small sample size and methodological imperfections, there is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture. More research is needed.

What is winter-disease?In TCM, winter diseases are usually referred to the chronic diseases which are more likely to cause great damages in winter. The patients often have characters of deficiency and cold.Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes “winter disease summer treatment”, thinks “spring and summer nourish yang, autumn and winter nourish yin”, everything lays hid in winter, Yang Qi is thin, Yin Qi is thick .Summer is the best season to nourish Yang to treat asthma....

To preliminarily analyze key factors influencing curative effect through clinical observations of acupoint application for "treatment of winter disease in summer" used to prevent and treat bronchial asthma in children, Chinese Acupuncture Association has done a research about this.Their total of 609 children conformed to diagnostic and inclusive standards for remission 'of bronchial asthma. Through follow-up visits, Reseachers observed patients' skin reactions and the time and chance of treatment with different therapies in the three hospitals; they also compared and analyzed different drugs, acupoints, and preparations. They found that the key acupoints were Feishu (BL 13), Gaohuang (BL 43), Dingchuan (EX-B1), Tiantu (CV 22), and Shanzhong (CV 17).

Their research shows that the curative effect of acupoint application for "treatment of winter disease in summer" may be influenced by recipes of Chinese drugs, preparations, prescriptions of acupoints, chance, time, and skin reactions. A curative effect is the result of the comprehensive action of these factors.

Another reason maybe more vitmin D in summer? The researchers concluded that their results support the hypothesis that vitamin D could improve disease control in people with asthma by reducing IL-17A levels, regardless of whether the person’s asthma is steroid-resistant.
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Reference:Wen BL, Liu BY, Jin P, Wang XF, Xiang XX, Liu XF, Hu JQ, Lu F, He LY, Zhu WZ, Fang YG, Wang Y.J Tradit Chin Med. 2012 Mar;32(1):31-9

For many years, the mechanism of migraine was thought to be an initial constriction of blood vessels in the brain. This was believed to cause the aura that some migraine patients experience.  The theory went on to explain that when the blood vessels constricted, this action resulted in a decrease in oxygen getting to brain cells, causing the odd sensation that is known as an aura. Reflexively as a survival response, the brain immediately reacted by dilating the vessels which in turn caused the head pain and other symptoms.Although this theory seemed to explain the entire migraine phenomenon very neatly and became very popular, it turns out that it was not accurate. Recent research using brain scanners that can detect vascular blood flow in detail have disproven this theory.  

According to ScienceDaily (May 17, 2012) — The latest genetic and biological research shows that migraine is a neurological, not vascular, disorder and both acute and preventive treatments being developed target peripheral and central nervous systems, according to a prominent migraine expert addressing the American Pain Society (APS) on May 17.

In the neurological field, headaches, migraines and neuralgia are the common painful conditions treated with acupuncture. Strokes and their sequelae are another major indication for acupuncture. Early treatment of paresis after stroke has proved highly effective.Today we know that migraine is a largely inherited disorder characterized by physiological changes in the brain, and, if attacks occur with high frequency, structural alterations in the brain.Headaches - Headaches that can be treated with acupuncture include migraines, tension headaches, headaches occurring around the menstrual cycle, sinus headaches and stress-related headaches.

Previous studies have linked this disorder to an increased risk of stroke and structural brain lesions, but it has remained unclear whether migraines had other negative consequences such as dementia or cognitive decline. According to new research from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), migraines are not associated with cognitive decline.

Neurologists, who may know headaches better than anyone, report a much higher-than-average rate of migraines, a new survey from Norway finds.

People with migraines may feel like time passes a bit more slowly than it actually does, if a small study is correct.

Women with migraine with aura were more likely to have experienced blood clot complications such as deep vein thrombosis with all types of contraceptives than women with migraine without aura. For example, 7.6 percent of women with migraine with aura who used a newer generation combined hormonal contraceptive had deep vein thrombosis compared to 6.3 percent of women with migraine without aura, but the timing of the two events is not clear. The occurrence of blood clot complications was also higher in women with migraine who took contraceptives than women taking the contraceptives who did not have migraine.

For migraine.To asses the efficacy of acupuncture at migraine-specific acupuncture points compared with other acupuncture points and sham acupuncture,Ying Li,et al has done a new research about this.

They performed a multicentre, single-blind randomized controlled trial. In total, 480 patients with migraine were randomly assigned to one of four groups (Shaoyang-specific acupuncture, Shaoyang-nonspecific acupuncture, Yangming-specific acupuncture or sham acupuncture [control]). All groups received 20 treatments.

They found that acupuncture tested appeared to have a clinically minor effect on migraine prophylaxis compared with sham acupuncture.

It has been suggested that the positive results reported for acupuncture can be explained by placebo effects and publication bias and researchers have pointed out the difficulty in designing an adequate scientific control for any placebo effect acupuncture might have due to its invasiveness. The development and inclusion of retracting needles as a form of placebo control has resulted in a much larger number of studies concluding acupuncture's effects are due to placebo.The problem is that sham acupuncture is not a true placebo -- and may have real physiological effects.

Results of the study may be difficult to generalize to Western populations. UK patients may not be keen on receiving 20 acupuncture treatments within a 4-week period
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Reference:Ying Li,et al.CMAJ January 9, 2012 First published January 9, 2012

New study----A study found a new region on the X chromosome as having a link to migraines, providing new evidence their might be a ‘susceptibility’ gene involved.All women have two X chromosomes while men have an X and a Y chromosome.

Treatment of specific acupoints in Shaoyang meridians is more cost-effective than that of non-acupoints, representing a dramatic improvement in the quality of life of people with migraine and a significant reduction in cost. Compared with the other 3 groups, Shaoyang-specific acupuncture is a relatively cost-effective treatment for migraine prophylaxis in China.

Knowledge: Two-thirds of migraine specialists said they routinely assess patients for depression and more than half assess patients for anxiety. Only 30 percent assess patients for abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder, both of which are associated with migraine.Overall, about 25 percent of headache specialists referred patients to non-drug treatments. Stress management, relaxation training and psychotherapy were the most common.
Another research showed--Weather triggers migraine headaches, especially mild ones, a new study shows.Sixty-six people with a history of migraine headaches kept a diary of their triggers for one year. Of these, slightly more than half reported that they had a sensitivity to temperature change.

Kids who get migraine headaches are much more likely than other children to also have behavioral difficulties, including social and attention issues, and anxiety and depression. The more frequent the headaches, the greater the effect, according to new research.

Nearly 40 per cent of doctors are concerned at the number of patients suffering the chronic headache
90 per cent believe increase is related to work stress
Many sufferers also don't take enough preventative measures, warn doctors

Zak work as professional acupuncturist and Chinese Tuina therapist in Chelsea Club (located within the Stamford Bridge CHELSEA FOOTBALL stadium complex,Fulham Road.SW6 1HS).

According to Yahoo health,Canada and the United States have the fewest patients, at less than 20 percent of adults, but in some African countries the estimated figure is closer to 50 percent, the World Health Organization said.Increased life expectancy and changes in lifestyle mean that chronic conditions once associated with wealthier nations are now affecting lower income countries.

High blood pressure (hypertension) can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop. Left uncontrolled, you may wind up with a disability, a poor quality of life or even a fatal heart attack. Fortunately, with treatment and lifestyle changes, you can control your high blood pressure to reduce your risk of life-threatening complications.

Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered an association between a commonly prescribed blood pressure drug, Olmesartan, and severe gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and electrolyte abnormalities -- symptoms common among those who have celiac disease. The findings are published online June 21 in the medical journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

A study found that a healthy lifestyle was just as effective as the most commonly given drugs – reducing the risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50 per cent in men and 30 per cent in women.

Can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has various health benefits, including lowering blood pressure. In a 2010 study performed in Germany, 80 patients with high blood pressure were assigned to an acupuncture group or to a medication group. For one month, patients in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture. Patients in the medication group received a blood pressure lowering pharmaceutical drug once daily for 30 days. In total, 68 per cent of patients in the acupuncture group experienced significant lowering of blood pressure, 28 per cent improved and five per cent failed. In the medication group only 45 per cent of patients experienced a significant drop in blood pressure, 35 per cent improved and 20 per cent failed. In a 2011 study, Chinese researchers found that stimulation of selected acupuncture points caused immediate blood pressure reduction for those suffering from acute hypertensive crises.

Acupuncture combined with electronic stimulation can lower high blood pressure, US researchers say.

In this study, 160 patients in Germany and China with mild to moderate hypertension were randomized to receive either acupuncture (performed by Chinese physicians accredited in acupuncture) or a sham procedure. The sham procedure consisted of identical acupuncture sessions, complete with needle insertions - but the insertion points were not the precise sites prescribed by traditional Chinese medicine for treating blood pressure. Both groups of patients underwent 22 sessions of 30 minutes each over a period of six weeks.

At the end of that time, the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients receiving traditional Chinese acupuncture were significantly reduced (by approximately 5 mm Hg and 3 mm Hg, respectively). Unfortunately, when acupuncture was discontinued their blood pressures returned to baseline values within three months. This level of blood pressure reduction is roughly the same as would typically occur with single-drug therapy or with aggressive lifestyle changes (exercise and salt restriction).

To compare the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture and western medication on blood pressure variability in young patients with hypertension.Chinese Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM has done a new research about this.Their sixty cases of hypertension in young patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3). In western medication group, Captopril was taken orally.

They found electroacupuncture on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) has long-term antihypertensive effect and improves effectively day-night rhythm variation in young patients with hypertension. Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) are the effective pair points for hypertension treated with acupuncture.
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Reference: Yang DH.Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010 Jul;30(7):547-50.

Another research :
According to the research reported online last month in PLOS ONE Biomedical Journal, The
seven-day study involved two groups of hypertensive rats that received a daily treatment of acupuncture.The first group received a needle between the first and second metatarsal bones at the top of the foot, which stimulated the tai chong — an access point commonly used for stress, lower back pain and high blood pressure in acupuncture done on humans.The other group received a needle insertion as well, but the insertion was not in one of the specific points suggested by acupuncture treatment to lower blood pressure.While the data revealed the first group had significantly lower blood pressure, the researchers also found that the part of the brain that regulates blood pressure contained an increase of enzyme antioxidants after treatment.

High blood pressure--- poor feet circulation
The American Podiatric Medical Association says warning signs of poor circulation in the legs and feet may include:
Frequent cramps in your legs and feet, especially when you exercise.
Open sores on the feet or legs that take a long time to heal or don't heal at all.
A change in the color or temperature of your legs or feet.
Loss of hair on your feet or legs.

Morton's neuroma--Morton's neuroma is a condition that affects one of the nerves that run between the metatarsal bones in the foot. The exact cause is not certain. Symptoms include pain, burning, numbness and tingling between two of the toes of the foot. About a quarter of people just need simple treatments including modification of their footwear. Sometimes surgery is needed for persistent symptoms.

Can acupuncture help?

By reducing inflammation and increasing circulation to the foot as well as influencing the body’s healing mechanisms, acupuncture helps to shorten recovery time and encourages a more complete recovery.Acupuncture helps to remove the blockages so that qi-energy and blood can flow properly again, thus strengthening the area and promoting healthier functioning.

Initial therapies are nonsurgical and relatively simple. They can involve one or more of the following treatments:

Changes in footwear. Avoid high heels or tight shoes, and wear wider shoes with lower heels and a soft sole. This enables the bones to spread out and may reduce pressure on the nerve, giving it time to heal.
Orthoses. Custom shoe inserts and pads also help relieve irritation by lifting and separating the bones, reducing the pressure on the nerve.
Injection. One or more injections of a corticosteroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerve, bringing some relief.

The ultrasound showed how large the neuromas were so the researchers could use that information to see if size matters. It turns out that size did NOT make a difference. Patients with small to large neuromas received the same amount of relief and improvement with the corticosteroid injections. For the most part, results favored the use of corticosteroid injection. Complete pain relief was not reported in either group.surgery to remove painful neuromas (which is often unsuccessful or causes other complications) may not be needed. The success of corticosteroid injections may be better than previously reported.

According to medpagetoday,smoking could lead to psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory back pain.

In one study, the relative risk for incident psoriatic arthritis was 1.54 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.24) for previous smokers and 3.13 (95% CI 2.08 to 4.71) for those who currently smoke compared with people who had never smoked, according to Abrar Qureshi, MD, and colleagues from Harvard University in Boston.

In the second study, smokers had earlier onset of inflammatory back pain, with a regression coefficient β of −1.46 (P=0.04) and worse disease activity (β = 0.20, P=0.03), reported Maxime Dougados, MD, of Paris-Descartes University in Paris, and colleagues.

The findings, reported in the American Journal of Medicine, come from a review of 14 previous clinical trials.

Six of those studies tested acupuncture against a "sham" version of the procedure (in which, for example, needles were placed in non-acupuncture points on the skin).Overall, smokers who got real acupuncture were more than three times as likely to be tobacco-free six months to a year later.

Most medical professionals do not believe that acupuncture is a successful smoking cessation method but many people have been able to quit smoking using acupuncture after just 1 or 2 sessions. Ex-smokers who have quit using acupuncture say that they notice a reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms very early in the treatment.There are still "definitely questions," about how many sessions of acupuncture or hypnosis might be necessary, or which specific techniques (needle or laser acupuncture, for example) are best.

The Cochrane Collaboration does not think that acupuncture is effective in helping people stop smoking. In fact, from the few studies made, it seems that it does not have much effect at all and that people react the same whether they receive acupuncture treatment or not. While some short-term benefits were seen,these were not sufficient to prove the success of acupuncture treatments.

Even with acupuncture therapies, kicking the smoking habit is often an uphill battle

Mothers will receive one-to-one care from a named midwife during labour and birth as part of government plans to combat postnatal depression,according to Guardian.

Under the plans, health workers will be given enhanced training so they can spot the early signs of postnatal depression.

"The impact of a miscarriage or a stillbirth can be devastating for the woman and her family and postnatal depression can be a crippling and sometimes fatal illness. Early detection and treatment is crucial.

Do you know acupuncture could help postnatal depression?

Postpartum depression is depression that occurs soon after having a baby. Some health professionals callit postpartum nonpsychotic depression.This condition occurs in about 10-20% of women, usuallywithina fewmonths of delivery.Risk factors include previous major depression, psychosocial stress, inadequate social support, and previous premenstrual dysphoric disorder(see premenstrual syndromefor more information).Symptoms include depressed mood, tearfulness, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, trouble sleeping, fatigue, appetite problems, suicidal thoughts, feelings of inadequacy as a parent, and impaired concentration.As many as 35,000 new mothers each year are suffering in silence from post-natal depression, with many too afraid to seek help in case their babies are taken away from them,according to dailymail.

One in 10 women experience depression during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Although the problem has received increased attention in recent years, little is known about the causes or early-warning signs of pregnancy-related depression. In a study published in the June 2011 issue of Journal of Women's Health, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine offer new clues to help doctors identify at-risk patients and refer them to treatment early on.Almost a third of 2,000 mothers surveyed by the charity, 4Children, did not realise they were suffering from depression and more than half did not think the symptoms were serious enough to warrant treatment.

Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of new mothers wanted more professional advice before their baby was born, on subjects such as how to deal with anxiety, fear and depression, the effects of their own sleep deprivation and how to cope with their baby's crying and sleeplessness.

Many clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is significantly effective in treating postpartum depression,Postpartum depression treatment would use acupuncture points to help restore your yin and blood as well as help balance the flow of your Qi. This can help balance your mood, improve your sleep, and increase your appetite. Additionally, there are Chinese herbal formulas as well as nutritional suggestions that can help improve your condition as well.Expect to have several sessions before feeling your symptoms of postpartum depression lift. Some women feel a drastic change in their moods after just one acupuncture session, but this is rare. The majority of people feel better after a series of appointments, while others find that this treatment method does not affect them at all.

Women who take anti-depressants during pregnancy could be contributing to a dramatic rise in autism spectrum disorders in children, say scientists from the University of Mississippi.
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Reference: Manber R, Schnyer RN, Allen JJ, Rush AJ, Blasey CM.Acupuncture: a promising treatment for depression during pregnancy,J Affect Disord. 2004 Nov 15;83(1):89-95.

Is acupuncture painful? it usually happens while the acupuncturist is "manipulating" the needles which involves twisting or tapping the needle for a few seconds until there is a mild ache in the area. Other than that, there can also be a pricking sensation when the needle is inserted, but people usually feel very little.

Health professionals commonly say, "Don't look and it won't hurt" before administering an injection or acupuncture, but is there any scientific basis for the advice? A group of German investigators has found that, in fact, your past experience with needle pricks, along with information you receive before an injection, shape your pain experience.

This study reveals several important findings. "Clinicians may be advised to provide information that reduces a patient's expectation about the strength of forthcoming pain prior to an injection,because viewing a needle prick leads to enhanced pain perception as well as to enhanced autonomic nervous system activity, we've provided empirical evidence in favor of the common advice not to look at the needle prick when receiving an injection."

So,Look away! During acupuncture.....

According to ScienceDaily (May 14, 2012) — A new University of Illinois study shows that human milk oligosaccharides, or HMO, produce short-chain fatty acids that feed a beneficial microbial population in the infant gut. Not only that, the bacterial composition adjusts as the baby grows older and its needs change.

Can acupuncture help women breastfeeding?

The researchers are from Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Helsingborg Hospital and Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, Karlstad University in Swede.

205 mothers with 210 cases of inflammatory symptoms of the breast during lactation agreed to participate. The mothers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, two of which included acupuncture among the care interventions and one without acupuncture.
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However, no significant difference was found in numbers of mothers in the treatment groups, .......Full story,please read:[Journal: Midwifery. 2007 Jun;23(2):184-95. Epub 2006 Oct 18.]

According to FOX News,A new survey demonstrates increasing acceptance and utilization of acupuncture for treatment and health promotion. the researchers found that between 2002 and 2007 there was a significant increase in the number of patients using acupuncture.

Why?Because acupuncture works!

As fanciful as that seems, acupuncture does have real effects on the human body, which scientists are documenting using high-tech tools. Neuroimaging studies show that it seems to calm areas of the brain that register pain and activate those involved in rest and recuperation. Doppler ultrasound shows that acupuncture increases blood flow in treated areas. Thermal imaging shows that it can make inflammation subside.The effectiveness of acupuncture depends on how accurately the needle hits the acupoints. The acoustic waves generated by acupuncture can travel between six and eight centimeters along the grain of pierced muscle only when the needle is inserted on an acupoint.

That's ACUPUNCTURE!

According to Los Angeles Times / May 14, the new research has been published online Monday by Archives of Internal Medicine.

Researchers in Japan recruited 62 patients with COPD, a progressive disease that makes it hard for patients to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest, according to this primer from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Study volunteers got either real acupuncture or fake acupuncture once a week for 12 weeks. Volunteers didn’t know whether they got the treatment or the placebo. All of the patients continued with their regular medication during the course of the study.

The researchers also found that the volunteers who got real acupuncture had significant improvement exercise capacity as measured by something called the MRC score and a six-minute walk test, among other metrics. In addition, they regained weight they had lost as a result of the disease.

The patients in the real acupuncture group reported some cases of pain at the needle site and subcutaneous hemorrhage (there were no such cases among those who got sham acupuncture). The research team called these “minor reactions” and reported that patients recovered quickly.

Study lead Dr Masao Suzuki, lecturer in respiratory medicine at Kyoto University, said: ‘Our results are comparable with standard care such as rehabilitation or exercise, where the improvement in Borg scale in previous research has been found to be 1.1 to 3.6U.'

What's your experiences?

Shortness of breath during sexual activity is common for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new, small study finds.

Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome--is a common cause of lateral knee pain, particularly among runners, military personnel, and cyclists.It is considered an overuse syndrome that usually is treated successfully with a conservative approach. Biomechanical and training factors play a large role in the development of ITBFS.ITBS symptoms range from a stinging sensation just above the knee joint (on the outside of the knee or along the entire length of the iliotibial band) to swelling or thickening of the tissue at the point where the band moves over the femur. The pain may not occur immediately during activity, but may intensify over time, especially as the foot strikes the ground. Pain might persist after activity. Pain may also be present below the knee, where the ITB actually attaches to the tibia.Typically, if treated soon after the symptoms arise, IT band can resolve with little residual complication. However, if left untreated (which happens more frequently than it should) the condition becomes chronic and not only does the outcome become less favorable but the treatment becomes more complicated and drawn out. Since the IT band works in concert with the ACL for proper knee biomechanics, and blends some of its fibers with lateral meniscus, it can lead to more serious conditions, besides just the biomechanical changes.

Can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture, especially when combined with electrical-stimulation, is a dynamically successful treatment for IT Band Syndrome. This procedure is designed to decrease the local inflammation, increase blood flow to the area to nourish the tissues & heal, to relax the local muscles & tendons, & to decrease the overall pain. There are also wonderful herbal formulas designed to help keep an athlete's tendons more supple & healthy. If treated early, care is less complicated and can resolve quickly. But if the condition progresses, so does the level of complication and duration of care. It is always best to seek care earlier on and get evaluated for early signs of IT band issues.

Acupuncture points: Ashi points

Alternative medicines 'potentially unsafe'---This is title of article from Telegraph.Of course,It is Edzard Ernst, the country's only professor of complementary medicine, Talking about his research which has been published in the Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, looking at reporting of adverse effects in trials of chiropractic treatment. This involves manipulation of the spine to alleviate a range of problems.Professor also mentioned that acupuncture and herbal remedies too often failed to record incidents when patients suffered adverse effects.

Same as any medicine, Acupuncture and herbal medicine also often faces the question – what’s the harm? What is the harm if people try acupuncture treatment that are not by professional hand. There are generally premises to this question. That is that acupuncture is directly harmless.I think this premises is wrong.

Let us review those cases:

1.Korean CHA University report 3 cases of primary inoculation tuberculosis resulting from illegal acupuncture.Three patients over 70 years old presented with erythematous, ulcerative, indurated plaques on the back. Skin lesions had developed at the acupuncture sites 1 or 2 weeks after a session of acupuncture, which was intended to relieve back pain. An unlicensed, non-medically trained person conducted each session.

2,A “healer” in the canton of Bern is under arrest, suspected of having infected as many as 19 patients with HIV. It’s thought that acupuncture needles may have transferred the virus, although only one such case has ever been recorded worldwide.GENEVA – Authorities in Switzerland are investigating whether an acupuncturist intentionally infected at least 15 people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, an official said Thursday.
The case shocked Switzerland when it came to light earlier this week, after Swiss tabloid Blick reported that authorities had kept silent on the allegations since first receiving a complaint five years ago.Investigating magistrate Hermann Fleischhackl said a probe was launched after one alleged victim filed a criminal complaint in early 2005.

3,A 47-year-old left-handed man presented with pain and numbness in his left thumb and index finger after acupuncture treatment on an acupoint in his left wrist. A technique of herbal acupuncture, involving the use of a needle coated with apricot seed extract, was used.The patient was diagnosed as having an isolated injury to the sensory nerve fibers of the median nerve innervating the index finger. This is the first case report of complications from an herbal acupuncture treatment, and it highlights the possibility of focal peripheral nerve injury caused by acupuncture.
Source:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

4,A Russian woman died of pain-induced shock after a self-educated acupuncturist stuck a needle in the wrong spot on her back. The man has been sentenced to 18 months of prison, after which he plans to continue his healing career.

5,There have been some reports of lung and bladder punctures, some broken needles, needles left in after treatment, and some allergic reactions to needles containing substances other than surgical steel. Acupuncture may be harmful to the fetus in early pregnancy since it may stimulate the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and oxytocin, which affect labor. There is always the possibility of infection from unsterilized needles.* Some patients will suffer simply because they avoid a known effective treatment of science-based medicine in favor of an untested or inadequately tested treatment favored by some acupuncturist.* The most any skeptic can hope for is that such patients make an informed choice in a setting where acupuncture is used as a complement, not an alternative, to scientific medicine. At least then the patient might get the best medicine science has to offer if it is needed.( quote from http://skepdic.com/acupuncture.html)

A rare complication of acupuncture in a 37-year-old woman who developed left pneumothorax and pleural fluid collection after acupuncture was performed on the neck and upper back is described. Chest tube drainage resulted in complete lung expansion, and analysis of the milky fluid revealed chyle leakage. Conservative treatment with a diet low in lipids and rich in medium-chain triacylglycerols allowed extubation. Acupuncture-induced thoracic duct injury, although extremely rare, should be considered as a cause of chylothorax.

A 44-year-old woman with aplastic anemia experienced right calf pain after running. After poor results with physical therapy, she received needle acupuncture for pain relief. However, aggravated pain with swelling of the right calf developed 2 days later. Results: On admission, she had a temperature of 38.8°C, a white blood cell count of 500/μL, and hemoglobin of 5.7 g/dL. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans showed swelling of the right calf muscle fascia, and aspiration drew out Staphylococcus infection. The symptoms improved after treatment with parenteral antibiotics.

58-year-old woman presented with quadriparesis and neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed a hyperintense mass in the T2-weighted magnetic resonance image at the C2-T2 level which proved to be an epidural hematoma.Results Symptoms related to the epidural hematoma resolved after decompression.

To systematically review the Chinese-language literature on acupuncture-related adverse events,Zhang J,Etc have done a new research about acupuncture-related adverse events from Chinese databases.

They searched three Chinese databases (the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, 1980-2009; the Chinese Journal Full-Text Database, 1980-2009; and the Weipu Journal Database, 1989-2009) to identify Chinese-language articles about the safety of traditional needle acupuncture.They found that Acupuncture-related adverse events were classified into three categories: traumatic, infectious and "other". The most frequent adverse events were pneumothorax, fainting, subarachnoid haemorrhage and infection, while the most serious ones were cardiovascular injuries, subarachnoid haemorrhage, pneumothorax and recurrent cerebral haemorrhage.Many acupuncture-related adverse events, most of them owing to improper technique

6,Major Side Effect of Acupuncture

Major side effects of acupuncture are linked with the needles you use during the procedure. It may also be dependent upon how the entire procedure is conducted. Here are some of the worst-case scenarios attached to the technique:

Use of unsterile needles. Since the needles used in acupuncture are inserted to the skin, it is necessary that they are properly sanitized to avoid growth of contamination. If you happen to insert unsterile needles into the skin, there is a great possibility that bacteria will enter into your bloodstream. This results to contamination on the perforated area. At the worst, it may lead to severe diseases like hepatitis.

Improper insertion of needles. Organ injury may also arise due to acupuncture but is regarded as a very rare occurrence. If the acupuncture needles are not properly inserted in areas of concern it may pierce your vital organs like your kidney or lungs.

Untrained or unlicensed acupuncturist administering the procedure. If the acupuncturist accidentally pricks a nerve, it may result to nerve injury. Piercing your organs can be very serious. This is the reason for the need of a well-trained and licensed acupuncturist. He should know that the needles must not be deeply placed on the skin.

So,They should not be ignored as a significant source of indirect harm from unprofessional acupuncture practitioners.

The marketing of unprofessional acupuncturists often involves warning potential customers away from professional acupuncture treatment, or at least downplaying the effectiveness of experienced acupuncturist.The internet is unfortunately full of commercialized websites working directly against professional treatment.

Belief in ineffective treatments and mistrust of professional acupuncture treatment may lead to delay in effective treatment and worse outcomes. In addition they create financial harm, which is increasingly important as health care costs rise. Financial harm can be extreme in cases of the desperation caused by serious illnesses. Tens of thousands of pounds are spent.There is further psychological harm from creating false hope. This can also significantly delay the process of psychologically dealing with a serious illness, which further affects important decision making about care.

Take care! Acupuncture isn't risk-free.

There are articles explore how acupuncture treatments can actually be more harmful than no treatment. This may seem surprising at first, after all, So how acupuncture could taking this possibly be harmful? However, many acupuncturists do not give patients all the information, the information is often misleading or wrong, and they also fail to obtain informed consent, which is a basic requirement of ethical medical practice. Another interesting finding is that those receiving a treatment have the belief that it is doing something beneficial, and so are more likely to have increased risky behaviour, because subconsciously they believe that the treatment will be counteracting such actions.

As acupuncturist, We never deny that acupuncture isn't risk-free.For patients ,It's very important to find professional acupuncturist.

Shoulder-hand syndrome: A syndrome characterized by severe burning pain in an extremity accompanied by sudomotor, vasomotor, and trophic changes in bone without an associated specific nerve injury. This condition is most often precipitated by trauma to soft tissue or nerve complexes. The skin over the affected region is usually erythematous and demonstrates hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli and erythema.

To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for shoulder-hand syndrome,Chinese Liaoning University of Chinese Medicine has done a research about this.A total of 100 papers were retrieved,their meta-analysis showed that simple acupuncture therapy is significantly superior to acupoint block therapy for relieving shoulder-hand syndrome; electroacupuncture therapy is markedly more effective than simple acupuncture therapy; and acu-moxibustion combined with other therapies is significantly more effective than simple acupuncture therapy.

Chinese researchers have concluded that Acupuncture can effectively relieve shoulder-hand syndrome in pain, wrist- and shoulder-joint motor, etc. But, larger size of samples and high quality randomized clinical trials are needed for providing more reliable conclusive evidence.
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Reference:Lin H, Ma TM.Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2012 Feb;37(1):77-82.

According to the Korea Customs Services, 35 smuggling attempts of about 17,450 capsules disguised as stamina boosters have been discovered since August.

The Ministry of Health said on Tuesday no capsules filled with powdered human flesh have been found in China.

Zhu Qingwen, a professor from the Chinese University of Chinese Medicine, said there was a good chance that the medicine is made from placenta, which is considered a tonic to help produce sperm and promote the flow of blood in traditional Chinese medicine.

"The ‘flesh of dead babies’ that South Korea claimed to have found is very likely to be placenta, which is human tissue as well," said Zhu,according to China daily

In Chinese Medicine, the placenta is known as a great life force and is highly respected in terms of its medicinal value. However, in this field it is not cook, but rather usually dried. To dry a placenta you would simply dehydrate it in the oven, then using a mortar and pestle grind it up. From there you can mix it with food or ingest it within capsules.

According to Australian media.A DENTIST who claimed he could cure cancer with therapy and herbs deceived potential patients, the Court of Appeal ruled yesterday.He said he was given the title "professor" by a Chinese university.

Justice Nettle said Mr Campbell was found guilty by the Dental Practice Board of professional misconduct over grossly negligent dental treatment and his registration was suspended for three months.

What do you think?

Half of the women who lost weight became pregnant within a year compared with just one in seven of those not on a strict diet, the first randomised trial of its kind has shown,according to Telegraph.

Obesity is a growing issue in many countries. Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) is used for definition. According to world Health Organization (WHO) standard, a BMI of 18.5-24.9 is within a normal range; 25-29.9 is overweight and ≥30 is obese. Obesity has negative effects on many aspects of women's health. Fertility is one of them. Obese women are more likely to experience infertility, they are more likely not to response to fertility treatment and there is high risk of miscarriage and low live birth rates.

Obesity associates with subfertility from the impact on many aspects. Previous studies have shown lower number of oocytes retrieved; poorer egg quality due to impaired oocyte maturation and fertilization; poorer embryo quality. The reasons for these are: obesity is related to alterations in various homones, such as Luteinizing hormone (LH). In addition, obesity increases insulin, glucose, or free fatty acids and changes in adipokines. Obesity is also linked with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Systemic inflammation may contribute to the causes of infertility in obesity.

Obese women respond poorly to ovulation induction resulting in fewer oocytes harvested, they required higher doses of gonadotrophins and took longer to ovulate. They have lower pregnancy rates and increased risk of early pregnancy loss. Obesity is associated with a significant rise in failure in assisted reproduction. Weight loss makes menstrual cycles regular and increases the chance of spontaneous ovulation.

Diet can have a notable impact on reproductive health, a group of new studies suggests.One set of findings: The more carbohydrates or diary a man eats, the poorer the quality of his sperm.
Similarly, two other studies focused on in vitro fertilization (IVF), and found that women who lowered their carb intake while upping their protein consumption stood better chances of becoming pregnant.

As we know,Weight loss increases the chances of becoming pregnant without infertility treatment, and decreases the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.Studies suggest that acupuncture may be of some benefit to people looking to lose weight. In a research review published in 2009, for instance, scientists analyzed 31 studies (with a total of 3,013 participants) and found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction of average body weight and improvement in obesity.Acupuncture works in several ways to help you lose weight. For one, it helps boost metabolism and increase circulation in the body (better blood and oxygen flow keeps the body healthy – yoga is supposed to do that). Next, specific needle placements are thought to lower insulin and lipid levels in the blood. Finally, the application of acupuncture needles helps mobilise the body's energy reserves, which leads to weight loss and lowered cholesterol, Most of the literature on acupuncture for the treatment of obesity is based on uncontrolled trials. Among the few controlled trials with positive results, the effects are modest, and the interpretation of these results is limited by those factors already mentioned, such as short duration, inadequate placebo controls, and nonstandard treatment protocols.

So,Acupuncture cannot currently be recommended as a main strategy for weight loss. If you're looking to lose weight, talk to your doctor .However, you have to know another fact: It is known that being very thin can make it difficult to get pregnant naturally, due to a drop in the female sex hormone oestrogen.But women undergoing IVF are given hormones, so this couldn't be the reason for the results.

References:

Pandey S etc J Hum Reprod Sci (2010)3:62-7.

Scott H. etc J Assist Reprod Genet (2011) 28:517–524

Dr Maggie Ju ( Zak Acupuncture clinic Team )

Dr Maggie Ju have been trained with both Western medicine and Chinese medicine for six years at top medical university in Beijing, China and become a qualified medical doctor 20 years ago. This allows her to apply the knowledge of Western medicine and Chinese medicine to make accurate judgements. Also she have obtained a PhD degree in UK. She is a member of the Association of Traditional Chinese Mdicine and Acupuncture UK (ATCM). She currently perform acupuncture in South West London. What She like about acupuncture is its extensive effectiveness for many conditions and improvement of overall health for people without causing any side effects

Dr Maggie Ju specialize in

1) Gynecological conditions: such as infertility, period pain, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, irregular uterine bleeding, primary ovarian insufficiency, fibroids etc.

2) Pain conditions: lower back pain, chronic pelvic pain, chronic abdominal pain, arthritis,sciatica, headache, knee pain, ankle pain, tennis elbow etc.

3) digestive system diseases, such as heartburn, chronic diarrhea and IBS etc.

4) gereral conditions: such as stress, sleeping problems, fatigue etc

According to Dr. Racowsky, in order for an egg to have the best chance of fertilizing and supporting embryo development, it should be "mature" with one spindle (a critical egg structure) on which is attached one organized set of chromosomes. This study found severely obese women have a much greater chance of having eggs with multiple spindles and disorganized chromosomes. Specifically:

Nearly 60 percent of the eggs from the severely obese group had two spindles, while only 35 percent of the eggs from the normal BMI group had two spindles.
Among the eggs with one spindle, nearly 30 percent of the eggs from the severely obese group had disorganized chromosomes, while only 9 percent of the eggs from the normal BMI group had disorganized chromosomes.

That's Why Severely Obese Women Have Difficulty Getting Pregnant from IVF.

Latest news about weight loss and fertility__

Obese women who want to become mothers are told to lose weight to increase their chances of having a baby.
Now new research suggests slimming down helps not because it boosts ovulation, but simply by increasing a woman's sexual appetite.
A team from Penn State College of Medicine studied how weight-loss surgery affected reproductive function in a group of morbidly obese women.

And Obese teenage boys have up to 50 per cent less testosterone than their leaner pals - increasing their risk of infertility in later life, a study has found.Researchers said the results were a ‘grim message’ for overweight young adults.The study by scientists at the University at Buffalo in the U.S shows for the first time that obese young men aged 14 to 20 have around half the total testosterone than normal weight youths.

There are an estimated 8.5million people with osteoarthritis but by 2030 this will have reached 17million, Patients with osteoarthritis wait an average of nearly three years to be diagnosed and referred for treatment,'according to the report by Arthritis Care.

There is no cure but the pain can be substantially reduced through exercise, weight loss and some complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

Several studies have shown that Acupuncture can help people with arthritis. In one Scandinavian study, 25% of arthritis patients who had been scheduled for knee surgery cancelled their operation after receiving a series of acupuncture treatments.

The US National Institutes of Health study concludes acupuncture is an effective complement to standard care.Acupuncture patients showed a 40% decrease in pain, and a nearly 40% improvement in knee function.Dr George Lewish, who co-led the trial, said: "Our study implies that most of the improvement gained from acupuncture was not due to the needling process itself but due predominantly to the non-specific yet powerful effects which are probably part of the treatment process."

Chinese knew the arthritis and treated it then: in Chinese medicine we call it ‘Bi' syndrome - Bi meaning blockage pain; blockage of QI (energy). As in western medicine, there are different types of ‘Bi' disorders, each treated differently with Acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs. And as always, each person is different and may receive different treatment. Acupuncture points to treat Arthritis are all over your body, not just over the affected area. During treatment, small needles may be inserted along your arms and legs, as well as the affected area. The frequency and number of treatments will vary according to the condition you present.

Figures for the UK, US and Finland show an emerging trend of requests for arthritic 'baby boomers' in their 50s. UK experts believe the nation's growing obesity problem is partly to blame for the rise, putting strain on the knees.a report in Arthritis & Rheumatism says work is urgently needed to check that replacements in this age group is wise given the product's unknown shelf life.The durability of the replacement knee joints has only been assessed in patients in their 60s, 70s and 80s, not in their 50s.

So, don't rush to have replacement,talk to your doctor about acupuncture.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these potential nonsurgical solutions for hip arthritis:

Give your hip time to rest.
Begin a physical therapy program -- which may include swimming, biking or water aerobics -- to improve joint strength, function and range of motion.
Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help ease pain.
Get plenty of sleep every night.
Lose any excess weight.

According to study which was published in the April issue of the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

E.coli bacteria's resistance to ciprofloxacin (Cipro), the most widely prescribed antimicrobial for urinary tract infections in the United States, increased five-fold between 2000 and 2010, according to a new study.

For patients, this will ultimately translate into more expensive and sometimes more complex antimicrobial treatments.

Thinking about acupuncture?

How to treat it?

1. Body acupuncture
Prescription: Zhongji (CV 3), Yinlingquan (SP 9 ), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshn (BL 23) and Pangguangshu (BL 28).
Modification: For severe fever, Hegu (LI 4) and Qu-chi (LI 11) are added; for asthenia of kidney yin, Taixi (KI 3), Yinxi (HT 6) and Fuliu (KI 7) are added; for as-thenia of spleen and kidney yang, Pishu (BL 20) and Zu-sanli (ST 36) are added; for hematuria, Xuehai (SP 10) and Diji (SP 8) are added; for frequent urination in the night, Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) are added.
2. Ear acupuncture
Prescription: Kidney (CO10), Bladder (CO9), Ure-thra (HX3), Ureter (CO9,10i), Spleen (CO13), Triple Energizer (CO17), Sympathetic Nerve (AH6a) and Ear Shenmen (TF4).
Performance. Each time 3 - 5 acupoints are selected and needled with routine procedure. The needles are re-tained for 30 minutes. The needling is done once a day and the two ears are needled in alternation. source: TCMdiscovery

The study, conducted at the Mayo Clinic from 1985 to 2007, appeared online recently in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.

This study suggests that severe weight gain might raise the risk for rheumatoid arthritis -- a painful, chronic ailment -- especially among obese women.

Can Chinese medicine and acupuncture help?

Modern methods were used in studying the mechanism of Chinese medicine in slowing down cartilage degeneration, promoting articular cartilage repair, inhibiting synovial inflammation, and blocking cartilage destruction. inflammation, and blocking cartilage destruction

ScienceDaily (Nov. 2, 2009) — Despite recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapy, many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients continue to suffer from pain. Research published in BioMed Central's open access journal, Arthritis Research & Therapy found that inflammation is associated with heightened pain sensitivity at joint sites, whereas increased sleep problems are associated with heightened pain sensitivity at both joint and non-joint sites.

To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis (RA),Chinese Suzhou municipal Hospital of TCM has done a research about this. In a randomized and controlled trial, sixty-three cases with RA were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a simple acupuncture group.Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected by coordination method combined whole and local acupoints.They were all treated once every other day for 20 days as one course. After 3 courses, changes of interleukins in peripheral blood and joint fluid of patients were observed.Finally, Chinese researchers found electroacupuncture can effectively decrease the proinflammatory cytokine of IL-1 and IL-6 and increase the inhibition cytokine of IL-4 and IL-10 and improve the internal environment of occurrence and progression of RA.

Main acupuncture points: Xue Hai (SP10), Dubi (S 35), Tsusanli (ST 36).

Secondary acupuncture points: Xiyan (ST 35), Heding (Extra 31), Yinlingquan (SP 9), ashi points, Weizhong (B 40), Weiyang (B 39), Sanyinchiao; (SP 6) and so on.

If rheumatoid arthritis is mainly caused by pathogenic wind: Fengmen (B 12), Kanshu (BL18), Leshu (BL17); If rheumatoid arthritis is mainly caused by pathogenic cold: Dazhui (GV 14), Guanyuan (CV 4); If rheumatoid arthritis is mainly caused by pathogenic dampness: Pishu (BL 20), Chungwan (CV 12), Yinlingquan (SP 9); If rheumatoid arthritis is mainly caused by heat transformed by exogenous pathogen: Quchi (LI 11), Hoku (LI 4).

Young patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may feel better after practicing yoga for just six weeks, a new study shows.

But,We have to say that many of the latest trials assessing the benefits of acupuncture in rheumatic diseases found that acupuncture was not better than sham acupuncture, implying that the analgesic effects observed are related to a strong placebo response.
Source:Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2012 Oct 7

Your risk of developing osteoporosis depends on how much bone mass you build between ages 25 and 35 (peak bone mass) and how quickly you lose it as you grow older. The higher your peak bone mass, the more bone you have “in the bank” and the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis during normal aging.

Playing volleyball, basketball or other load-bearing sports, such as football or tennis, for four hours a week or more increases bone mass and could help prevent osteoporosis,according to new study.

Teen girls should receive medical advice about bone health and the lifestyle factors that could affect their risk for fractures or osteoporosis, such as smoking, poor eating habits and too much weight loss, according to newly released guidelines on osteoporosis.

What about acupuncture?

Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomised (OVX) rats; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

However, New Chinese study demonstrates that EA can prevent OVX-induced bone loss and deterioration of bone architecture and strength by stimulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. These findings suggest that EA may bet a promising adjunct method for inhibiting OVX-induced osteoporosis in clinical settings.

The goal of acupuncture is to prevent osteoporosis before it attacks. Specific points can stimulate the growth of bone tissues and replace the tissue loss to prevent the decrease in bone density, according to Advanced Acupuncture.com, a website dedicated to acupuncture education. Acupuncture can also help strengthen muscles to help support body weight, causing less pressure on the bones. Acupuncture also helps patients who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis by easing pain.
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Do you know your wrong idea about this.

Myth #1: Osteoporosis is painful.

Myth #7: Aggressive treatment of osteopenia (sometimes called "pre-osteoporosis") is always necessary.

Almost 20 years after scientists first identified cigarette smoking as a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fractures, a new study is shedding light on exactly how cigarette smoke weakens bones. The report concludes that cigarette smoke makes people produce excessive amounts of two proteins that trigger a natural body process that breaks down bone

Diabetes is increasing among U.S. children at an alarming rate, say researchers who report jumps of more than 20 percent since 2001 for type 2 disease, which is linked to excessive weight and sedentary lifestyles, and type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease.Intensive early treatment of type 2 diabetes slows down progression of the disease by preserving the body's insulin-producing capacity, a UT Southwestern study has shown.

The new findings suggest that losing five BMI units, the equivalent of approx. 16kg for a 180cm tall 35 year old man weighing 130kg (BMI 40), can make a real difference to your health by reducing your likelihood of having type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it suggests that this is true for all patients, as even those who were severely obese showed dramatic improvements.Researchers from Lithuania compared 234 people with type 2 diabetes and 468 people without the disease and found that those who gobble down their food were 2.5 times more likely to have diabetes than those who take their time while eating.

The men who engaged in aerobic exercise for up to 59 minutes weekly reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7 percent. Between 60 and 149 minutes of aerobics reduced risk by 31 percent, and at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise reduced their risk by 52 percent, according to the report.The combination of weight training and aerobic exercise was the most beneficial, the researchers said. Men who did more than 150 minutes of aerobics as well as at least 150 minutes of weight training per week had a 59 percent lower risk for type 2 diabetes.

Can acupuncture help?

Although there is relatively little scientific support for the theory that acupuncture can promote weight loss, some studies suggest that acupuncture may be of some benefit to people looking to lose weight. In a research review published in 2009, for instance, scientists analyzed 31 studies (with a total of 3,013 participants) and found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction of average body weight and improvement in obesity. However, the review's authors caution that many of the reviewed studies were of poor quality.

There is a new review about acupuncture obesity treatment.

31 studies in 3013 patients were included.

And, the results.

2 studies were dropped due to insufficient data.
20 out of 31 studies had the lowest Jadad score — widely used to assess the quality of clinical studies.
Based on what was available…
Acupuncture was better than lifestyle changes.
Acupuncture was better than placebo or sham acupuncture.
Acupuncture was better than conventional medicine.
Only 4 studies reported adverse effects of acupuncture.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded that there's a suggestion that acupuncture is effective treatment for obesity. However, "evidence is not fully convincing because of the poor methodological quality of trials reviewed.”

ScienceDaily (Nov. 7, 2012) — The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is low in countries where consumption of black tea is high, suggests a mathematical analysis of data from 50 countries, published in the online journal BMJ Open.

The new study, published in the May 6 online edition of the journal Nature Medicine, reports that U.S. researchers found that they could make white fat take on the characteristics of brown fat by blocking vitamin A metabolism in white fat.

Brown fat burns energy (preventing obesity), while white fat stores energy (causing weight gain). White fat cells are associated with fat accumulation around organs in the belly, and this so-called "visceral fat" has been linked to an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers are trying to activate brown fat with a drug targeted along the brown fast metabolic pathways. It may also be possible to remove a small amount of a person’s brown fat, amplify it in a test tube, and transplant it back, thus creating your own internal calorie burning furnace.

So,That's new research come out....

And more....Here’s some good news for anyone looking to rev up their metabolism, the fire that burns calories. Scientists announced this week that they’d discovered a way to manipulate lipase, the enzyme that breaks down fat, tripling it’s power.The secret is a molecular “switch” that turns the enzyme on and off. It turns out that enzymes are fairly lazy, and only work a set number of hours during the day. By flipping the on switch, the researchers succeeded in making lipase enzymes work three times harder, upping their fat digestion from 15 percent to 45 percent of the time.(Forbes)

Does acupuncture really help IVF or ICSI?

IVF is a costly treatment option for women, their partners, and the public. Therefore new therapies that improve reproductive and health outcomes are highly desirable. There is a growing body of research evaluating the effect of acupuncture administered during IVF, and specifically on the day of embryo transfer (ET). Many trials are heterogeneous and results inconsistent. There remains insufficient evidence to determine if acupuncture can enhance live birth rates when used as an adjunct to IVF treatment.

To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of the trials of acupuncture during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment on the outcomes of clinical pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, implantation rate, live birth, and miscarriage,Chinese Zhejiang university has done a research about this.

Their search was conducted by using MEDLINE(®), SCISEARCH, the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group trials register, AMED, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Wanfang Database, China Academic Journal Electronic full text Database in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Index to Chinese Periodical Literature, ISI Proceedings for conference abstracts, and ISRCTN Register and Meta-register for randomized controlled trials.

They have found that--- No significant benefits of acupuncture are found to improve the outcomes of IVF or ICSI.

The data from this meta‐analysis suggests that acupuncture does increase the live birth rate with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment when performed around the time of embryo transfer. However, this could be attributed to placebo effect and the small number of trials included in the review. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the results. Acupuncture may have potential harmful effects in early pregnancy and hence clinicians should be cautious when giving advice regarding the use of acupuncture in early pregnancy.
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Reference:Qu F, Zhou J, Ren RX.J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Apr 27.

Acupuncture has been extremely effective in treating all types of paralysis ranging from that incurred after a stroke or accident to paralysis from birth. Similarly, acupuncture can also treat patients whose movements are inhibited due to damage in the central nervous system; as in the case of those with cerebral palsy. Treatments help unblock blood vessels by deceasing clotting and inflammation. By rebalancing the body, acupuncture helps stimulate proper blood flow throughout the body and helps counter the effects of paralysis. Treatments would typically occur about three times a week for four weeks or longer. Cerebral palsy usually requires three treatments a week for an extended time period.

To compare the outcomes of conventional therapies (physical, occupational, and hydrotherapies) plus acupuncture with those without acupuncture when administered intensely in the management of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP),SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences Center has done research about this.

They have found that Intense early administered rehabilitation improves function in children with spastic CP. The contribution from acupuncture was unclear. Children's response varied widely, suggesting the importance of defining clinical profiles that identify which children might benefit most. Further research should explore how this approach might apply in the U.S.
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Reference:uncan B, Shen K, Zou LP, Han TL, Lu ZL, Zheng H, Walsh M, Venker C, Su Y, Schnyer R, Caspi O.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 May;93(5):808-15.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by a variety of medical problems.

The Mandibular Decompression Appliance or Decompression Splint (DCS) is used for patients presenting with pain, TMJ dysfuntion and can be valuable diagnostically. 

To evaluate the results of applying acupuncture or occlusal decompression splints in the treatment of patients diagnosed with the temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome,Spanish researcher has done a new research about this.They conducted a randomized clinical trial including 20 patients to whom the mentioned treatments were applied. Results were evaluated through an analogue pain scale, measurements of mouth opening and jaw lateral deviation in millimetres, and assessment of sensitivity to pressure on different points: preauricular, masseter muscle, temporal muscle and trapezius. Parameters were evaluated before and 30 days after the treatment. For standardized pressure, we used a pressure algometer.

Their conclusion is Acupuncture was an effective complement and/or an acceptable alternative to decompression splints in the treatment of myofascial pain and temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction syndrome.
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Reference:Vicente-Barrero M, Si-Lei YL, Bingxin Z, Bocanegra-Pérez S, Durán-Moreno D, López-Márquez A, Knezevic M, Castellano-Navarro JM, Limiñana-Cañal JM.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2012 May 1.

The findings, reported in the American Journal of Medicine, come from a review of 14 previous clinical trials.

Six of those studies tested acupuncture against a "sham" version of the procedure (in which, for example, needles were placed in non-acupuncture points on the skin).Overall, smokers who got real acupuncture were more than three times as likely to be tobacco-free six months to a year later.

Most medical professionals do not believe that acupuncture is a successful smoking cessation method but many people have been able to quit smoking using acupuncture after just 1 or 2 sessions. Ex-smokers who have quit using acupuncture say that they notice a reduction in nicotine withdrawal symptoms very early in the treatment.There are still "definitely questions," about how many sessions of acupuncture or hypnosis might be necessary, or which specific techniques (needle or laser acupuncture, for example) are best.

The Cochrane Collaboration does not think that acupuncture is effective in helping people stop smoking. In fact, from the few studies made, it seems that it does not have much effect at all and that people react the same whether they receive acupuncture treatment or not. While some short-term benefits were seen,these were not sufficient to prove the success of acupuncture treatments.

Even with acupuncture therapies, kicking the smoking habit is often an uphill battle.

The singer , Chris martin said he had suffered from the condition, which can leave people with a buzzing or ringing in their ears, for about 10 years and had now started protecting his ears.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound. Tinnitus is not a disease, but a condition that can result from a wide range of underlying causes.

Researchers from the University Of Leicester have identified a key cellular mechanism that could underlie the development of ringing in the ears following exposure to loud noises.
The discovery could lead to novel tinnitus treatments, and investigations into potential drugs to prevent tinnitus are underway.

Can acupuncture help?

In Chinese medicine, there are a number of patterns of disharmony that can result in tinnitus. The most common is a deficiency of your Kidney system. This does not mean you have Kidney disease—your Chinese Kidney is a little bit like the foundation to your health. Your Kidney is the source of your vital substances, including the nourishing coolant of Yin and the pilot light of Yang, as well as Essence. Kidney Essence is a little like your genetics, body constitution, and mojo, all rolled into one. When your Kidney gets depleted, a common symptom is ringing in your ears.While most Chinese medical practitioners think of Kidney depletion first, tinnitus can be caused by other patterns. If the noise in your ears sounds like loud claps or ocean waves, gets worse when you're angry or frustrated, and you're having signs of heat (feeling hot, thirsty, restless, irritability, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth), then your tinnitus might be from heat in the Liver and Gall Bladder organ systems.Another pattern that might produce tinnitus is a combination of phlegm and heat. This is associated with signs of heat (see above) plus an overabundance of phlegm in your sinuses or chest, dizzy spells, and a feeling of heaviness, especially in your head. Similarly, a common cold, called Wind Heat in Chinese medicine, can cause tinnitus if your ears become congested.The condition of tinnitus is believed to stem from an imbalance in the two energy systems of the body. Called the yin and the yang energy systems. For some sufferers the therapy could consist of the use of acupuncture and nourishing herbs to help heal the body. For others whose tinnitus has manifested from drug side effects or loud noise exposure the treatment may be different. Tinnitus acupuncture treatment can consist of not only acupuncture but dietary modifications, herbal concoctions and lifestyle changes. Because of the roots of acupuncture in TCM the goal is to not only provide relief from the symptoms but also fix the root cause of the energy imbalance. This is sometimes referred to as a health care approach.

What's your experience?

Some of the treatments that are used for tinnitus, but have not been proven to help, include:

Tinnitus “maskers” generating broadband or “white” noise: These are worn like hearing aids and they make a sound (usually quiet hissing) that is meant to cover up the tinnitus.

Acupuncture: A treatment developed in traditional Chinese medicine where needles are inserted into the skin at certain points to try to affect the flow of energy in the body. Trials of acupuncture for tinnitus have produced conflicting results.

Hypnosis: This involves getting people into a deep state of relaxation where they are at a different level of consciousness. The therapist then uses suggestions to try to change how the person perceives their tinnitus.

Relaxation techniques and yoga.

Electromagnetic stimulation or ear magnets: These are either small electrical devices that send an electromagnetic pulse through the bones near the ear, or more simple magnets.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A pressurized chamber where pure oxygen is breathed. The aim is to increase the flow of oxygen to the ears and brain. Sometimes this is tried when a person has hearing loss as well as tinnitus.

If you have chronic tinnitus, the main option that could help you is to learn techniques to manage the distress that tinnitus causes. It is also important for all of us, whether we have tinnitus or not, to protect ourselves from very loud noise. This lowers the risk of developing permanent tinnitus.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says possible causes of tinnitus include:

Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noise.
Having an sinus or ear infection.
Having a cardiovascular problem.
Having Menieré's disease.
Having an abnormality of the thyroid gland.
In women, having had recent hormonal changes.

According to new research ,Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found low testosterone levels are linked to a resistance to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels.Researchers said the findings could help explain why older men are more at risk of developing diabetes because testosterone levels fall in men as they age.Older obese men with low levels of testosterone can lose weight when levels of the male hormone are restored to normal, a new study suggests.

Can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep and menstrual problems. Treatments take all symptoms into account and are aimed at balancing the energy in your body, optimizing your health, restoring immune function and balancing the production and release of hormones through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises.Your acupuncture treatment will focus on balancing the systems of the body that are unbalanced by exerting a strong homeostatic effect utilizing the nervous and hormonal systems. You will likely be treated for imbalances in the Kidney and Liver systems in order sedate your nervous system and balance endocrine function.the Kidney system is what in charge of the adrenals, sex hormones, vitality, bone development ..  As far as low testosterone and other symptoms are concerned they can be the same in both cases but in one it is from the body drawing from its resources too much and from the other it has either already tapped them or there is something more functional happening causing lack of production.acupuncture Treatment then will vary depending on the overall diagnosis each person and mixed syndromes are somewhat common requiring consultation with a qualified practitioner.

Chinese Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has done a research about acupuncture enhance endocrine system.Their total of 65 women with climacteric syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups, thirty-three in the treatment group on whom acupoint catgut-embedding was performed with Shenshu (BL23), Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Guanyuan (CV4) as main acupoints, and thirty-two in the control group who were only medicated with Fufuchun Capsule ,The treatment course for both groups was 3 months. Before and after Before and after treatment, the clinical symptoms, the QOL score, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E(2)), testosterone (T), osteocalcin (BGP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were measured.They found Acupoint catgut-embedding showed an obvious effect on climacteric syndrome, and enhanced the QOL in postmenopausal women. The therapy could regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis to raise the serum E(2) level which may be significant in preventing and curing the osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.[1]

Reference:Chen GZ, Xu YX, Zhang JW, Liu SH, Guo ZY.Chin J Integr Med. 2010 Dec;16(6):498-503. Epub 2010 Nov 26

ScienceDaily (June 23, 2012) — In testosterone-deficient men, major weight loss was an added benefit of testosterone replacement therapy for most of the patients who participated in a new study.The results will be presented June 23 at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston.

A new study finds that a drop in testosterone levels over time is more likely to result from a man's behavioral and health changes than by aging. The study results will be presented June 25 at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston.

ScienceDaily (Sep. 20, 2012) — Scientists have been trying to explain the causes of diabetes for many years. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Novo Nordisk A/S have now shown that the increased activity of one particular iron-transport protein destroys insulin-producing beta cells. In addition, the new research shows that mice without this iron transporter are protected against developing diabetes.These results have just been published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

According to Yahoo health,older women who lost at least 5 percent of their body weight through diet alone or diet plus exercise showed significant reductions in key inflammatory blood markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.
In addition to risk for heart disease, elevated levels of these markers have also been associated with increased risk for several cancers, including breast, colon, lung and endometrial cancer.

Can acupuncture help weight loss?

Although there is relatively little scientific support for the theory that acupuncture can promote weight loss, some studiessuggest that acupuncture may be of some benefit to people looking to lose weight. In a research review published in 2009, for instance, scientists analyzed 31 studies (with a total of 3,013 participants) and found that acupuncture wasassociated with a significant reduction of average body weight and improvement in obesity. However, the review's authorscaution that many of the reviewed studies were of poor quality. There is a new review about acupuncture obesity treatment. 31 studies in 3013 patients were included.
And, the results.
2 studies were dropped due to insufficient data.
20 out of 31 studies had the lowest Jadad score — widely used to assess the quality of clinical studies.
Based on what was available…
Acupuncture was better than lifestyle changes. Acupuncture was better than placebo or sham acupuncture.
Acupuncture was better than conventional medicine.
Only 4 studies reported adverse effects of acupuncture.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded that there's a suggestion that acupuncture is effective treatment for obesity. However, "evidence
is not fully convincing because of the poor methodological quality of trials reviewed.”

What's your experiences?

It's interesting story from Dailymail.

A mother who spent £40,000 on IVF over eight years in order to have a son was thrilled to conceive another child a year later, without trying.Mother tragically lost a child to meningitis before she was told her fallopian tubes had fused together.

Can acupuncture help with Fallopian tube blocked ?

Yes. Very much so.

The common reason for the fallopian tube blockage is a pelvic infection which may produce minor symptoms or no
symptoms at all. However, if the infection was left untreated it can cause scarring, adhesions and complete obstruction of one or both tubes. In cases of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), opportunistic bacteria coming from the uterus can
spread to the fallopian tubes since they are the structures closest to the uterus. If a woman is experiencing acute
infection, antibiotic therapy is indicated in order to prevent damage to the fallopian tubes. However, if a woman already
has obstruction and damage of the fallopian tubes, a surgery that can repair the damage may be indicated.Endometriosis can be another possible cause for fallopian tube obstruction.It’s also possible that fallopian tubes are blocked only someof the time.

.Using acupuncture prior to an IVF treatment is a wise decision since it can help decrease side effects of drugs, decrease stress levels and remove any stagnant blood and energy in order to ensure successful implantation.
(source:natural health and fertility blog)

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine аrе very effective bесаυѕе thеу bring back thе hormonal balance οf thе body
іn thе natural way. Thеу promote ovulation bу cleansing, balancing аnd strengthening thе organs associated wіth
human reproduction. Aѕ wе аll know thаt medicines аnd surgery hаνе thеіr side effects, ѕο tο avoid those researchers hаνе bееn looking fοr acupuncture аnd working οn Chiense medicine whісh аrе cost effective. Of course,Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted ?

One difficulty with PID, even after an infection has been eliminated, is that it may cause scarring of the fallopian tubes. Surgery and Chinese herbal medicine are two methods by which this condition may be resolved. If untreated, it may lead to ectopic pregnancies. The Healthcare Medicine Institute features an extensive series of educational courses on the detection and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease for acupuncture CEU credit online. Take a look at the following video to view an excerpt from one of the institute’s live webinars.

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Professor Ye Zhang is one of the foremost knowledgeable teachers and experienced practitioners of TCM. She is originally from Shanghai University of TCM, and has been practiting Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the UK and lectureing of TCM at the University of Westminster, Middlesex University, University of East London and Acupuncture College in Ireland since 1997. She has published 4 books and many articles on TCM, one of her books is on Psychosomatic Medicine of TCM.

This lecture will present an authentic perception of TCM on mind and emotional disorders from physiological mental activity and pathological change to clinical diagnostic skill and treatment principles, especially in depth exploration of the acupuncture treatment and TCM Psychotherapy, it will also introduce very basical commonly used herbal medicine. The lecture will be based on case studies to go through with all the common conditions of mind and emotional disorders. There will be a continuous discussion of "scope of practise" throughout the lecture, it?s valuable for expending your knowledge and utilising in your daily practise. It?s suitable for a wide range of practitioners from the newly qualified or students to the experienced.

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