Beat Fall Allergies with Acupuncture

As the holiday season begins to speed along, one thing that can slow you down from decking those halls and shopping ‘til you drop is the sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes and cough that plagues all too many people during allergy season. (And yes, it’s still allergy season.)

If the drastic change in weather hasn’t had you feeling it, your fall and early winter allergies just might. Don’t worry, though — acupuncture is here to help!

Utilizing traditional Chinese acupuncture methods as opposed to pharmaceuticals is a helpful, restorative and more natural way to have you feeling much better in no time — though it’s not the first reaction many of us have when we start combatting the sneezing season. Before grabbing for the Zyrtec or Claritin, consider acupuncture. But how will it help, exactly?

First, it’s important to better understand exactly what allergies are. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture explains, “Western medicine views seasonal allergies as a form of immediate hypersensitivity reaction which occurs when anti-bodies produced by lymphocytes interact with airborne particles such as pollen,” and this typically results in inflammation — which acupuncture is known to help remedy.

By restoring the flow of Qi, it an . also help to alleviate congestion and any associated sinus pain and pressure, too.

But is it effective? Nearly all patients will say they have shown some improvement — and scientific evidence is beginning to support the notion, too. In fact, Healthline reports, “In a review of published trials, researchers concluded that there is some evidence to support the claim that acupuncture is beneficial and cost-effective as an additional treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis.”

So if you’re sneezing, itching and watery eyes and overall feelings of discomfort are bothering you, head on in for a session today. You have nothing to lose - except your sniffles!

Feeling Anxious Before an Operation? Acupuncture Can Help.

Facing an upcoming operation or procedure can be anxiety-inducing. With so many questions, uncertainties and concerns, it’s common to be feeling scared, nervous or anxious. It’s also quite normal to feel stressed out or worried about what your recovery will be like.

How will you feel? Will there be pain? What will your limitations be?

While we, unfortunately, can’t be there to hold your hand, you may be surprised to know that acupuncture can help you to relax and recharge both before and after an operation.

Here’s how.

According to a study published by Cision entitled Acupuncture and Surgery: Relieve Anxiety Before and Reduce Discomfort After, Dr. Constance Chen (a plastic surgeon and breast specialist) explains, “Acupuncture can effectively reprogram the body to switch from the 'fight-or-flight' stress response to rest and relaxation.”

She adds, “The precise mechanism that causes this effect isn't known but it may be due to acupuncture increasing the body's production of endorphins, the natural hormones that counteract inflammation, pain, and stress.”

The study further explains that in some studies, “ perioperative acupuncture has been found to reduce stress and anxiety before surgery, reduce the need for opioids during surgery, and decrease both pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Perhaps even more interesting?

According to the article, acupuncture performed DURING surgery, “in combination with conventional anesthesia can reduce the dose of opioids needed and provide a more comfortable post-operative experience than anesthesia alone.” And then after surgery, “Acupuncture can help alleviate pain and reduce the amount of medication needed to control it. Post-operative acupuncture may also promote the recovery of the immune system, bladder function, and the gastrointestinal tract.”

This is just even more evidence of the incredible healing powers of acupuncture. If you’re facing an upcoming surgery and would like pre or post-operative acupuncture, call our office or click here to book an appointment today!

Boost Your Immunity with Acupuncture

You’ve no doubt heard: it seems to be a matter of when, not if, COVID-19—better known at the Coronavirus—will spread here in the United States. The breakout of the viral infection began in Wuhan, China, and has spread across the world, increasing in numbers particularly in Italy and Iran. But with the virus’s gestation period and the difficulty of properly testing and quarantining those who may have been exposed, the virus is expected to make its way around the world, and spread from there…to our shores too.

First a few important things. For now, people should practice proper hygiene, and if they think they may be sick at all—especially with any flu-like symptoms—should see a doctor immediately. Anyone who is feeling ill should not come in for acupuncture services.  

Secondly, acupuncture will not cure or prevent the Coronavirus.

However, having a properly functioning immune system can only help in case of any viral infection. And if the virus does indeed spread, many people will be scrambling to try and do everything they can to boost their immune systems. At that point, however, it may be too late.

This is one of the reasons why, as we’ve described before, it’s smart to make acupuncture a consistent part of your wellness routine. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s energy, or qi, increasing bloodflow which helps the body’s general immune system health, and ability to ultimately fight infections. Acupuncture also helps strengthen the body’s most important organs, like the liver and kidneys, which must be functioning properly in order for our immune systems to be at their best.

Having regular acupuncture sessions built into your wellness routine will help your immune system operate at its peak. This cold and flu season may almost be over, but as we know from the news, unexpected things happen all the time. It’s best to be prepared, and to keep your body prepared. Acupuncture is one of the best ways to do so. 

Acupuncture for the Aging

One of the inevitable, often dreaded but yet beautiful aspects of life is the physical process aging and the gift of getting older.

Though it means we’ve been blessed with the gift of longevity, there are some inevitable aches, pains, physical changes and other maladies that can come along with it, too.

Luckily, acupuncture can help.

We’ve already outlined how acupuncture for anti-aging beauty can be powerful here.  Considered an all-natural facelift of sorts, it can take the place harsh chemicals and restore your skin to a more youthful state. But what else can it do for the aging? 

Acupuncture can actually help with most complaints from seniors, including sleep issues, muscle pain and tension, arthritis, energy, mobility and mood.

Explained in this article on Chinese Medicine Living, as we age we see a gradual decline in our “Jing” which is considered to be the vital energy, or life source we all embody. It is believed that we are only born with a finite amount, and lifestyle can impact how and when it is used, and whether it’s used “wisely.”  Acupuncture treatment can help to reduce the loss of Jing which can cause symptoms of premature aging, thus potentially improving your vital energy.

Additionally, acupuncture is considered extremely safe in the aging.  Many senior citizens may find themselves taking various medications to treat medical conditions that have arisen through the years — but unlike other conventional or pharmaceutical interventions, you don’t have to worry about any potential interactions when it comes to acu.

Unfortunately, many seniors are often finding themselves alone, with feelings of loneliness or isolation. So, an acupuncture regimen with a friendly practitioner can also help to provide a bit of the social and emotional connection they have been longing for.

If you are or happen to know a senior who might benefit from acupuncture to help improve their daily life — call to schedule an appointment today!

Carpal Tunnel and Acupuncture

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common conditions affecting adults. Over 8 million people are affected by Carpal Tunnel every year. It’s caused by the squeezing or pressing of the median nerve which runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand. When this happens, one can feel numbness, pain, and tingling in the palm of the hand and the fingers, particularly the thumb, index and middle fingers.

One thing that unites us is that we are constantly using our hands. No matter what line of work you’re in or what you do in your spare time, not having full use of your hands and wrists can be devastating. It’s something we take for granted.

While Carpal Tunnel is treated by medication and sometimes surgery, an article last year from Time got us excited about the effective way acupuncture can treat Carpal Tunnel. Massachusetts General Hospital conducted a study of 80 people who suffer from the condition and split them into 3 groups. Two of the groups received acupuncture while one was a placebo group. One of the acupuncture groups received acupuncture on the wrist and the other in points on the opposite ankle.

The results of the study were clear, the groups that received acupuncture saw an a lasting improvement in nerve condition. In a follow up session three months after the experiment, those who received acupuncture reported continued improvement—less pain, more feeling, and indeed a better life!

It’s no surprise to us that acupuncture is effective for treating Carpal Tunnel. The disorder is often associated with changes in the somatosensory cortex which is the part of the brain that is responsible for our sense of touch. Acupuncture, unlike medications, is able to treat root causes by focusing on the energy in our bodies and our brains.

More Evidence Points to Acupuncture Helping Menstrual Cramps

If you’re a woman, you know the feeling. That time of month rolls around, and the cramps start to flare up. Unfortunately, cramps are never convenient, and our lives don’t stop for them. Work, errands, and family still need to be taken care of, causing many women to deal with pain from menstrual cramps by taking pain medication.

Whether your menstrual cramps are minor or severe, they can take a toll on a woman’s quality of life. Acupuncture is thankfully there as a remedy, and now more evidence is pointing to acu’s viability as a long-term solution for menstrual cramps, not just a temporary fix. One of the reasons acupuncture works as a long-term solution to menstrual cramps is because of its ability to treat the root source of the problem, not just the symptoms, and its versatility in treating other side effects that severe menstrual pain can contribute to.

 “After having my menstrual cycle for twelve years, and feeling like it was an enemy and not a beautiful time for my body, I was really up for trying anything,” Kenslee, a 25 year old told Bustle.com. “My menstrual pain and fatigue decreased immensely, and it also helped with my hormonal acne. I began sleeping better, and my mood swings around my cycle became less severe.”

"[Acupuncture] promotes optimal blood flow to and through the reproductive organs, reduces chronic inflammation, improves hormone balance, and reduces stress,” Merritt Jones, an acupuncturist and founder of Natural Harmony Reproductive Health and Jones Family Acupuncture told Bustle.

Over the past few years, numerous studies have been done that show acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating menstrual cramps and other issues in the reproductive system. Hopefully more and more women come to experience acupuncture as the safe, natural, reliable, and long-lasting treatment option for pain from menstrual cramps that it is.

Beat Spring Allergies by Getting Acupuncture Now

Who doesn't love spring? The weather is warmer, the colors pop, birds are chirping and days are longer.

But with that, especially for allergy sufferers, comes an increase in pollen and other allergies causing sneezing, sniffling, itchy eyes, headaches, and an overall sense of feeling not-so-great. Right? 

If you're tired of the same allergy-fighting routine and are looking for a more holistic approach, be sure to give acupuncture a try. As CNN reports, acupuncture treatment just might be an antidote for allergies. 

The article cites a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, where researchers examined 422 people who tested positive for pollen allergies and had allergic nasal symptoms such as a runny nose. They were then divided into three subgroups, one which  received 12 acupuncture treatments and took antihistamines as needed, a second group which received 12 fake acupuncture treatments  and took antihistamines as needed, while the third who only took antihistamines for symptoms.

After two months, patients were asked to report their symptoms as well as how much medication they used. The results? The participants who received the real acupuncture treatments with their antihistamines showed a greater improvement in their allergy symptoms and less use of antihistamines compared to the other groups.

It's long been known that acupuncture can help with pain and inflammation, which are two symptoms of allergies. The ancient procedure can also help repair the flow of qi throughout the body,  along the meridian pathways. In session, be sure describe the symptoms to your practitioner so they can strategically place the acuneedles at targeted points. 

If you find yourself suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms, come on in and give treatment a try. You have nothing to lose (except your stuffy nose, that is!)