Have You Ever Heard of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is quite a long name for a condition. And while you may think you haven’t heard of it before, chances are you actually have.

Also known as Bechterew's disease, it’s essentially a form of arthritis of the spine. And it was just discovered that acupuncture can not only help, but is actually more effective than prescription medication, too.

Those with Ankylosing Spondylitis causes inflammation of the spinal joints, AKA vertebrae, and can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.ms Symptoms typically begin onset in early adulthood and can quickly lead to immobility and postural issues, eventually leading to a hunched over position.

HealthCMi just reported that according to their research, the combination of acupuncture and herbs actually outperforms the commonly prescribed Sulfasalazine (a prescription anti-rheumatic medication) in alleviating symptoms of those with ankylosing spondylitis.

Some patients in the study received the prescription drug while others received acupuncture and herbs over 60 consecutive days.

The acupoints used for the acupuncture group included the following:

• GV6 (Jizhong)

• Extra points (Huatuojiaji)

• BL23 (Shenshu)

• GV2 (Yaoshu)

• GB34 (Yanglingquan)

• Extra points (Ashi)

• GB33 (Yangguan)

• GV14 (Dazhui)

• GV9 (Zhiyang)

• GV8 (Jinsuo)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the group receiving herbal medicine plus acupuncture achieved the highest positive patient outcome rate of 52.8%, with only a 2.8% adverse effect rate. The drug therapy group had an adverse effect rate of 38.7%. I

Therefore, the researchers concluded, “laboratory and clinical data indicates that acupuncture plus herbal medicine is more effective for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis than sulfasalazine. Acupuncture plus herbs improves symptoms and disease related biomarkers. Given the results of this investigation, additional research is warranted.”

Bubba's Arthritis Helped by Acupuncture

Sure, we know acupuncture helps humans with all sorts of ailments, including the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. But did you know it works on animals, too?

It does. Especially in Bubba’s case.

The 25-year old Komodo Dragon who calls the San Antonio Zoo home was suffering from arthritis that left him with mobility issues along his lower extremities, so the veterinary staff decided to help via acupuncture treatments.

Lasting about 20 minutes each session, Dr. Rob Coke, head veterinarian and adviser for the Komodo dragon Species Survival Plan, provides the treatment, with assistance from other staff. Bubba also receives medications and B-12 shots, too.

You can learn more about Bubba’s journey and treatments here!

📹Did a 9am live shot @SanAntonioZoo with Bubba, the 25-year-old Komodo Dragon, as he received acupuncture treatment today to help with his arthritis. This was a really cool experience...thanks to the staff, veterinarians for allowing us inside exhibit...@MananaZoo #KSATnews pic.twitter.com/tgYeeDG7mJ

— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) September 6, 2019

Acupuncture for Alcoholism? It Works for Rats!

Adding to the long list of ailments and disorders acupuncture helps to treat? Alcoholism.

Well, at least in rats it does — which is at the very least, a bit promising for humans, too.

A recent article in Gizmodo reports, that in both the United States and Korea, researchers forced rats to be addicted to alcohol and then tried to help with their withdrawal symptoms by utilizing traditional acupuncture. The result? A success.

While this doesn’t mean acupuncture can cure alcoholism in humans, even knowing it helped with withdrawal is positive.

Published this past Wednesday in Science Advances, a control group of rats were not addicted to alcohol while the experimental group were trained to use a lever that fed them water mixed with alcohol. In 16 days, they were hooked. On Day 17, they were not given alcohol for two hours and began to experience typical withdrawal symptoms including tremors and anxiety.

Acupuncture treatment was given at the Shen Men or Heart 7 point, located on the wrist.

The authors of the study, “found that the alcohol-dependent rats given acupuncture at HT7 were less likely to experience withdrawal symptoms than those not given it; they also fed themselves less alcohol when they later had the opportunity to do so.”

Furthermore, based on research conducted separately form this experiment, the same researchers also theorized that, “HT7 could treat alcohol dependence by affecting neurons in the brain that produce beta endorphins, a natural opioid and “feel-good” chemical. Beta endorphins likely play an important role in alcohol dependence.”

Interestingly, the rats who received acupuncture at the HT7 point, “seemed to have their levels of beta endorphins rebound during withdrawal, specifically because of neurons activated in the hypothalamus, a region linked to alcohol dependence. “

The conclusion?

“These results suggest that acupuncture may provide a novel, potential treatment strategy for alcohol use disorder by direct activation of the brain pathway,” the authors wrote.

While there is a lot more work and research to be done, this is a promising finding and we hope research continues to be supported to find out how else acupuncture can help.

One of the Best Treatments for Knee Pain? You Guessed It — Acupuncture.

Knee pain plagues millions of Americans, and it can seriously effect mobility and quality of life.

Regardless of the cause — arthritis, aging, or injury — acupuncture, especially when paired with chiropractic care, can truly help relieve pain and increase mobility.

Those with chronic, debilitating knee pain may struggle with aspects of daily life, and be prescribed pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medications to help. Though, the Journal-Advocate explains, “when the medication wears off, the individual’s only option is to take another pill — and another, and another.”

But instead of traditional pharmaceuticals, acupuncture and chiropractic care can help and can serve as a holistic option to heal.

The Journal-Advocate says, “a chiropractic acupuncturist is an excellent choice for those suffering from chronic, debilitating, degenerative knee pain. The type of care you’ll receive will go beyond hoping something works to relieve your pain. They will consider your whole body and how it is functioning — not just your knee.”

In fact, acupuncture and chiropractic care will also target hybrid issues that often occur in conjunction with knee issues including back or hip issues, and even emotional health disorders that may arise from being in a state of constant pain.

“When each area of the body that is failing to function properly is addressed, the patient can begin to heal and experience real relief from pain,” the article explains.

With acupuncture combined with chiropractic treatment, “mobility can be maximized. The ability to function normally in everyday life can be dramatically improved.”

Here at NJ Acupuncture Center, we are happy to help.

Acupuncture is Successful in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

In yet another example of how acupuncture can be even more effective than traditional pharmaceuticals, a recent study carried out by Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital concluded just that.

In the trial, as reported by HealthCMi, patients were randomly selected and placed in either the acupuncture or control group. Sixteen males and 18 females participated and the severity of their arthritis was assessed using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28) and medical imaging, physical examination, pain scores, questionnaires and inflammatory markers were all considered and recorded.

Patients were were also required to be between 40–70 years old and have had a diagnosis for at least 5 months through 80 months with a DAS-28 score below 2.6.

The patients in the acupuncture group received treatment at the following primary points:

• Hegu (LI4)

• Zusanli (ST36)

• Sanyinjiao (SP6)

• Guanyuan (CV4)

• Qihai (CV6)

The results?

Overall, there were, “12 recovered patients, , 13 markedly effective, 6 effective, and 3 ineffective cases in the acupuncture group, giving a total effective rate of 31/34 (91.2%). There were 8 recovered, 7 markedly effective, 11 effective, and 8 ineffective cases in the control group, giving a total effective rate of 26/34 (76.5%).”

It’s important to note that at the 3-month follow-up, “there were 9 recovered, 14 markedly effective, 7 effective, and 4 ineffective cases in the acupuncture group with a total effective rate of 30/34 (88.3%). There were 5 recovered, 8 markedly effective, 11 effective, and 10 ineffective cases in the control group with a total effective rate of 30/34 24/34 (70.6%).

Therefore, the results of this study clearly illustrate that acupuncture was effective not only at relieving pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis, but also in relieving pain and biomarkers as well. It was, “more effective than conventional, pharmacological treatment.”

Side Effects of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an extremely minimally invasive treatment with little side effects.

However, The Times of India reports there are five relatively common “side effects” of the treatment that you may want to be prepared for. Though it’s important to note that none are severe, they don’t happen to all, and they are all signs the treatment is working.

Fatigue

Your acupuncture session can be relaxing and comforting, so don’t be surprised if you feel a bit sleepy after your session.

Soreness

Most often this happens at the most sensitive areas of the body like your hands, feet, certain areas of the abdomen or the ears, and it’s totally normal. It can last for a few days, and heat may help soothe the slight soreness you may feel.

Bruising

Slight bruising at the site of acuneedle insertion is fairly common and is not a cause for alarm. “This happens due to the collection of blood at the site where the needle punctures the skin,” says The Times of India.

Lightheadedness

This isn’t common, but some people may feel a bit dizzy after treatment. Often this is because treatment requires laying still, and patients may simply get up too quickly instead of relaxing and taking it slow. It’s also important to eat something light and healthy before treatment to prevent low blood sugar, etc.

Feeling Emotional

Acupuncture can sometimes cause a release of emotions, which is a great thing! Sometimes you may feel teary eyed as pent up energy is released and you’re cleansed of anything you may have been holding on to or repressing.

The 4 Proven Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture works. We know it, we believe it, and we practice it every day.

But it’s always great when others recognize the proven benefits of the practice, which is exactly what Real Simple did this week.

Explaining the history of our beloved treatment, Real Simple outlined four proven benefits acupuncture can have on your health and wellness, and they are also among the most common ailments we treat.

Anxiety and Stress

Feeling stressed out or anxious? Acupuncture can help.

The article quotes Shari Auth, a holistic health practitioner in New York as saying, “Acupuncture lowers cortisol levels, ‘your stress hormone,’ and increases your serotonin and dopamine levels, your ‘happy hormones,’ to treat stress, anxiety and depression.”

It also works to balance your nervous system resulting in an overall sense of calm and wellbeing.

Chronic Pain

Pain is more often than not caused by inflammation, which acupuncture can help treat. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory (think Ibuprofen, but not a medication) and can help with swelling and pain, too.

Even the NIH (The National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health) says that acu, “appears to be a reasonable option for people with chronic pain to consider.”

Women’s Health

Whether it’s irregular cycles, painful periods or fertility issues, acupuncture can help restore blood flow by balancing qi while also reducing inflammation and pain. It can also help to balance hormones and restore a more cyclical cycle to the female body.

Mental Clarity

When you’re stressed, tired or distracted, it can seem impossible to focus. Luckily, acupuncture can help with that as well. Auth says, “Acupuncture is a natural nootropic—it enhances cognition to give you greater focus.”

A recent analysis even showed that acupuncture can even more effectively treat Alzheimers than more traditional, Western approaches.

Dry Mouth or Eyes? It Could Be Sjögren's Syndrome, And Acupuncture Can Help

If you’re a woman in your forties or fifties and, for the first time, you start battling chronic dry mouth or dry eyes, you might have Sjögren’s Syndrome.

And while Sjögren’s is much more prevalent in women around that middle age, it can affect folks of any gender and age group. Anywhere from half a million to 3 million people in the United States are affected by Sjögren’s, and it’s much more serious than simply having a dry mouth and dry eyes (though those symptoms aren’t fun in their own right).

Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disorder, and is often accompanied by other immure system issues like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The disorder is a result of our body’s immune system mistakenly attacking your own cells. The first targets are usually the glands that create our tears and our saliva, thus the first signs being dryness. However, it can also do damage to other parts of the body like the kidneys, joints, thyroid and lungs, and can cause illnesses to those areas.

Many people treat Sjögren’s with autoimmunity medication, but given that the root cause of the disorder lies within our own body’s ability to heal itself, acupuncture is the perfect treatment. And now researchers in Shanghai have conducted a study proving that acupuncture and herbs treat Sjogren’s and reverse the symptoms much more efficiently and effectively than narcotics.

Subjects who were administered acupuncture not only reported that they felt better, but the data backed it up. Blood samples showed that in the patients who received acupuncture and herbs, the proper levels of immunoglobulin and other important factors were met.

Without the need for narcotics, the serve dry mouth and eyes and further complications brought about by Sjögren’s syndrome can be reversed. If you know anyone who suffers from Sjögren’s or any other autoimmune disorders, let them know that acupuncture is here to help.

Knee Arthritis Helped by Acupuncture

Any form of arthritis is painful, but knee arthritis can be especially problematic — causing great pain and limited mobility.

Aside from physical therapy and traditional mediations and pharmaceuticals, acupuncture can help. And now there’s research to prove it.

According to HealthCMi, a leading acupuncture news site, researchers at Dongzhimen Hospital and Puxiang Hospital in Beijing treated joint dysfunction and pain due to knee osteoarthritis successfully with abdominal acupuncture in their study that spanned multiple centers.

The report details how a total of 65 osteoarthritis patients were recruited and randomly assigned to standard body acupuncture, or abdominal acupuncture.

“Six male and 24 female patients were treated in the body acupuncture group. Two patients in this group were 40–49 years old, 8 were 50–59 years old, 15 were 60–69 years old, and 5 were 70–75 years old.”

In the abdominal acupuncture group, eight male and 27 female patients were treated. Four patients in this group were 40–49 years old, 14 were 50–59 years old, 12 were 60-69 years old, and 6 were 70–75 years old.

The outcomes of the study were measured with a self-rated score for pain intensity and a questionnaire that included questions about knee pain, swelling and function.

After four weeks of treatment, both groups showed significant improvement but the improvements were, “significantly greater in the abdominal acupuncture group.”

Therefore, the study concluded, “acupuncture is an effective tool in knee osteoarthritis treatment, with abdominal acupuncture offering greater pain reduction than standard body acupuncture.”

The Power of CBD (BTW - We Offer CBD Massage!)

The CBD Industry is booming and for very, very good reason.

Here at NJ Acupuncture Center, we are firm believers in the powers of CBD, and thats why we offer it (complementary!) in our therapies.

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a popular natural remedy used for many ailments — ranging from stress, pain, sleep problems, and more.

Better known as CBD, it is one of the 100+ compounds that can be found in the marijuana plant Cannibis, yet it’s absent of THC which is the ”drug” or mind-altering component. It’s extracted and then mixed with a carrier oil to be applied to the skin, or ingested.

Plus, since it doesn’t contain THC, it’s completely safe, and legal.

CBD has many positives, and the two that we are most excited about here at NJ Acupuncture Center are its pain relieving properties, as well as its impact on anxiety and depression.

Pain

Medicinal marijuana is commonly used in places it is approved, but what about CBD? Recently, it’s been discovered that it is quite effective, too.

Studies have shown that those with chronic pain may find relief in using CBD, because it impacts endocannabinoid receptor activity within the body. In fact, Healthline reports, “Several human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.”

Anxiety and Depression

Afflictions that affect so many, those who suffer from anxiety and/or depression can benefit, too.

Luckily, the use of CBD oil has shown to be effective in helping to alleviate symptoms naturally. According to Healthline, “In one study, 24 people with social anxiety disorder received either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo before a public speaking test. The group that received the CBD had significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance, compared to the placebo group.”

It has also shown to have positive antidepressant-like effects in several animal studies, and it’s believed CBD can help to increase serotonin.

Be sure to ask us about CBD and how we can incorporate it into both your treatments and your daily wellness routines.

Diabetic Nerve Pain + Acupuncture

A Diabetes diagnosis can be devastating.

Often it is life changing, difficult to manage, and requires constant monitoring. The side effects and symptoms are quote unpleasant, too. Primarily, nerve pain.

Also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy,

According to HealthCMI, at the Gansu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (endocrinology department) researchers conducted a controlled clinical trial comparing drug therapy with acupuncture and herbs.

The patients who received acupuncture in conjunction with herbal medicine experienced a total effective rate of 96.67%, while patients who received Chinese herbal medicine alone (aka monotherapy( had a 73.33% total effective rate.

Drug-only therapy patients had a 53.33% total effective rate for the alleviation of their neuropathy.

Obviously, acupuncture and herbs worked most effectively.

Diabetics can experience neuropathy over time. The Mayo Clinic explains, “High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.”

Those with the condition can have experiences ranging from pain and numbness in their legs and feet to problems with their digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart.

For some it may be mild, but for others it can be debilitating.

Acupuncture and Angina

When reliable, controlled studies are published that reveal or confirm the efficacy acupuncture on various ailments, we can’t help but get excited.

Recently, according to MedPage Today, a study in Shanghia revealed something we’ve yet to cover —”true” acupuncture can help with chest pain. (AKA angina.)

When properly applied, acupuncture reduced the frequency of chest pains that those with chronic, yet stable angina experienced within a controlled trial setting.

It explained, “those assigned to 4 weeks of acupuncture on the acu-points on the disease-affected meridian (DAM) had roughly eight fewer angina attacks per 4-week interval during the subsequent 16 weeks, from a pretreatment baseline of 13.5 attacks per 4 weeks, according to Fanrong Liang, MD, of the Acupuncture and Tuina School at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, and colleagues.

This reduction was “significantly better” than the three control groups.

The experiment revealed:

• Acupuncture on the non-affected meridian (NAM): patients had about four fewer attacks per 4 weeks

• Sham “fake” acupuncture: about three fewer attacks

• No acupuncture: about two fewer attacks

Suzanne Arnold, MD, of Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City (not involved in the trial) said, "I think that this appears to be a well-done study, with appropriate levels of sham procedures. You clearly observe that there is some placebo effect -- with both the sham and NAM procedures, which have similar outcomes -- but the effect of DAM appears to be real.”

We believe it is real, too.

Acupucnture can help relieve symptoms such as anxiety and depression which is correlated with chest pain, as well. MedPage also quotes Arnold as saying, “It isn't completely crazy to think that some treatment, that is not directly associated with increased myocardial blood flow, might be associated with less angina.”

All About Ear Seed Acupuncture

Ear seed acupuncture is having a moment, lately. And with tons of ear seeds available online, it’s easy for people to think they can master this technique at home. But before you do, it’s important to understand exactly what it is and how to do it.

What is it?

Ear seed acupuncture seeds are different from traditional acupuncture needles called acuneedles. These seeds are used as a complementary approach and are rooted in the same belief system as traditional acupuncture.

Essentially, they are small metal seeds with adhesive backing that are applied along the ear, and work with the pressure points found in your ears. This method of treatment is also called auriculotherapy which translates to ear therapy (acupressure or acupuncture that focuses on ears.)

They can be used to help with a variety of ailments including ones not directly related to the ear. These include pain, mood disorders like anxiety and stress, headaches and migraines, addiction, weight struggles and even infertility.

Can you do it at home?

It’s our opinion that it is always better r to go to a trained and licensed professional and to have it performed by a clinician in a relaxing setting for a full and safe experience.

At NJ Acupuncture Center we believe that relaxation is important and the right center can provide calming music, a comfortable place to lay and clear your mind while having this performed for you – and that can make all the difference.

However, it is possible and relatively safe for someone to buy and attempt this at home (because it’s noninvasive) as long as they are familiar with the process and thoroughly clean their ears. The ear seeds are even available on Amazon, though you should of course do your research on which to buy.

Avoid These Mistakes

if you try this at home, you very well might put them in the wrong locations or think they actually go in their ears. (They do not, they are to be placed along the outside of your ear and NEVER in your ear canal.) 

Improper placement can result in discomfort, redness, swelling, and of course ineffective treatment. Also, if you don’t massage the points correctly or often enough, you probably won’t experience the results you are looking for.

It’s also really important not to try this on yourself if you are pregnant. Certain points along the ear are known to induce labor.

It’s important to know that ear seed treatment is not the same as acupuncture, and acupuncture should definitely never be tried at home.

Can Acupuncture Help with Type 2 Diabetes? (Yes!)

According to the latest report from the CDC, more than 100 million U.S. adults are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes,

As of 2015, 30.3 million Americans (which is 9.4 percent of the population) have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Many are reliant on medication and other therapies to continue living healthy lives. But can acupuncture help?

In short, yes!

The latest report from HealthCMI reveals that acupuncture therapy can help with weight loss and to reduce blood sugar levels in adults who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is wonderful news!

In China, researches from the Sanming County Hospital of Integrated Medicine led a clinical trial of obese patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

In short, it was determined that acupuncture treatment, “in addition to routine care is more effective in promoting healthy weight loss and improved blood chemistry than routine care monotherapy.” (Meaning, routine care alone.)

124 obese patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were assigned to receive either acupuncture plus routine care or routine care on it’s own..

Overall, the results of this study indicates that, “acupuncture not only increases weight loss in obese diabetes patients, but also stabilizes blood glucose and insulin levels.”

These new findings further support the notion that acupuncture is an effective, noninvasive treatment for diabetes when used in conjunction with other therapies as directed by your healthcare provider.

Will Medicare Pay for Acupuncture?

As with any medical treatment or self-care endeavor, the issue of cost arises.

Do you have insurance, or are a self-pay patient?

Is your plan in-network, or out?

Do you have a copay?

It’s enough to stress out the best of us. But perhaps, Medicare can change that.

The Washington Post reports that the Department of Health and Human and Services has said that, “in response to the U.S. opioid crisis, HHS is focused on preventing opioid use disorder and providing more evidence-based non-pharmacologic treatment options for chronic pain.”

Acupuncture has long been known for its pain relieving effects, and it’s efficacy at treating chronic pain.

HHS said it hopes “to determine if acupuncture for [chronic low-back pain] is reasonable and necessary under the Medicare program.” They are researching, and a proposal is due this by July 15, with a final decision being made by Oct. 13.

If all goes well, acupuncture for chronic low back pain may end up being a covered benefit, as currently, Medicare covers, “injections, braces, implanted neurostimulators and chiropractic care as well as drugs for chronic low-back pain,” under certain conditions .

Why Acupuncture Will Become Even More Popular For Spinal Issues

It’s likely that you or someone you know, at some point, has or will deal with back or neck pain. Nearly 80% of us will seek medical care because of these types of issues, which all start with one of the most important areas of our body—the spine.

The problem is, the treatment for these types of pain has traditionally been relatively narrow. There’s almost certainly a link between the prevalence of neck and back pain and the growing opioid crisis across the United States. More people are being prescribed addictive, harmful drugs to treat pain, which only creates a negative cycle.

But as Acupuncture Today reports, there’s a good chance that more people will soon be seeking acupuncture to help with spine-related issues rather than turning to medications. That’s partially because as we learn more about the spine itself, the evidence is growing that natural, conservative care can not only be the best form of relief, but is better positioned to help prevent pain from getting worse in the first place.

“Advanced diagnostic imaging will continue to expose new features of pathology associated with neck and back pain,” Acupuncture Today writes. “Greater emphasis will be places on biomechanics assessment, conservative pain management, and biological solutions which promote favorable tissue regeneration, remodeling, and repair.”

Acupuncture, through, harnessing the body’s energy, promotes self-healing. Without the need for any invasive, external chemicals like those found in most medications, acupuncture allows for natural pain management and relief. When it comes to back and neck issues, the root problem is in the spine, where energy is being blocked. Acupuncture opens up the pathways that allow the energy to regulate and flow freely.

As more and more research shows that spinal issues can be better prevented and treated through holistic, biological solutions, acupuncture will continue to grow as the best way to treat back and neck pain.

Struggling with Summer Sleep? We can help.

Summer time and the living’s easy — right?

Well, not exactly.

Many of us find summer to be even busier than before, albeit with fun social events, warm temperatures and hopefully a few trips to the beach.

If you’re feeling summer burnout and are finding it hard to get restful slumber at night, let us help because if your sleep pattern isn’t consistent, it can impact nearly every aspect of your life. So, it’s important to get your sleep back on track, stat.

Acupuncture can help you achieve increased levels of melatonin — the hormone responsible for sleep — and it also works to reduce insomnia and anxiety.

Acupuncture has also been proven to help manage a fairly common culprit for less-than-worthy Zzz’s: sleep apnea. It’s thought that acupuncture can help strengthen the tongue, which can prevent it from dropping back during the night which blocks the airway, resulting in apnea.

There are environmental factors to consider too, when it comes to improving sleep. Here’s what else you can try:

• Ensure your room is kept between 68-70 degrees

• Avoid blue light emitting electronics at least one hour before bedtime

• No caffeine after 3pm

• Try black out curtains or a sleep mask if you’re sensitive to light

• Consider trying CBD oil or essential oils to help relax

Acupuncture + Herbs More Effective Than Leading SSRI

Anxiety and depression are, unfortunately, more common today than ever before.

Our busy lifestyles, stressful jobs, hectic personal schedules and the stressors of every day life can lead many feeling a sense of sadness, worry, or inability to focus leading them to head to a physician. In many situations, SSRIs are prescribed.

SSRI's (also known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a class of neurotransmitters that carry signals between brain cells, so this form of medication blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, thus making more available.

Yet perhaps unsurprisingly, the most recent study out of China via HealthCMi reveals that when used in conjunction with herbs, acupuncture is more effective than paroxetine, also known as Paxil.

In the study led by Ganzhou City Third People’s Hospital in Jiangxi, 80 patients who had a clinical diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder were assigned to either receive the prescription paroxetine, or acupuncture and herbs.

The study used the HAM-A (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), the SAS (Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale), and the treatment total effective rate to analyze the results.

While both groups experienced overall improvement, they rates of improvement were significantly higher in the group that experienced acupuncture and herbs, which produced a total effective rate of 97.5% versus the paroxetine group which had 80%.

Good Morning America Writer Tries Facial Acupuncture (and Loves it!)

Joining the ranks of mega-celebrities who are turning to acuneedles to maintain their youthful glow, GMA writer Jacqueline Laurean Yates shared her experience this week.

Surprise — she’s a fan.

Yates said, “After noticing celebrities like Ashley Graham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian posting photos of themselves with acupuncture needles coming out of their faces, I was really intrigued to learn what it was all about.”

So she did.

After a phone consultation with her acupuncturist where she explained her overall concerns consisted of moderate stress, lack of energy, oiliness, some dullness and noticeable inflammation, she was told acupuncture could help.

Nervous and excited, she arrived at the acupuncture center in New York City and felt “instant calm.”

As far as the results?

“Once the needles were removed, I took a look in the mirror and couldn't believe how much healthier my skin looked,” she said, saying there was an instant glow and lift near her cheeks.

In fact, “My husband even wondered if I had secretly done botox. Nope, just acupuncture to the face!”

So if you’re looking to ditch invasive, chemically based Botox or other procedures, it’s time you give acupuncture a try to help reach your skin and anti-aging goals. And we are here to help.

As Yates would tell you, “ it's truly an investment worth the shot(s).”

Psoriasis and Acupuncture

Just last week, Medical News Today released an exciting and confirming article that reaffirmed the belied that acupuncture can help those suffering from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

While we always believed in the power of acupuncture to treat both of these related conditions, examining the literature was quite uplifting.

The multitude of ways in which acupuncture possess powerful healing abilities are seemingly endless, and while science sometimes has a way of making it hard to provide tangible proof, the cited studies are certainly reassuring . while there are still more larger scale, supervised studies to be performed.

Because of how acupuncture can help with inflammation and immunity, it is believed it can help with the skin-based symptoms of psoriasis which can often lead to itchy, peeling, painful and scaly patches of skin.

As if that isn’t enough to deal with, some people with skin-based psoriasis symptoms may also have PsA, or psoriatic arthritis, which leads to joint pain, swelling, stiffness and immobility.

Traditionally, over the counter and prescription medications are often prescribed by physicians as the first line of defense, in addition to steroid injections or pills, and the avoidance of things that worsen inflammation like alcohol, smoking, and certain foods high in acidity.

Medical News Today shared the following breakdown of literature reviews and studies that . are supportive of acupunctures benefits in treating these symptoms.

• A 2015 systematic review found "some evidence of benefit" in treating psoriasis. However, its authors explain that they based their conclusions on a small number of studies, and that there were some conflicting results.

• A 2017 overview of the literature on acupuncture for psoriasis was more optimistic. The authors claim that acupuncture treatment for psoriasis is "simple, convenient, and effective," with minimal side effects and little risk of toxicity.

• A 2017 review of 13 randomized trials states that acupuncture-related treatments "could be considered" as an alternative therapy for the short-term treatment of psoriasis, and that more well designed studies would be helpful.

Measuring acupunctures success is not easy, as each persons treatment and progress is highly individual and personal. However, these studies all seem to be reaffirming and in the right direction.

Acupuncture is an affordable, minimally invasive way to treat your symptoms, so you have quite literally nothing to lose by giving it a try, and quite a bit to gain.