How Acupuncture Can Help You Through Those Short Winter Days

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Daylight Savings Time was created to help early agrarian societies take better advantage of daytime and sunlight in order to produce crops and complete other work tasks more efficiently. There is lots of debate over whether our modern society needs Daylight Savings Time anymore, with many areas of the world have never utilized it, and even some states abandoning it. The days get shorter in the winter here in the US regardless, but Daylight Savings often results in busy folks barely getting outside in the daytime at all.

It can affect our health, both mental and physical. Seasonal depression is perhaps the most extreme result, but many among us feel a general malaise during the winter months, highlighted by a lack of energy and increased fatigue. Often times, are diets in the winter are more filling, which lead to feels of bloat and contribute these negative feelings.

“During the winter months, it is important to nurture and nourish our Kidney Qi; it is the time where this energy can be most easily depleted,” writes Diane Joswick, L. Ac. “Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter – rest, reflection, conservation and storage.”

During a visit for general fatigue and energy issues, an acupuncturist will likely target the kidney, as Diane writes. The kidney is a key part of the body’s regulatory ability. A healthy and optimal kidney helps increase vitality and boost energy, while also increasing the immune system which during the cold winter months is put to the test.

This winter, don’t let the short days and long periods of darkness and cold get you down. Making acupuncture part of your general wellness routine, along with proper diet and exercise, can help prepare your body to naturally stay vibrant and avoid fatigue, as well as the many negative emotions that they can cause.

We promise, you can get through this winter with your energy and vibrancy in tact. And although it feels far away, eventually the days will be long once again!

Sniffle Season? Let Acupuncture Boost Your Immune System

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In many parts of the country, November marks the season where temperatures really start to change, when the winter coats and hats and gloves get dusted off and put to use. But bundling up alone won’t shield you from catching the runny noses, sore throats, and sniffles that so many fo us deal with over the cold weather months. While getting enough rest and eating properly can help keep you well, there’s one natural way to boost your immune system so that it’s at peak performance at the right time of year: acupuncture.

Our body’s ability to fight infections and viruses is a result of many different parts of the body that work together. When any of those parts of the body are not operating at their peak, the immune system is weakened. One of the most important parts of the immune system is the spleen. Located near the stomach, the spleen holds many responsibilities, but from an immune system, standpoint, the spleen filters our blood, recycling old red blood cells and and storing platelets and white blood cells which are both responsible for fighting off infections, bacteria, and viruses. Acupuncture regulates our body’s internal system and important organs like the spleen—instead of relying on medications, acupuncture allows the body to perform its functions at close to their peak efficiency and effectiveness.

A study also found that targeted acupuncture is effective at cytokines and helper T cells. Cytokines are proteins that are secreted by cells that help cells interact and communicate with others, and helper T cells are active in the body’s fight against microbes.

Making acupuncture part of your usual Wellness routine is a great idea in general, but especially during this time of the year when many of us fall prey to runny noses, sore throats and the common cold. Help boost your immune system today by coming in for a visit!

Eat Too Many Sweets For Halloween? Let Acupuncture Get You Back on Track

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Happy Halloween!

It’s time for jack-o-lanterns and elaborate costumes, bobbing for apples and scary stories…and, of course, trick-or-treating, and all the candy that comes with it.

It’s okay to indulge in sweets from time to time, particularly around a holiday like Halloween where it can seem like there’s a communal bucket of chocolate bars everywhere you go—home, stores, the office. And trust us, we know that once you start, it can be hard to stop.

While a few days of eating some sweets isn’t cause for concern, we know that often times just a few days off the wagon can cause us to feel sluggish, mired down and bloated. That’s because eating too much sugar causes some pretty not-so-deal results inside our bodies. According to Healthline, studies show that diets high in added sugar lead to obesity, insulin resistance, increased gut permeability and low-grade inflammation. And it’s particularly those last parts that tell us that acupuncture can help if you’re feeling fatigued and bloated because of a few too many days snacking on the sweets.

As we previously documented when talking about acupuncture’s ability to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, acupuncture is unique suited as a natural and safe way to treat and ultimately reduce inflammation. Through opening up the body’s energy pathways, acupuncture naturally regulates the body’s functions, including what happens in the gut. When we intake too much sugar, extra bacteria and toxins more easily move out of the gut and into the bloodstream, which causes inflammation throughout the body. That can result in fatigue, headaches, and other discomfort throughout the body. Targeted acupuncture can help reduce gut permeability, ensuring that those toxins stay put and don’t inflame the rest of the body. And the good thing is that when our body doesn’t have much sugar in it, it’s less likely to crave it anymore.

So this Halloween, it’s ok to (smartly!) enjoy some sweets. If you overdo it and start feeling the effects, or if you think you’re feeling off because your diet includes too many sweets in general, think about how acupuncture can help you get back on track.

Acupuncture's Many Benefits For Those Who Suffer From Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects more people than you might think. In fact, according to PubMedCentral, out of every 100,000 people, 41 are diagnosed with RA each year amounting to over 1.3 million people in America alone.

The disease is rooted in inflammation, and Healthline explains some of the most common symptoms include:

  • low-grade fevers

  • fatigue

  • pain and stiffness for longer than 30 minutes in the morning or after sitting

  • anemia

  • weight loss

  • rheumatoid nodules, or firm lumps, beneath the skin, primarily in the hands, elbows, or ankles

Those who suffer from RA don’t only have to deal with specific symptoms. Rheuamtoid Arthritis is a chronis condition that results in a dip in quality of life and increased medical costs, as medications and doctor visits have to be kept up with regularly.

Acupuncture is a an effective treatment for those suffering from RA because it is able to treat just about all of the disparate symptoms that the disorder brings about. Acupuncture is the safest and most natural treatment for inflammation in general, regardless of where in the body it is occurring. A study conducted last year concluded that acupuncture, when targeted specifically for RA, proves effective because of three specific effects: anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immune system regulation.

Acupuncture isn’t a cure for RA, but it can help change the life of someone who has it. When inflammation is reduced, so is pain. When pain is reduced, quality of life increases and the seeking of treatments and the costs associated with that pursuit reduce. That’s a formula for a better future.

Pain in the Neck? Try Acu.

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There’s noting worse than a pain in the neck — literally, and figuratively.

Whether it’s from tension or injury, neck pain has a way of radiating throughout the body and affecting every facet of your daily life, even causing headaches, immobility, and even difficulty sleeping and relaxing.

Thankfully, acupuncture can help.

Whether its from a chronic condition, acute injury or from carrying the stress and tension of every day life (and a heavy head!) acupuncture, in many cases, offers prompt relief of pain and increases mobility.

If seeking acupuncture treatment for neck pain, the three most likely acupuncture points you’ll experience are:

Fengchi, GB20: this is located along the ear bone nestled in the groove back to where your neck muscles attach to your skull.

Hegu, LI4: this point is located on your hand, in between your thumb and pointer finger.

Jiaji (on the affected side): located along the vertebrae.

After your acupuncture session, a soothing and relaxing massage will also help to continue to promote healing and pain relief. You can also help speed things along, if you’re comfortable, by applying gentle acupressure to these points as well. Pressing firmly but comfortable along the Fengchi and Hegu points for ten seconds, releasing for five, and repeating again for a series of 5 or 6 times can be an effective at home exercise in between acupuncture sessions.

Don’t let neck pain be, well, a pain in the neck. We’re here to help.

Give Shoulder Pain the Cold Shoulder With Acupuncture

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The shoulder is a fascinating, complicated an important area of the body. It has an incredible range of motion and thus allows our arms to movie in many different ways and accomplish a wide variety of tasks. Everything from everyday chores to incredible athletic feats like pitching (Happy Baseball Playoffs!) and hitting a tennis ball are possible because of the little ball and joint located at the tops of our arms.

The problem with the shoulder? Because it’s so amazing and allows us to do so many different things, it is unfortunately prone to many different types of injuries and discomfort. Previously, we covered the condition known as Frozen Shoulder, and how acupuncture can help with the, well, unfreezing return the shoulder to full range of motion without pain. But there are a number of other shoulder conditions, major and minor, that acupuncture can also help with, including bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, labrum injuries, and more.

It depends on the specific ailment, so it’s important to see a specialist to determine exactly what type of shoulder issue you are experiencing. However, acupuncture will be able to help in many ways, regardless of the condition, by doing a number of things. First, acupuncture helps regulate the energy in the body, clearing up blockages in the meridians that are helping cause the pain and discomfort at the point of injury. Acupuncture also increases blood flow which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, a holistic and safe alternative to cortisone shots and prescription painkillers and other medication. And finally, acupuncture, particularly electroacupuncture, can actually help speed up the healing and repair of damaged tissues and muscles.

Whether you’re a professional baseball player or just hoping to do household chores like the laundry and grocery shopping without pain, your shoulders are of utmost importance. If you ever have an issue with them, acupuncture is here to help!

Whiplash Is a Common Injury from Car Accidents, Here's How Acupuncture Can Help

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Unfortunately, automobile accidents are all too common in our society. And the most common injury from auto accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is jerked forward and/or backward abruptly. It often doesn’t take much; whiplash can occur even in fender benders or thankfully minor accidents. And oftentimes, folks think that they’re okay, only to start experiencing symptoms a day or two after the accident. Of those symptoms? Headaches, dizziness, pain in the neck, numbness in the arms or the hands, difficulty concentrating or remembering, and difficult sleeping and overall fatigue.

There isn’t much that western medicine can do to treat whiplash. Most often doctors will tell a patient to take non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen, and otherwise urge patience to wait it out until the symptoms go away. That’s not a very reassuring plan, particularly when symptoms of whiplash can be severe.

Whiplash is an injury primarily to the spine and neck, which makes it a great candidate for treatment via acupuncture. A traumatic injury like whiplash ultimately results in the blockage of meridians and the stagnation of the body’s naturally healing energy, qi. Acupuncture is able to holistically regulate the body’s energy by opening up the meridians and getting the qi to flow again, particularly to the spine and neck area that are affected by whiplash. That results in a natural anti-inflammation process that helps reduce pain and swelling, as well as the knock-on effects of whiplash that affect other parts of the body.

If seeking acupuncture treatment for whiplash, it’s important to note how long ago the traumatic event was from the beginning of the treatment. Ideally, seeking treatment as soon after the event is helpful—with many injuries like whiplash, the earlier the treatment can begin the better, since this can help keep swelling to a minimum. If the injury occurred a while ago, you can and should still seek acupuncture treatment—the only difference is that the acupuncturist will likely target different meridians, as well as additional parts of the body that have been affected in the meantime.

Ideally, we would never have to treat anyone for whiplash. But accidents happen. Thankfully, we are here to help in case they do.

What You Should Know About Acupuncture and Low Back Pain

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Back pain is, unfortunately, something that affects so many of us — specifically low back pain.

It can range from an annoying ache to debilitating, mobility limiting pain that seems to flare up at the worst times. And if you’re suffering, you’re not alone.

In fact, here are some alarming statistics from the American Chiropractic Association:

Worldwide, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, preventing many people from engaging in work as well as other everyday activities.2

  • Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. In fact, it accounts for 264 million lost workdays in one year—approximately two workdays for every full-time worker in the country.

  • Experts estimate that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their lives.

  • Back pain is the third most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, behind skin disorders and osteoarthritis/joint disorders.

  • Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

  • Low-back pain costs Americans at least $50 billion in health care costs each year and when you factor in lost wages and decreased productivity, that figure rises to more than $100 billion.

Shocked?

We aren’t. We treat back pain every single day, and we can help you too.

With proper treatment, acupuncture can trigger the release of endorphins and other pain-relieving hormones (endorphins) to help calm the nerves. It can also help to calm and relax you, thus relaxing any tense muscles or spasms that are caused by the pain.

Acupuncture will also rebalance your qi, and promote healthy blood flow to the areas of your body that need it the most.

Come in today for a free consultation, and be on your way to improvement in no time.

How Acupuncture Can Help Arthritis

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Arthritis is a painful, often life-altering condition that is suffered by far too many.

According to The Arthritis Foundation (Arthritis.org), conservative estimates say that about 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Of these, 300,000 are babies or children with arthritis or rheumatic condition, babies and children have arthritis or a rheumatic condition, and the most common type of arthritis — osteoarthritis, affects an estimated 31 million Americans.

Thankfully, like many other conditions, acupuncture can help.

By reducing swelling, restoring blood flow, balancing qi and releasing pain-relieving hormones called endorphins, regular acupuncture treatment can help to reduce pain and increase mobility. Research supports this, too.

A 2012 study sought to provide supportive research, as acupuncture is often a bit controversial among eastern medical professionals — unfortunately. Researchers said, “We aimed to determine the effect size of acupuncture for four chronic pain conditions: back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain.”

The results? Exactly what we’d predict. Acupuncture was, “superior to both sham and no acupuncture control for each pain condition.”

Researchers added, “We believe that our findings are both clinically and scientifically important.”

We also know that acupuncture and herbs is actually more effective than prescribed pharmaceuticals in treating spinal arthritis, and how it helped Bubba the Komodo Dragon restore mobility and reduce pain, too!

(Yes, acupuncture really does help animals just as much as humans!)

Acupuncture is a minimally invasive procedure that is certainly worth trying for anyone suffering from an arthritic condition.

How Acupuncture Can Help Relieve Tendonitis

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Acupuncture is one of the most well known and well studied natural remedies for pain relief — including for pain related to tendonitis.

Known as more of an umbrella term for pain radiating from tendons without any other verifiable diagnosis, tendonitis can be extremely painful; limiting mobility and quality of life. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tendonitis causes more than 70,000 people to miss work per year.

It’s also starting to manifest in new ways, and for different reasons than before. We are all using our hands more than ever before — but not in the most natural ways. Texting and typing are leading to more and more cases of tendonitis, as a hand and orthopedic surgeon explained, she has been seeing a rise in patients with tendonitis, especially in the wrist and fingers. She attributes a lot of this to tablet and smartphone habits.

Luckily, we can help.

Pain is the result of blocked or imbalanced qi along your inner meridians, which acupuncture can help to restore. By renewing the blood supply around the injured area and restoring the proper flow of energy, acupuncture also will trigger the release of pain-reducing endorphins, so swelling and pain will be reduced as mobility is increased.

A trained and licensed acupuncturist can help you to find relief.

Depending on the area of concern (the wrist and elbow are most common) acuneedles will be inserted in targeted acupuoints as you sit back and relax, enjoying the warming sensation of an infrared heating app as the work begins to set in. You may experience relief in just one session, though consecutive appointments are necessary in the beginning for maximum benefits.

We look forward to serving you along your journey to better health.

Why Acupuncture Is The Best Bet To Beat Tendonitis

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Tendonitis is one of the most common injuries affecting both athletes as well as everyday people. Anyone who uses a particular part of the body over and over is susceptible to tendonitis. Repetitive motion causes strain on the tendon—the fibrous tissue that connects our muscles to our bone—which eventually leads to inflammation and in many cases, degeneration of the actual fibers themselves. That’s why the name “Tennis Elbow” has been coined for elbow tendonitis…you can imagine the amount of strain put on a tennis player’s elbow, hitting shot after shot after shot in largely the same motion.

For many, the answer for tendonitis seems to lie in cortisone injections. But these injections bring with them a host of potential side effects, including extra pain and swelling, infection, allergic reactions and in rare cases, even nerve damage. For many, a cortisone shot can temporarily relieve pain—allowing that person to return to work or to the field or court for the time being. But there is no healing being done to the root cause, and more often than not, pain and discomfort will rear its ugly head once again.

That is, unless you seek out acupuncture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been shown to be an effective remedy for healing the pain caused by tendonitis, and also by doing just a bit more. That’s because acupuncture doesn’t just reduce inflammation; in the case of tendonitis, it helps repair the damaged fibers that cause the inflammation and pain in the first place.

As Mark Kastner, LAc writes, “The concept of acupuncture moving the qi and Blood to assist in healing is also not without merit as numerous studies have shown acupuncture does increase vasodilatation around inserted needles, along with the anti-inflammatory molecule adenosine.” This helps regenerate the damaged fibers, replacing them with healthy ones that don’t result in pain when the tendon is being used.

Tendonitis is very common, but you don’t have to make a cortisone shot a regular part of your life. Instead, let acupuncture do the healing for you the natural and holistic way.

Why Acupuncture Should Be Part of Your Wellness Routine

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We concentrate here a lot on the many specific healing benefits of acupuncture. To everything from common ailments like allergies or dry skin to more unique and specific ailments like Ankylosing Spondylitis, there is an incredibly wide range of reasons to seek out acupuncture treatment.

But you don’t necessarily have to have something “wrong” to think that acupuncture treatment can benefit you.

In fact, for many people, regularly receiving acupuncture treatment is just a part of their wellness routine, alongside mindfulness and meditation, yoga, exercise, and other types of emotional or physical therapy.

When something specific is ailing the body, acupuncture works to help the body naturally heal itself by opening up the pathways in our body to allow energy to flow freely and reduce pain, inflammation and other causes of discomfort. With that being said, the body is always working, always under some sort of duress along with our minds and emotions. Our day to day lives are filled with the ups and downs of life, and the burden of that rollercoaster is placed on the body.

Consistent acupuncture acts as a stress reducer, keeping the body’s qi regulated and operating at its peak to keep us feeling energized, free and at ease. This helps particularly as the rigors of everyday life—whether it be at work, school, or taking care of a family—unpredictably take their toll. Without a consistent wellness routine, of which acupuncture can be a part of, the impact of stress becomes more acute. An effective wellness routine doesn’t eliminate those things from happening (nothing can!) but it helps our minds and bodies respond in the best possible way so that we can mentally and physically compartmentalize and stay present. Acupuncture helps us recover faster, whether that’s from a medial ailment or from a frustrating day at the office.

And when something does pop up that needs more targeted care, you’ll already have your acupuncture appointment on the books. Just let your acupuncturist know what’s up, and they’ll adjust the treatment accordingly.

So when you’re planning out your wellness calendar, don’t forget to find time for a regular visit to the acupuncturist!

How Acupuncture Can Help Migraines

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Anyone who has ever suffered from a migraine knows how painful and debilitating the pain can be. Pressure, pain, nausea, and aversion to light can keep you in the dark, both physically and mentally.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, a migraine is, “an extraordinarily prevalent neurological disease” and they affect nearly 39 million people in the U.S. and 1 billion people across the world.

Here in the states, 18% of women, 6% of men, and 10% of children experience migraines. That’s far too many people that suffer from the all-encompassing pain that is much more than “just a headache.”

Luckily, acupuncture can help

While the root cause of migraines varies from patient to patient, the fact that acupuncture can help remains steadfast. Before you opt for prescription medications, give acupuncture a try.

One of the easiest ways to explain how acupuncture can help is through the release of endorphins. When inserted into the proper meridians, the acuneedle then stimulates nerves that in turn release endorphins (feel-good, pain-relieving hormones.)

Acupuncture also will help to balance qi, and improve circulation which will help to reduce inflammation and pain, too.

If you or someone you know struggles with migraines, let our trained and licensed acupuncturists help. We will work with you closely to formulate a treatment plan that is specifically targeted to treat your unique needs —while helping to reduce both the pain intensity and frequency of migraines and headaches.

Sneezing? Coughing? Itchy Eyes? We Can Help!

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Though it’s not official for a few more days, the crisp temps are here to remind us that fall is (almost) here in full force. Bring on the colorful leaves, apple cider, chunky sweaters, boots and pumpkin spice lattes! But please, leave the allergies behind!

If you’ve already begun suffering with your seasonal allergies, we’re here to tell you it will probably only get worse as the temperatures continue to drop. But have no fear — acupuncture is here to help!

Traditional acupuncture is a restorative, much more natural way to have you feeling much better, quickly.

So while your friends may be keeping Zyrtec or Claritin in business, why not consider acupuncture? Here’s how it can help.

Allergies are often the result if inflammation, which acupuncture is known to help remedy. By restoring the flow of Qi, it ca also help to alleviate congestion and any associated sinus pain and pressure, too.

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!

Can Acupuncture Help with Chest Pain in Cardiac Patients?

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While you may know by now that acupuncture can help treat a variety of pain and other ailments, one specific pain may surprise you — chest pain.

The Philadelphia Enquirer reported today on a new study examining angina (AKA chest pain) that cardiac patients can experience. The highly regarded study utilized, “rigorous scientific methods including randomization, careful patient selection, blinding, and a placebo group to show a significant improvement in the chest pain (angina) that cardiac patients experience.”

There were a total of 404 patients in the study which was conducted in China, and all received standard cardiac medications for their stable angina for four weeks before the trial began, and continued to take them throughout the 16 week study. Then, they were divided in to four groups, three of which received acupuncture treatment.

One group received needling, but not real acupuncture, while another received traditional acupuncture therapy along meridians known to treat heart disease. The third group received acupuncture but in arbitrary meridians, and the final group received no acupuncture, just medication.

The article explains," “Participants in the three active treatment groups received 12 sessions of treatment lasting 30 minutes each. Licensed acupuncturists used disposable steel needles and electroacupunture (the needle was hooked up to a nerve stimulator) was used as it has been shown to relieve pain and prevent heart injury in other studies compared to manual acupuncture.”

The results were very promising.

The group that received traditional acupuncture along cardiac meridians had, “significantly fewer attacks of angina during the 16 weeks after randomization.” And, “other measures such as quality of life and intensity of attacks also were significantly improved.”

The reporter reflected on a possible hypothesis of acupuncture efficacy in the study, saying, “Acupuncture seemed to help the autonomic nervous system by improving the balance between the vagus nerve and sympathetic nervous systems, and targeting to the specific area used in traditional acupuncture made a significant difference.”


So, it seems that angina is yet another ailment we can add to the long list of issues acupuncture can help with!

Have You Ever Heard of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

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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

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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!

Acupuncture for Alcoholism? It Works for Rats!

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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.

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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

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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.”