That acupuncture benefits patients with pain would have come as no surprise to the father of modern medicine, Sir William Osler, who practiced acupuncture over half a century before Chairman Mao and the “new” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Near the end of the 19th century, Osler wrote in his most famous work, “The Principles and Practice of Medicine” (1892) that acupuncture for acute back pain provided “the most efficient treatment.” In addition to lumbago, Osler suggested acupuncture for sciatica and neuralgia.
Following in the footsteps of physiologist and physician Sydney Ringer, Osler wrote, “In many instances the relief is immediate, and I can corroborate fully the statements of Ringer, who taught me this practice, as to its extraordinary and prompt efficacy in many instances.”
A 2009 study by the Mayo Clinic indicated that acupuncture showed a much larger effect on the ultimate neurologic recovery from acute spinal cord injury than any pharmacologic intervention to date. It’s hard to ignore the value and safety of acupuncture treatment for patients with disk disease.
A British study found that acupuncture provides a less expensive way of easing lower back pain in the long-term. Patients who received 10 sessions of acupuncture said they had less pain at a two-year follow-up, when compared with those who did not get the treatment. Study co-author Hugh MacPherson, Ph.D., said, “Acupuncture definitely has a role in the treatment of low back pain….and it seems to be associated with longer-term effects than anyone has realized.” He says the ancient Chinese therapy has proven it can be used with traditional therapies for back pain. Researchers analyzed 33 studies and concluded that acupuncture was an effective treatment for lower back pain. Eric Manheimer, at the University of Maryland, said, “Our analysis suggested that the benefits of acupuncture for low back pain are NOT due to a placebo effect.”
Learn how acupuncture can eliminate your pain and improve other health problems. Call our Minneapolis Acupuncture clinic at 612-866-4000 or visit www.orientalmedcare.com.
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Learn how you can optimize your health with this amazing health care system.
Call our Minneapolis Acupuncture clinic at 612-866-4000 to set up your appointment for optimal health. You’ll be glad you did.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a group of common metabolic disorders related to hyperglycemia. While there are many different types of DM, DM is increasing in incidence worldwide and predisposes one to numerous other medical conditions including cardiovascular, renal disease, lower extremity amputations and adult blindness.
The two classes of DM are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. DM Type 1 is characterized by total or near-total insulin deficiency and Type 2 DM are a heterogeneous group of disorders that all have defining features based on:
• degree of insulin resistance
• impaired insulin secretion
• increased production of glucose
The etiology of DM Type2 are numerous and include genetic defects of insulin or beta cell function, exocrine pancreatic diseases, endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome, drug induced DM, pregnancy induced DM, and increased prevalence of obesity and reduced activity levels worldwide. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that between 1980-2005, the number of Americans with DM increased from 5.6 to 15.8 million and that people aged 65 years or older accounted for approximately 38% of that total.
Acupuncture for Diabetic Neuropathy
There are a number of diabetic neuropathies and a few acupuncture studies that are beginning to look at how acupuncture may provide symptom relief for the DM patient with neuropathy.
Types of diabetic neuropathies
In general, the most common symptoms reported for leg and foot neuropathy include complaints “of tingling, buzzing or prickling sensations affecting the feet, which may also feel tight or hot or cold. The symptoms are often, but not exclusively, symmetric in distribution. The patient may complain of numbness or “as if my feet are wrapped up in cotton wool.” 15
A recent pilot study in humans tested TCM and Japanese style acupuncture for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Out of seven patients enrolled, three received Traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) while four received Japanese-style acupuncture (JA). Of six evaluable subjects, JA subjects noted a greater decrease in pain, but the decrease was less durable than the TCA subjects. The TCA subjects also noted greater sensation improvement in cooling and warming.
Conclusions In conclusion, there is considerable research being done on…acupuncture for symptom management in the patient with DM. The outcomes of these studies will help to inform how herbs, lifestyle interventions and acupucnture are imperative in the comprehensive approach to diabetes care.
About the author: Jillian Capodice is the Director of Acupuncture and Integrative Service at the Center for Holistic Urology, Department of Urology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York. She is an active lecturer and has extensive publications on myriad topics such as acupuncture, complementary and alternative medicine and integrative urology.
Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) is an organization of acupuncturists that help foster the creation of stable, peaceful global communities through acupuncture services and training which interrupt the cycles of unresolved trauma.
“The Red Cross gave me water, food and blankets. Acupuncture gave me peace and relief of the stress of all this chaos.”
AWB is assisting with the tragic Haiti emergency. Take a look at this video:
“The Tiger symbolizes passion, power and daring. The Year of the Tiger is bound to be a big, bold year.”
It’s coming up quickly! Are you ready? Drama, intensity, change and travel will be the keywords for The Year of The Tiger which begins on February 14th, 2010. It won’t be a dull 12 months for anyone. The Year of the Tiger will bring far reaching changes for everyone. New inventions and incredible technological advances have a good chance of occurring. For all of the Chinese horoscope signs, this year is the one to be active…seizing opportunities and making the most of our personal and individual talents. Everything happens quickly and dramatically in a Tiger year…blink and you could miss an important chance of a lifetime!
The Tiger is the proverbial King of the Jungle, admired for his vivid stripes that symbolize the balanced forces of Yin and Yang. According the Chinese zodiac, the year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes. One thing you do not want to leave to chance in such times is your health. At Complete Oriental Medical Care you get effective, affordable and reliable health care. Ask about our acupuncture package rates.
Some Famous Tigers are: Natalie Wood, Agatha Christie, H.G. Wells, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Dickinson, Isadora Duncan, Roberta Flack, Jodie Foster, Stevie Wonder, William Hurt, Dylan Thomas, Marilyn Monroe, Demi Moore, Beatrix Potter and Lionel Ritchie.
Tigers are truly a force of nature. They are known to be dependable, unpredictable, fearless, stout hearted, tender and loving. Tigers have the ability to think on their feet and have a primal desire for adventure and first hand experience of life.
Tiger people are aware that the best way to thrive in unpredictable times is to rely on known protection. Our Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic has been known for improving people’s health for over 16 years. May the Year of the Tiger bring you prosperity, happiness and health!
In the Nei Jing Classic of Internal Medicine, compiled over 2000 years ago, may be the first known Chinese writings of the dynamic relationship between health and the energies of foods, or Chinese dietary therapy. The traditional medicines of the human world are intricately connected with and are fundamentally part of nature. The care with which we nourish our own health is reflected in that which we give to our environment, to others, our earth and planet – an expanding spiral.
As we explore the relationships between food and health, let’s acknowledge the nourishment that we have already manifested and presently experience in our lives. Let’s remember, too, that the appreciation and joy with which we eat and nourish post-natal Qi are major factors in determining the quality of digestion and transformation of our food into Blood, empowerment and Qi.
We are studying traditional theories, brought to light and expanded upon from personal and clinical experiences and intuitive practice. There will be special exploration of medicinal plant and food remedies for tonifying Heart, Lung and Spleen Qi and more.
We are looking at the dynamic relationship between food energetics and Classical Chinese Medicine thought, that Jing-Essence, Qi-Energy and Shen-Spirit are integrated and operate together dynamically as a whole.
Through our personal and working experiences we see that we are rarely dealing with pure textbook patterns of imbalance that fit into one neat package. Therefore our filters need to be grounded, yet broad enough in scope to be applied effectively for ourselves and others.
Individual Needs
When selecting and preparing our foods there are individual needs to be considered: Our base constitution; our present physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health/issues; the current season and the upcoming season; the Qi energy we need for our daily work and activities; our present dietary practice; our social environment; personal desires; what we wish to accomplish from changing or transitioning our eating habits and lifestyle. Important too is being practical with making changes that we can actually apply realistically in our day-to-day lives.
Location and Season
Chinese-Asian and Macrobiotic dietary philosophies suggest that we embrace, as much as is possible, native foods that are organic and locally grown and those in season or those foods that are produced in areas with climates similar to our own. When we over consume food imported from very different climates or regions, we may begin to lose adaptability to the immediate surroundings. This is especially true in cases where tropical or semitropical foods are over consumed in temperate or cold climates.
The appearance, development and changes in the pattern of many illnesses may show up seasonally, such as Wind invasions in spring, sun and heat stroke in summer, Damp- and Phlegm-related symptoms in late summer, Dryness-related symptoms in autumn and Cold syndromes in winter.
As the seasons change and transform, the balance of Yin and Yang will be strengthened by the following fundamental principles. In spring and summer, nourish Yang along with cool Yin. In autumn and winter, nourish Yin along with Yang warmth and protection.
This all depends on the season and foods eaten. For example Yang Qi tends to flow outwards to the body’s surface in spring and summer while internal Yang Qi may become depleted, thus requiring replenishment in the warm weather.
In the colder and dryer climates of fall and winter it is important to keep warmer and prevent Dryness as we strengthen the interior-Yin. We can use the powers of food-energetics for nourishing Yang and warmth, building Yin, nourishing Dryness, dispelling mucus and Phlegm, and building Qi, Blood and Body Fluids for the present and coming seasons.
Also, health imbalances can result from the over-consumption of heavy animal food by those in a warmer or temperate climate, since this quality of food is more suited to the colder regions.
In colder seasons we would apply longer cooking times and more salt; in warmer weather, we would use lighter cooking methods and less salt. We would cook food lightly and serve it warm to make digestion easier. Steaming, poaching and blanching-boiling help alter the nature of the food for more Yin-cooling; deep frying, stir frying and roasting help alter the nature of the food for more Yang-heating and body insulation.
Until modern times, unrefined, naturally produced whole cereal grains; locally grown seasonal vegetables and some animal foods comprised humanity’s primary diet throughout the world.
We should try to base our diet on such foods as grains, beans, sea and land vegetables and other staples which are naturally available and storable.
Taste and Variety
Mastering food selection in today’s fast-paced world is a challenge. We need therefore to keep balance in mind. This is achieved by eating in moderation and being aware of taste and variety. Taste is very important because the primary taste sends nutrition via the acupuncture-acupressure meridians to the corresponding organ.
If we eat a balanced meal with many tastes, we can feel satisfied and use this energy for health, productivity and enjoying our lives.
Here is a look at tastes and some nourishing foods and cooking styles:
Sweet nourishes Spleen and Stomach—grains, millet, squashes, onions, sweet fruits, bananas, blueberries, oranges, figs, dates, honey, molasses, barley malt, etc. Preparation: steaming, nishimi [A macrobiotic style of cooking done over a low heat for a long time. Veggies are usually cut large.], boiling.
Sour nourishes Liver and Gallbladder—tomatoes, barley, vinegar, chicken, turkey, green apples, lemons, grapefruit, etc. Preparation: pickling, steaming, pressing.
Pungent nourishes Lung and Large Intestines—onions, garlic, ginger, daikon, peppers, cayenne etc. Cooking methods include kinpira [A type of macrobiotic preparation, where you sauté first and then add water to boil – similar to braising.], pressure cooking.
Bitter nourishes Heart and Small Intestine—kale, lettuce, dandelion, broccoli, arugula, endive, collard greens, etc. Preparation: raw, pressed, stir fry, blanch.
Salty nourishes the Kidneys and Bladder—tofu, fish, miso, eggs, burdock root, sea vegetables (wakame, arame, hiziki, kombu, kelp) etc. Preparation: stewing, frying, nabe [ceramic pot cooking, prepared at the table].
Color and Signature
The Color of a food plays a role in food energies, as does the doctrine of signatures, which will be discussed at my seminar. For example-a bitter green like kale will nourish the Heart because of its bitter taste; will nourish the Liver because of its green color, and the Kidney, especially the bones, because of its rich minerals.
Red foods like apples and red peppers nourish the Heart and Small Intestine. The apple also nourishes the Spleen because of its sweet taste and the Kidneys when it is baked and lightly salted.
White foods like white onions, tofu and radishes nourish the Lungs and Large Intestine, while the radish nourishes the Liver because of its sharp taste. It can assist in moving stagnant Qi of the liver.
As we continue our journey of study, exploration and application of food healing may we go forward with health, vitality and wonderful eating. I look forward to continuing writing, teaching and sharing with your audiences.
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Susan Krieger, L.Ac., MS, Diplomate of the NCCAOM in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine and Shiatsu-Asian Bodywork Therapy, MEA in Health and Nutritional Counseling and Teaching. Founding Member and Certified Senior Shiatsu Instructor of the AOBTA. Susan has been treating and guiding thousands of people throughout her 30+ years in practice. She is an internationally recognized practitioner, teacher and counselor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Asian Healing Arts, The Energetics of Foods, Medicinal Remedies, Contemporary-Integrative Macrobiotics, Whole Health Nutrition, Women’s Health, Qi-Gong Yoga, Ki-Shiatsu-Acupressure, and Meridian-Self Shiatsu of over 33 years. and teaches in the US and Canada and Europe. She produced The Ki-Shiatsu Instructional DVD and lectures for the UN, universities, acupuncture, cooking and bodywork schools, hospitals, women’s organizations, corporations and health and healing centers. Susan has an active private practice in New York City.
For queries and to invite Susan to present for your events she can be contacted at susankriegerki@aol.com, 212-242-4217, www.susankriegerhealth.com.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is one of the most frequent causes of missed workdays and one of the most expensive conditions in the United States; according to a recent government report nearly one million people in the U.S. took time away from work to treat and recover from some sort of back pain.
Back problems can be caused by an inordinately wide range of problems. It can exist alone, or it can be caused by a condition that occurs elsewhere in the body, with the pain being transmitted (referred) to areas of the back by the nervous system. The majority of backache sufferers complain of pain in the lower back; the second most common site of discomfort is the base of the neck.
Who Suffers From Back Pain?
Half of all adults will experience some form of low back pain during their lifetime. The fact that humans walk upright puts great pressure on the spine and the muscles that support it. Over time, factors such as disease, accidents, poor posture and overexertion can lead to immediate and/or long-term back problems.
Most back pain is muscular in nature. Muscle pain perpetuates what is known as the pain cycle, a phenomenon of which the back is particularly susceptible. In the pain cycle, pain causes a muscle to spasm, which may distort the discs, joints and nerves of the spine. This spasm leads to further pain, leading to further spasm, which compounds the original problem. If the nerves are irritated enough, it may cause pain to radiate down into the leg, similar to pain experienced via a herniated disc.
In most cases, people who experience an episode of acute back pain will recover in 3-12 weeks. For those who don’t recover, however, chronic back pain can be a significant source of inconvenience and suffering.
What Can Acupuncture Do For You?
Acupuncture plays a vital role in the reduction or elimination of back pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing.
Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the production of natural endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.
By reducing acute back pain, acupuncture can also reduce the chances of chronic back pain from occurring. It can help avoid the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient’s condition. To schedule your appointment for a pain free back call our Minneapolis Acupuncture Clinic at 612-866-4000 TODAY or visit http://www.orientalmedcare.com/ .
Pomegranates are becoming a popular subject of research for prevention and treatment benefits for a wide range of conditions. Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, but could there be synergetic actions from other aspects of this fruit? The most headline-catching research is detailed in “Anticancer Effects of Pomegranate” as compiled by the Natural Standards Research Collaboration and presented in the January, 2010, issue of Integrative Medicine Newsletter. You might find this information worth reading.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is one of the most frequent causes of missed workdays and one of the most expensive conditions in the United States; according to a recent government report nearly one million people in the U.S. took time away from work to treat and recover from some sort of back pain.
