OTHER CONDITIONS THAT ARE TREATABLE WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Allergies
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a drug-free, safe, natural and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies or the common cold.

According to Chinese medical theory, allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian system that effect the quantity and quality of “Wei Qi” circulating through the body. Wei Qi (way chee) is similar to the western concept of immune system. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes including stress, poor diet, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.

Acupuncture and herbs support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply and promoting the free flow of Wei Qi throughout the body, allergy symptoms can be greatly reduced or eliminated.

Each patient is examined thoroughly and is given an acupuncture treatment and/or herbal prescription specific to their needs.

Arthritis
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be a powerful addition to any arthritis treatment plan without causing harmful side effects. Both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis can be effectively treated.

Osteoarthritis affects over 21 million Americans. Factors that increase risk include joint injury, being overweight, repetitive motion, aging and genetics. It occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down , most often affecting hips, hands, knees, low back or neck.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 2.1 million Americans, with women being two to three times more likely to get RA. It often starts in the hands or feet and usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. This chronic condition occurs when the lining of joints becomes inflamed.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have been found to be extremely effective at treating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. The acupuncture points and herbs that are used depend on if the blockage of Qi is caused by the pathogen wind, cold, damp or damp-heat.
 Traditional Chinese Medicine does not recognize arthritis as one particular syndrome. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Therefore, if 10 patients are treated with Oriental medicine for joint pain, each of these 10 patients will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.

Depression
Depression can be a debilitating for those who experience it. Prolonged feeling of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness greatly affect the quality of life.

Today, over 28 million Americans are taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. According to the Physicians Desk Reference, the top antidepressant drugs only address signs and symptoms associated with depression, causing a variety of side effects, including insomnia, fatigue, body rash, tremors, facial tics, diarrhea, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs incorporate thousands of years of experience treating depression. Not only can it help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can address the root causes safely and naturally.
A pilot study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests that ancient Chinese therapy offers some surprising benefits for those who are clinically depressed. Another study, conducted at the University of Tucson showed a 43% reduction in symptoms from depression after 8 weeks of acupuncture, without prescription drugs.

Headaches
There are many factors in traditional Chinese Medicine that play a key role in the root cause of a headache. Unlike Western medicine, each headache is treated according to the specific areas of imbalance in your energy system. Whether you suffer from minor headaches or severe migraines, this method of identifying and treating the underlying caudse, not just the symptoms, is the most effective way to relieve headaches. Even if you have suffered chronic migraines for many, many years, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can provide the relief you’ve been looking for, without drugs and side effects.

Pain
The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health acknowledge the benefits of acupuncture in treating and eliminating pain due to a wide range of causes, from traumatic injury to emotional trauma. Vital life energy, called Qi (chee) circulates in the body through the 14 meridians like water flowing through a river. To put it very simply, blocked qi = pain. A blockage of the flow a Qi anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands.

By inserting fine sterile needles at specific points acupuncture is able to break up these blockages. Once this is done, Qi can travel freely throughout the body promoting pain-free health, well-being and vitality. Meridian specific excercises and herbs that promote the free flow of Qi will also be prescribed.

GYNECOLOGY
Fertility
The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese herbs dates back 2,000 years. These ancient time tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:
• increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves that chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
• reduce anxiety, stress and the hormones secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
• positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility
• regulate the menstrual cycle

Menopause
Menopause signifies a change within a woman’s life. Chinese medicine recognizes this change as a normal process.
Estrogen is similar to what acupuncturists call Jing Qi. It is like a gift that is given to us at the time of conception. When Jing Qi is abundant, our ability to adapt to disease, illness and stress is optimal.
Between the ages of 35 and 60 our Jing Qi naturally begins to decline. This leads to such things as graying hair, loss of libido, urinary difficulty and poor memory.
Another factor that contributes to menopause symptoms is an imbalance of Yin and Yang. Yin is cool, dark, moist and quiet. Yang is bright, warm, and energetic. Without enough yin symptoms such as night sweats, restlessness, hot flashes, mood swings, heart palpitations and insomnia can occur. Without enough Yang, symptoms including water retention, cold hands and feet, weight gain or raised cholesterol levels may be experienced.
By balancing Yin and Yang and conserving Jing, acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address menopause.

PMS and Painful Periods
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are very effective in treating various forms of dysmenoria. ranging from PMS to endometriosis.

For articles related to a specific condition or question you may have about acupuncture, go to www.acufinder.com