Acupuncture For Stroke Patients

In recent years many stroke patients have begun to turn to ancient Chinese medicines and cures to help them recover from their stroke. They use these along with modern medications and treatments as well. Alternative medicine does seem to have some great effects on stroke patients and has helped them to fight fatigue and also has helped to ease the tension in their muscles as well.

Many people who have suffered from a stroke have been left with permanent problems that keep them from taking part in activities that used to be normal for them. This can include activities such as speaking, being able to walk, seeing, reasoning, remembering, and understanding concepts. There are many treatments that can help stroke patients and some of these treatments actually use a mirror to get visual clues so that patient can receive help.

Once Chinese form of alternative medicine that is being used to treat stoke patients is acupuncture. Acupuncture uses a special machine to stimulate needles that have been turned into specific places in the body. While many doctors in the past have disagreed on the effectiveness of acupuncture, more and more studies are showing that acupuncture does have some great benefits. Today acupuncture is more widely accepted in the medical field and many doctors are seeing the great benefits it has to offer.

Acupuncture basically offers electrotherapy and is supposed to help balance the energy in the body. When acupuncture has been used on stroke patients within the first year after their stroke it has been found to be very effective. Acupuncture has helped to improve their speaking and other motor skills, as well as the way the blood circulates through the body. When a stroke occurs, it is because of lack of blood flow to a certain part of the brain, and this causes tissue damage in the brain, which is permanent. Many stroke patients lose many of the abilities they used to have and this becomes very frustrating to them. Rehabilitation is a very important part of stroke recovery, and using acupuncture as a part of this rehabilitation can provide wonderful benefits to stroke patients.

Although acupuncture is relatively new to many peoples? thinking, it has been around for hundreds of years, originating with the Chinese. Modern medicine has found that acupuncture does have many benefits if it is done correctly. If you are a stroke patient and you decide to turn to acupuncture for help, be sure that you have it done by someone that is licensed to do it. You do not want to go to just anyone, but want to find someone who has a great reputation, so they can help you and not hurt you.
Karina Jacobsen is a staff writer at Alternative Health Advisor and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Wellness Digest.

Ancient Chinese Wisdom And Weight Loss: Acupuncture

The Chinese are known for their ancient healing techniques that make use of nothing but nature's best. Once such technique is acupuncture which dates back 2,000 years.

Acupuncture is based on an ancient Chinese belief that the body is made up of mystical energy streams. This could be correlated with our knowledge of nerves today and that the nerves are all entwined with each other. The nerves for the shoulders may be next to the nerves for the toes. This means that by stimulating the nerves on the toes, you as well stimulate the nerves on the shoulders. Stimulating one nerve therefore will stimulate another.

Acupuncture does not promise to be a weight loss miracle. What it promises is to affect symptoms related to or that may contribute to weight gain to help being about weight control. Acupuncture therefore can help make weight loss easy and effective.

One example is stress. Stress has been identified as a key factor in certain people's weight gain. Some people feel the need or urge to eat a lot when they are stressed and they find comfort in doing so. Acupuncture can help promote stress relief and relaxation.

Acupuncture for weight loss involves inserting needles in specific areas or points of the body through which endorphins are known to pass through, to promote calming and relaxing effects.

Endorphins are also known to affect the digestive system, especially metabolism. Therefore, by targeting these points in acupuncture, it is hoped that weight loss can be promoted.

A visit to an acupuncturist for weight loss begins with an assessment of one's general health. Pulse points are checked, along with the stomach and tongue.

When used to support weight loss goals, acupuncture counts the mouth as an important point, especially for impulsive eaters and heavy smokers.

It also focuses on the stomach for people who continue eating even if they are already full, and the endocrine system for water retention that can cause bloating and weight gain.

Other points act on the spleen for sugar imbalances, the kidneys for hormonal and nervous imbalances as well as water retention and the thyroid for metabolism. Two or more points will be chosen from these depending upon the health and needs of the patient.

Modern technology has also helped the art and science of acupuncture. The acupuncturist may use electro-stimulation to promote the release of endorphins and increase the relaxing and calming effects.

The needles usually stay on for around 30-45 minutes and the number of repeat sessions will depend upon the need of the patient, especially his weight loss goal.

The patient is also taught how to apply the pressure again afterwards for example, when he feels the strong urge to eat heavily or smoke again.

Acupuncture sessions may also be supplemented by herbal medicines as well as counseling on nutrition and lifestyle changes. The acupuncturist may even suggest combining acupuncture with other stress reduction methods. These methods may include yoga and meditation as well as breathing exercises.

Acupuncture is an ancient technique that up to this day promotes several health benefits. Like any other health options however, consistency and determination on the part of the patient is also required.

It does not promise a miraculous loss of weight but it promises to address the problems that lead to weight gain. In the process, the vicious cycle of eating heavily due to stress is put to halt so the weight loss process can proceed.

Acupuncture aims to promote harmonious flow of energy through the body for better health and life.

At http://www.AreYouSlim.com, you'll find articles and information that can help you to become a fitter, healthier and more attractive you. Head to our website for information about how dietary supplements and exercise can help you reach your weight loss goals. ( http://www.areyouslim.com/exercise-proshape.php )

Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture Therapy

Chinese medicine is responsible for a number of natural therapies, and acupuncture is probably the best known of them. Basically, acupuncture works on the theory that your body contains energy centers at specific, strategic points. These energy centers are then linked to a particular part of the body. If you have a sore knee, for example, then the acupuncturist would locate the energy center links to that knee. This could well be located in a completely different part of the body. That's the point where very thin needles are then inserted to stimulate the energy center. The result? The pain in your knee is reduced or removed entirely, by accessing the central nervous system through the acupuncture point.

Acupuncture is used to treat many conditions, but pain relief is the most common. It's an odd concept - inserting needles into your body to reduce pain! But plenty of people find acupuncture. It's believed that as well as stimulating energy centers, acupuncture stimulates the production of endorphins, known as "feel good" chemicals, which also helps reduce the pain.

Other research has shown that acupuncture can assist the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. It's also been shown that Alpha, Beta and Gamma Globulins increase after acupuncture therapy, and these assist in fighting infection and producing immune antibodies. Recently, acupuncture has been used to assist people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Acupuncture focuses on reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, tension, and inducing a feeling of relaxation.

Sports people at the highest level have turned to acupuncture therapy to help improve both their training and performance. Muscle tension inhibits performance, and acupuncture releases tension in both muscles and the surround tissue, as well improving the efficiency of the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Acupuncture can also be used to speed up recovery rates from injury and manage pain.

Allergies also respond well to acupuncture therapy. Harmless substances can cause the immune system to overreact, leading to an allergic reaction. Many allergies are triggered by common environmental factors such as dust, pollen and chemicals. Many people also suffer from food allergies, which can be triggered by wheat, milk and shellfish, amongst other things. Allergies are uncomfortable - stuffy nose, watery eyes and sneezing. In some sufferers, allergy reaction can result in extreme symptoms such as kidney problems, joint pain and depression. Detoxifying the body and strengthening the immune system with acupuncture helps reduce or eliminate allergic reactions.

Many people turn to acupuncture therapy for more serious issues, such as bronchitis, asthma, hypertension and ulcers. Western medicine struggles to understand how acupuncture manages to be so effective, but the results speak for themselves. Some suggest that believing acupuncture will work is the reason it does, but that hasn't been proven. Sometimes, for more chronic conditions, massage and herbal remedies are used together with acupuncture therapy.

Other health issues that often respond well to acupuncture include PMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, menopause and menstruation problems. If you're interested in trying acupuncture therapy, find yourself a reputable local practitioner, then ring and have a chat with them about your health problems. This will give them the opportunity to say whether or not they think acupuncture can help you. The only way to know for sure is to give it a go.

Steve Dolan is an active athlete who uses acupuncture therapy to treat various conditions. Click Acupuncture Therapy to find out how it can help you too.

Acupuncture Weight Loss Secrets Revealed!

Acupuncture weight loss is a new field in a way. Although acupuncture itself is ancient, it does not have a long history of being used for weight control purposes. Only modern living has brought obesity to a level that has seen both medical practitioners and patients searching for a cure for weight loss. Hence, the birth of acupuncture weight loss research.

Acupuncture weight loss techniques have been researched since 1998 in China, where the influx of Western foods has seen the population ballooning.

Acupuncture weight loss techniques boots the endocrine and digestive systems of the patient, resulting in better digestion and making the patient feel fuller faster. With the combination of needles and herbal therapies, the patient?s goal of losing weight is almost assured.

Some acupuncture weight loss meridian points are the stomach, spleen and kidney. The mouth, lung and thyroid are other points used for treatment. All treatments are customized for the patients as they have different needs and their bodies are also different.

There is a treatment available in the West based on theories of ear acupuncture weight loss. It is often marketed as 'Weight Control Ear Staples.' These are not advised since this treatment not only disregards 90% of the full treatment, but may also cause infections and damage the ear cartilage. Acupuncture weight loss is a slow, somewhat holistic treatment and cannot be emulated simply by clipping things to one's ears. Hence, it would be prudent to disregard this ear acupuncture weight loss technique.

Many patients undergoing an acupuncture weight loss program only report great results in about a year. Note that an acupuncture weight loss program does not require a focus on diet and exercise. The key is to make the patient feel full faster, and thus eating less. Willpower or spending hours at the gym is not necessary. On the other hand, Western practitioners will require the patient to follow a diet and exercise program. This takes a lot of effort for the patient to follow.

While on the acupuncture weight loss treatment, patients should ideally make time for two or more treatments per week. These treatments involve the placing of needles, as well as application of gentle electrical currents. Afterwards, the patient is advised to take herbal mixtures to aid the removal of toxins and strengthen the flow of qi. The first part of the program involves slow and gentle weight loss. Ear acupuncture weight loss practices may be used at this time in the form of herbal seeds attached to the ear.

The latter part of the acupuncture weight loss process involves stabilizing the client and slowly bringing back into the diet things that may have been eliminated during the treatment. The idea is to maintain the new weight while allowing the client to enjoy a normal diet.

In conclusion, if you have difficulty in losing weight, then an acupuncture weight loss program may just be the safe and natural solution for you!

Go here to find out more about Acupuncture and Its Healing Ways. and everything acupuncture at 321 Acupuncture.

Acupuncture To Stop Smoking

There are numerous methods of giving up smoking but it is a difficult thing to do. If you have tried almost everything available such as nicotine patches, or nicotine chewing gum and the like, you should consider acupuncture. You may be wary about the idea but you never know what may work for you. Here is a little account about the process you go through if you ever decide to check it out.

At your initial meeting with an acupuncture professional, you will have a number of tests taken. First, there is a questionnaire to fill out and then a number of tests that concern your heart are preformed. Finally, your tongue is observed. The testing is necessary because acupuncture as a process considers each body as a unique. The whole process must be tailored to your body using the tests as a gauge to figure out a program for you. If another smoker went along to the same acupuncturist, she would get a different procedure based on her test results.

After the first meeting you may be sent away until you next visit or you may be instructed to take some vitamins or supplements. How many sessions and how long the whole process takes depends on the individual. It may take a while for you to quit or you may stop smoking after a short length of time.

The costs vary but generally the first visit is about four hundred to eight hundred dollars and then there may be about five visits following that. The supplements or other herbs can be about five dollars to twenty five but the herbs are pretty cheap considering what would be the end result. So if you have tried everything else and still want to give up smoking why don?t you give acupuncture a go it might be the one that works. Good Luck!
Karina Jacobsen is a staff writer at Alternative Health Advisor and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Wellness Digest.

Fertility Acupuncture Specialists - Painless and Cost Effective

There are many benefits to searching out a Fertility Acupuncture Specialists, as this form of therapy has been proven to help increase fertility in certain situations. It is a simple, natural, and affordable treatment option for infertility. It appears to work the best with problems involving endometriosis and has been used since ancient times and has been proven safe and effective.

There are many studies that have had very positive results as to whether or not acupuncture helps with fertility problems. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic have been investigating treatments and have had good results but there still is much more research needed to determine when and how the acupuncture therapy works the best.

Fertility Acupuncture Specialists perform their procedure by placing slender needles on certain points of the body and these points allow the flow of life energy, or chi, to flow properly. This method has been developed and perfected by the ancient Chinese and they have found the best results from acupuncture have been when it is used to treat the pain of endometriosis, and not used in the traditional body spots that have been used to help infertility. This brings hope to many women who have found that pain from endometriosis infringes on becoming pregnant. Endometriosis is a very common problem and results in thousands of partial and total hysterectomies each year. But whether a woman suffers from endometriosis or another form of infertility problem, finding a Fertility Acupuncture Specialists can help.

Acupuncture is performed by well-trained, licensed professionals in alternative medicine clinics or holistic centers. You can find these clinics all across America or in other countries as well. You can find one that is located in your area by searching online or looking in your telephone book's yellow pages under "Alternative Medicine", or a similar listing. When compared to other infertility treatments, acupuncture proves very cost effective.

Acupuncture has been accepted for centuries as a therapy for infertility and is safe and affordable. If you are experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant acupuncture therapy is worth a try. There is no need to fear the idea of having fine needles placed on your body. Acupuncture is painless and quite relaxing and if the fertility problem is related to endometriosis then consulting your nearest Fertility Acupuncture Specialists may be the most painless, cost effective, and trouble-free treatment available.

Learn more about taking charge of your fertility and more about fertility specialists at http://www.fertility-help.com/

The Potential Side Effects of Acupuncture

 

Although the incidences of serious side effects from the practice of acupuncture are rare, they do exist. Many of the side effects are minor, but since acupuncture involves puncturing the skin with needles, the potential does exist for harmful effects to occur.

But first of all, let?s define what acupuncture is. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine which has been practiced for centuries in China and has spread around the globe in modern times. It is widely practiced in many countries including the United States. Acupuncture involves piercing the skin with needles along the energy meridians of the body in an attempt to heal illness or treat addictions.

Now let?s look at some of the minor side effects which may occur. These are harmless and should clear up on their own without further treatment and include bruising, bleeding after removal of the needle, and psychological effects which might cause dizziness and fainting. These side effects are similar to what one would experience with a shot or having blood work drawn.

We will now examine the rare but serious side effects of Acupuncture.

Infection

Since the needles pierce the skin, there is the potential for introducing bacteria into the bloodstream and causing an infection at the puncture site or elsewhere in the body. An important consideration is the sterilization process of the needles to be used so that the chance of the needles being contaminated is reduced. Also improperly sterilized needles can transmit AIDS/HIV as well as other deadly diseases such as hepatitis and encephalopathy (mad cow disease.)

Nerve damage

Nerve damage can occur as a result of a nerve being pierced or nicked when inserting the Acupuncture needle.

Organ punctures

Inserting the needle deep into the lung can cause a pneumothorax to develop which means air will escape out of the lung and be trapped there causing the lung to collapse. The same potential exists for the other vital organs of the body. There is the chance a kidney or the protective sac around the heart could be punctured. There is also a risk of stroke induced by Acupuncture if the needle is inserted improperly at the base of the skull.

Luckily, acupuncturists are highly trained to avoid the above harmful consequences of acupuncture and indeed they are quite rare. To reduce your risks make sure you go to a licensed qualified practitioner and ask about their procedures for sterilizing needles.

Karina Jacobsen is a staff writer at www.alternativehealthadvisor.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including www.wellness-digest.com .

Cosmetic Acupuncture: A Beautiful Thing

 

Today more and more Americans are expected to live healthfully into their 70?s, 80?s and beyond. With an increased life expectancy and great improvements in health, many women and men have turned their attention to looking as young as they feel. Billions of dollars are spent annually in the United States on anti-aging creams and cosmetics. Plastic surgery and Botox injections have moved out of the realm of the rich and famous and are increasingly used as a routine first line of defense for anyone looking to take a few years off their face.

There are many people, however, who find the invasive nature and risks associated with surgery or injections more than what they are willing to undergo to look younger. For those who are looking for a safer and more natural alternative, an ancient treatment is taking on a new spin. Lately, aging baby boomers have been turning to cosmetic acupuncture to look younger and improve their health at the same time.

In China, Cosmetic acupuncture was used as long ago as the Sung Dynasty, (960 AD-1270 AD) and was used by the Emperor?s concubines and the Empress herself. It involves the insertion of tiny needles on acupuncture points in the face and on points of the body. Based on the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, cosmetic acupuncture works to increase the circulation of energy and blood to the face. This increase in circulation causes more nutrients, collagen and elastin moving to the facial area. Cosmetic acupuncture also works to decrease stress and improve health, which also benefits the appearance of the face.

The effects of cosmetic acupuncture can vary, but may include a more even, glowing complexion, a decrease in fine lines and softening of wrinkles, diminished puffiness around the eyes, and a general lifting of the face, including jowls. In fact, in a 1996 study reported by the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 90% of the 300 participants reported improvements, such as better complexion, diminished lines and wrinkles, and feeling rejuvenated overall. In addition, many people report other health benefits from cosmetic acupuncture, such as improved digestion, decreased stress, less menstrual discomfort, fewer hot flashes, decreased acne breakouts, and less TMJ symptoms, such as teeth grinding.

Almost anyone can benefit from cosmetic acupuncture, but in general, people in good health will see the most improvement in their skin. Smokers, people with poor digestion, and those who suffer from long-term depleting conditions should resolve their health issues before undergoing cosmetic acupuncture. In addition, cosmetic acupuncture may aggravate migraine headaches.

The drawbacks of cosmetic acupuncture include the fact that unlike the immediate effects of Botox or surgery, usually 10 to 12 acupuncture treatments are needed to see results. In addition, while the results are noticeable, they can be unpredictable as to where and how much improvement is achieved.

Many people who have never had acupuncture think of it as a painful therapy. In reality, most people who have had acupuncture would not describe it as painful. There may be mild discomfort when the needles are inserted and some points on the body and face are more sensitive than others. However, your practitioner can use various insertion techniques on those points to minimize sensation. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and some actually fall asleep while the needles are retained.

Cosmetic acupuncture is extremely safe. There is no risk of disfigurement and no recovery time associated with this procedure. Most clients go back to work after having cosmetic acupuncture feeling relaxed and refreshed. Because cosmetic acupuncture benefits your health and decreases stress while it improves your looks, it is considered a rejuvenating therapy in every sense of the word.

Lynn Jaffee is a licensed acupuncturist at Acupuncture in the Park in St. Louis Park, MN. She specializes in women's health and cosmetic acupuncture. You can reach Lynn at (952) 545-2250 or through her website at www.acupunctureinthepark.com

Acupuncture Schools Gaining Acceptance

 

Acupuncture schools teach an ancient healing art that is among the oldest medical procedures still in use today. Acupuncture is believed to have originated and is known to have been used for over 2,000 years in China. Acupuncture was not broadly accepted, nor even familiar, in the United States until the mid 20th century.

Acupuncture involves stimulation of points on the body using several techniques of medical traditions from China, Korea, and Japan. The most well known acupuncture technique involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points just below the surface of the skin. Good acupuncture schools teach electrical stimulation of applied needles to affect responses of body functions that promote balance and improve health.

Though most feel no or minimal pain as needles are inserted, patients experience the acupuncture differently; treatments can relax or energize the patient as blocked energies begin to flow along meridians.

North American approaches to acupuncture are more and more often taught in the U.S. and are used as a complementary medicine by physicians and dentists to reduce or eliminate pain altogether. Modern physicians also use acupuncture and oriental medicine to treat various conditions, including arthritis, colds, flu, bronchitis, kidney problems, anorexia, nausea, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and many more.

MRI experiments in the United States have shown that acupuncture does affect the area of the brain that senses pain. Medical colleges in the United States are offering courses in acupuncture for licensed physicians, and many traditional doctors and hospitals now offer acupuncture as a complementary therapy for treatment of pain. Acupuncture programs are extensive, requiring approximately 200 hours of study.

Medical Colleges and acupuncture schools provide differing training programs in this traditional Chinese medicine, however, and students will do well to research accredited schools that focus on particular techniques and approaches to find the acupuncture style and philosophy that suits their goals and aspirations.

To learn more about Acupuncture Schools and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Natural Healing Directory and find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Chinese Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Acupuncture Schools Teach Ancient Healing Art

 

Acupuncture Schools teach the practice of this ancient Chinese healing method for treating illnesses and various conditions related to stress and loss of general good health. Acupuncture is founded on the belief that the body is stimulated into healthful responses with fine needles gently tapped into specific points just below the superficial layer of skin for short periods of time. Though acupuncture may appear to be painful, the patient experiences very little, if any, discomfort.

Acupuncture is used for treating many ailments ? arthritis, headaches, muscle spasms, pain, anxiety, bursitis, tendonitis, anorexia, sinusitis, diarrhea, weight loss, and many other conditions. Some Acupuncture Schools teach Oriental Medicine approaches along with traditional Western medical practices.

There are several different styles of acupuncture, many of which are offered by the several schools found in the U.S. and Canada. Some include courses in traditional medicine, such as anatomy, body therapy, massage therapy, and biosciences, along with the study of herbal medicines.

The aspiring acupuncturist may want to study alongside a practicing professional through an apprenticeship program or an internship. Apprenticeships in acupuncture school can be extensive throughout the duration of one?s education. Internships usually begin in the third year of school.

Many practicing acupuncture professionals have graduated from one of the fine acupuncture schools found in North America. Most states and provinces require professional licensure along with a degree in acupuncture before practicing the ancient healing arts of acupuncture and oriental medicine.

To learn more about Acupuncture Schools and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

 Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Natural Healing Directory and find Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Healing Arts Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Acupuncture Schools Teach Complementary Medicine

 

As the practice of acupuncture gains acceptance in the United States, it is not surprising that it can be used as a complement to traditional western medicine. Experiments have shown that the brain does respond to acupuncture with reduced pain, and there are now several medical colleges in the United States that provide acupuncture classes for physicians and dentists. Hospitals also offer acupuncture during surgery and as a complementary therapy for treatment of pain.

Acupuncture schools in the United States and Canada now teach this traditional Chinese art of healing that has been practiced in China for possibly as many as 5,000 years. Although the practice of acupuncture did not appear in the United States until well into the 20th century, many western acupuncture schools now maintain close affiliations with schools in China. Occasionally, students are able to intern in China with their colleagues as a part of their acupuncture programs of study.

A drug-free therapy, the healing art of acupuncture is widely known to relieve pain. The process involves inserting fine needles lightly through the skin to stimulate flow of energy, which promotes balance and wellness. Acupuncture is used extensively for medical purposes, including the prevention of disease (its main emphasis in some types of acupuncture) as well as treatment for conditions and diseases.

Surprisingly, there is no or very little pain experienced by patients receiving acupuncture treatments as the needles are inserted through the skin. Patients do, however, respond with increased energy or relaxation.

Various schools offer different forms of acupuncture and different subjects may be presented, including five element acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupuncture and oriental medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and more. Students should consider researching several accredited schools before deciding which approach suits their style and purpose.

To learn more about Acupuncture Schools and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Natural Healing Directory and find Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Healing Arts Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Acupuncture an Alternative Health Procedure

#TITLE##/TITLE# Acupuncture is an ancient practice that now includes some modern tweaks that adds value to the treatment. Building on an already useful tool for healing, acupuncture now adds other tools such as laser and electric current.

Originating in China over 2000 years ago, acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedure.

The practice of acupuncture is inserting hair-thin needles at specific points on the body. These points are known as pathways or meridians which may be block.

It's believed that by inserting needles that these meridians will unblock thus letting the body's electric energy through. This can ease pain and assist the healing process.

What should you expect?

You may experience slight to no pain. A few people may feel more sensations. Generally the client will feel relax. This routine normally last about 30 minutes while you lay quietly and try to remain relax.

You should make sure your acupuncturist has credentials, skill and references.

There are always the dangers of an inexperience acupuncturist. You wouldn't want a puncture lung. Please don't let me discourage you to search for a qualified acupuncturist but do be prudent in your quest.

Personally I had no real problems except some anxiety during the treatment. Acupuncture has definitely helped my high blood pressure and worry. Also it's helping my snoring to a degree for which my loving wife is very grateful. My wife has cerebral palsy and acupuncture has helped her tremendously too.

Our sessions generally cost $75.00 for each issue. Since I have about three areas that he treats there is a slight discount. applied.

Our acupuncturist is Chinese and only been in the USA a few years. Although he speaks English, I hope he comprehends what I'm expressing. So far he has for the most part.

Although acupuncture may sound strange to many, I urge you to consider it. Sometimes it's the only thing that relieves your symptoms when nothing else will.

Keep in mind that the first few sessions may not be as positive as you would like it. My BP actually went up some until my third session. Now it has improved considerably and I'm very glad that I stuck it out.

There are many alternative therapies available and acupuncture is a very promising choice. Many have seen immediate pain relief and health improvement. Maybe it will produce results for you too.

Do your homework. Investigate your options. If you ultimately decide to try acupuncture then make sure you select someone reliable.




Lambert Klein is the owner of Think Healthy supplements and products.

Varieties of Acupuncture Practiced Today

 

Originally developed in China, the ancient practice of acupuncture became popular as a method of bodily ailment relief. Soon this art spread to other countries and diversified in to new modified forms.

Korea, Vietnam, Japan, then Europe and America took up acupuncture and changed it to varying degrees based upon the countries different looks at the theory and techniques involved.

Basic underlying theoretical principals always remain the same but some styles of acupuncture vary greatly with diagnosis and technique. As yet there is no evidence that any one style of acupuncture is an improvement on another.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Abbreviated to TCM, this is the most commonly used type of acupuncture in the world. In addition to being practiced in China the United States is known to have a large number of practitioners.

Korean Hand Acupuncture

Peoples hands are focused on here, different areas related to other parts of the persons anatomy and potential 'disharmonies'. This technique is one of the so called 'microsystems' whereby one aspect of the body is used to treat ailments anywhere in the body.

Japanese Acupuncture

This particular acupuncture style is a more subtle form of TCM. The number of needles as well as the needle thickness is less. Stimulation is less pronounced in general.

Auricular Acupuncture

Another microsystem, ears are the focus here. Specific parts of the ear relate to other areas of the body and associated maladies. Pain control or drug addictions, e.g. alcohol and nicotine, are common uses for this acupuncture technique.

Medical Acupuncture

Defined as when a western world doctor administers acupuncture to a patient. Requirements for doctors to take up this practice are said to be more relaxed than is usual with the other techniques and therefore checking to see that the doctor is part of a recognized acupuncture group is essential.

Veterinary Acupuncture

Acknowledged and respected in its own right, requiring formal training and certification so as then to go on and practice, veterinary acupuncture is now practiced in most US states, many provinces in Canada and indeed other countries around the world.

These are just some of the main styles that can be found today. Many other variations exist e.g. Barefoot Doctor Acupuncture, Five Element Traditional Acupuncture and French Vietnamese Acupuncture. Often in today's practice acupuncture aspects from a variety of different styles are brought together to create a unique effect.

If you are considering taking up acupuncture of a particular style it is generally advised to always seek practitioners that are fully qualified in their particular discipline.

If you are interested in the discovering the history of acupuncture type in http://www.acupuncturetreatmentcenter.com/acupuncturealerts/2/overview-brief-history-of-acupuncture/ and feast your eyes on a wide variety of interesting and current acupuncture information.

How To Quit Smoking Successfully With Acupuncture

Many smokers try acupuncture to quit smoking. However, often times they smoke again after the treatment . Does this mean that acupuncture fails to help you stop smoking? What causes the failure when others have succeeded and continue to remain free of smoking for many years after acupuncture treatment?

You may be searching for a magic button to help you quit smoking. However, acupuncture is not a miracle cure.

Acupuncture fails when you fail to deal with your smoking habit and mental withdrawal symptoms such as stress. You need to devise a plan to manage them. You must deal with it. Leave them to chance and you are bound to fail. For instance, if its your habit to smoke after a meal, then replace that habitual activity with a healthy snack. Break whatever patterns that motivate you to smoke and focus your thoughts on other things. If you face stress, don't take the easy way out and smoke. Instead, find alternatives such as massage and relaxation music to calm you.

If you still have the slightest desire to smoke after acupuncture therapy, you will fall into relapse.

If you want to quit smoking completely, you have to do it for yourself. Don't attend acupuncture treatment just to oblige your loved ones that pester you endlessly into quitting smoking. You may quit for some time after the therapy but when the urge gets too strong for you to withstand, you smoke again. Then you tell them that acupuncture doesn't work for you. Quitting smoking for the sake of others doesn't work at all.

Physical withdrawal symptoms happen because of lack of nicotine. You experience dizziness, cough, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and irritation. Acupuncture can help you deal with the physical withdrawal symptom. Directing needles to specific acupressure points, such as ears, can stop the craving for more nicotine. The acupuncturist then removes the needles after 10 to 20 minutes.

Acupuncture stimulates your body into producing endorphins, a good feeling usually associated with smoking. It also helps your body to purge the remaining nicotine in your body.

Most experts suggest that you combine acupuncture with other stop smoking aids such as hypnosis. A combination of different quit smoking methods can increase your success rate of kicking the habit permanently. Nowadays, most acupuncture clinics offer additional aids to help you overcome the habitual and mental aspect of smoking.

Nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patch and gum provides controlled dosages of nicotine to your body. Acupuncture doesn't feed you any nicotine. That's the good thing about it. You don't experience any side effects which makes it safe for you. Remember, do it for yourself. Acupuncture can help you to quit smoking if you combine with other methods. Depending on acupuncture alone is possible only if you have strong willpower.



At DeadlyPuff.com, Andy Lim offers complete information on tobacco abuse and ways to quit smoking. Say goodbye to cigarette easily with acupuncture smoking cessation at www.deadlypuff.com today.

How To Quit Smoking Successfully With Acupuncture

Many smokers try acupuncture to quit smoking. However, often times they smoke again after the treatment . Does this mean that acupuncture fails to help you stop smoking? What causes the failure when others have succeeded and continue to remain free of smoking for many years after acupuncture treatment?

You may be searching for a magic button to help you quit smoking. However, acupuncture is not a miracle cure.

Acupuncture fails when you fail to deal with your smoking habit and mental withdrawal symptoms such as stress. You need to devise a plan to manage them. You must deal with it. Leave them to chance and you are bound to fail. For instance, if its your habit to smoke after a meal, then replace that habitual activity with a healthy snack. Break whatever patterns that motivate you to smoke and focus your thoughts on other things. If you face stress, don't take the easy way out and smoke. Instead, find alternatives such as massage and relaxation music to calm you.

If you still have the slightest desire to smoke after acupuncture therapy, you will fall into relapse.

If you want to quit smoking completely, you have to do it for yourself. Don't attend acupuncture treatment just to oblige your loved ones that pester you endlessly into quitting smoking. You may quit for some time after the therapy but when the urge gets too strong for you to withstand, you smoke again. Then you tell them that acupuncture doesn't work for you. Quitting smoking for the sake of others doesn't work at all.

Physical withdrawal symptoms happen because of lack of nicotine. You experience dizziness, cough, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and irritation. Acupuncture can help you deal with the physical withdrawal symptom. Directing needles to specific acupressure points, such as ears, can stop the craving for more nicotine. The acupuncturist then removes the needles after 10 to 20 minutes.

Acupuncture stimulates your body into producing endorphins, a good feeling usually associated with smoking. It also helps your body to purge the remaining nicotine in your body.

Most experts suggest that you combine acupuncture with other stop smoking aids such as hypnosis. A combination of different quit smoking methods can increase your success rate of kicking the habit permanently. Nowadays, most acupuncture clinics offer additional aids to help you overcome the habitual and mental aspect of smoking.

Nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patch and gum provides controlled dosages of nicotine to your body. Acupuncture doesn't feed you any nicotine. That's the good thing about it. You don't experience any side effects which makes it safe for you. Remember, do it for yourself. Acupuncture can help you to quit smoking if you combine with other methods. Depending on acupuncture alone is possible only if you have strong willpower.



At DeadlyPuff.com, Andy Lim offers complete information on tobacco abuse and ways to quit smoking. Say goodbye to cigarette easily with acupuncture smoking cessation at www.deadlypuff.com today.

Is Weight Loss Eluding You? Try Acupuncture Weight Loss!

If losing weight is a challenge for you, then acupuncture weight loss may just be the solution you need. Despite having a long history, acupuncture has only been used for weight control purposes recently. Given the modern day's diet, with all the oily and fried stuff, it is no wonder that obesity has become a big problem. Thus, the research into acupuncture weight loss techniques.

Although acupuncture originated from ancient China, it was only in 1998 that acupuncture weight loss techniques have been researched. With the unhealthy diet of modern day living, the Chinese population has also ballooned into bigger sizes.

Acupuncture weight loss techniques boots the endocrine and digestive systems of the patient, resulting in better digestion and making the patient feel fuller faster. With the combination of needles and herbal therapies, the patient's goal of losing weight is almost assured.

The acupuncture points used for acupuncture weight loss are mostly the stomach, spleen, and kidney points. Other points can be the mouth, lung, and thyroid. The practitioner will devise a program that suits the particular patient and is based on their particular needs.

Warning: stay away from this ear acupuncture weight loss technique commonly marketed as the "Weight Control Ear Staples". It disregards 90% of the full Chinese treatment and has evolved from Western theories. This method can also cause infections and ear cartilage damage. It is important to be patient since acupuncture weight loss is a holistic albeit slow treatment. Clipping one's ears with this ear acupuncture weight loss technique will only make things worse and not speed up weight loss.

Many patients undergoing an acupuncture weight loss program only report great results in about a year. Note that an acupuncture weight loss program does not require a focus on diet and exercise. The key is to make the patient feel full faster, and thus eating less. Willpower or spending hours at the gym is not necessary. On the other hand, Western practitioners will require the patient to follow a diet and exercise program. This takes a lot of effort for the patient to follow.

When undergoing an acupuncture weight loss program, the patient will have to undergo 2 or 3 or even more treatments per week, depending on needs. Treatment will involve the use of needles and the application of low electrical currents. Herbal mixtures are also used to remove toxins in the body and strengthen the flow of qi. Each program will start off with a slow and gentle weight loss. At this stage, ear acupuncture weight loss practices may be used by attaching herbal seeds to the ear.

At the second stage of the program, the patient's weight will be stabilized, and she will be slowly bringing back her normal diet eliminated during the first stage of the treatment. This allows the patient to maintain her weight, and still enjoy a good meal.

So, if losing weight is proving to be a challenge for you, try an acupuncture weight loss program. It may be all you need!

Go here to find out more about Acupuncture and Its Healing Ways. and everything acupuncture at 321 Acupuncture or http://www.321acupuncture.com

First Do No Harm: Treating Pregnancy Conditions with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

 

If you are a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner trained in North America you know that beginner TCM texts forbid treating pregnant women with blood quickeners or using ?forbidden? acupuncture points.

What you may not know is that Chinese medicine has a long tradition of and extensive literature on the subject of gynecology and obstetrics. Advanced Chinese medicine literatures contain descriptions on how and when pregnant woman can be treated. According to Dr. Bob Flaws, one of North America?s foremost experts on Chinese Medicine GYN OB, the prohibition against treating pregnant women is to prevent unqualified and inexperienced practitioners from intervening and potentially doing harm. Dr. Flaws states, however, that practitioners who receive professional training from a TCM specialist who is knowledgeable and experienced in Chinese Medicine GYN OB can learn to treat problems in pregnancy safely, effectively and with confidence.

For trained practitioners there are certain conditions in pregnancy where treatment using some of the forbidden points and/or herbs is warranted and even necessary. In particular, bleeding during pregnancy is always serious and may indicate that the woman is at risk of loosing the fetus. But to safely treat a woman in this condition, the practitioner must be able to make the correct pattern diagnosis and know the appropriate treatment.

Dr Flaws gives the example of diagnosing and treating blood stasis with blood quickeners.

According to Chinese OB texts, blood stasis is one of the four basic causes of bleeding. If the total pattern (i.e., all the corroborating signs and symptoms) indicates blood stasis, and blood stasis threatens the viability of the fetus, then blood quickeners may be indicated. In this case blood-quickeners are not toxic to the fetus and are in fact necessary to protect and preserve the pregnancy. Blood quickening, according to the meaning of the Chinese character sheng, refers to ?bringing the blood back to life? and so can preserve and promote life and birth.

It is critical, however, that the correct pattern differential is determined. Conditions like myomas during pregnancy may or may not indicate blood stasis or threaten the pregnancy. Simply the presence of a myoma on an ultrasound does not equal blood stasis. The collaborating signs and symptoms must be present to arrive at the diagnosis of Blood stasis and to warrant the use of certain points and herbs.

Thus in order to treat a pregnant patient, you must ensure that you are capable of making a thorough and accurate diagnosis of symptom patterns and that you have the knowledge to prescribe the safest most effective treatment. If you do not feel fully confident treating a patient then do both you and her a favor and refer her to someone who does have the proper skill and experience. As a practitioner you are obliged, above all, to ?do no harm.? However, with adequate training and experience you can develop the knowledge and skill to treat conditions in pregnancy with confidence and success.

References: Chinese Medical Obstetrics by Bob Flaws Advanced Training in Chinese Medical Gynecology - Complete Course by Blue Poppy

Lorne Brown is a registered Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practicing in Vancouver, British Columbia. As founder and clinical director of Acubalance Wellness Centre, the first TCM clinic in British Columbia dedicated to reproductive wellness, Dr. Brown is an internationally respected leader in his field. In his practice he has helped many couples achieve their dream of having a baby using evidence-based TCM protocols to naturally enhance fertility and to support Assisted Fertility Treatments like In-Vitro Fertilization.

Dr Brown has appeared on the Bill Good Show and City TV, and has been featured in Maclean?s Magazine and the Globe and Mail. He is a popular speaker at many events, including the Seventeenth International Conference for Nurses & Support Personnel in Reproductive Medicine, and 2006 Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society 52nd annual meeting (CFAS).

Can Acupuncture Solve Infertility Problems?

 

Infertility acupuncture may have started out as a ripple but in recent times, it is gathering wave-like momentum as an alternative treatment for infertility. But is it a sound and reliable treatment?

Acupuncture is still somewhat of a mystery to modern science. The fact that a reasonable explanation of how acupuncture actually works is yet to be established tends to lend a degree of skepticism from those who don't understand it. However, in the area of infertility, several studies conducted in recent years have produced encouraging results when acupuncture has been used in conjunction with modern medical techniques. Infertility is such an emotinal issue that couples, who have exhausted all possible avenues of traditional treatments without success, will then consider other alternatives of which acupuncture is one.

Benefits Of Acupuncture

One of the benefits of infertility acupuncture has been it's ability to regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles as well as improving sperm mobility. It has been particularly useful in the area of in vitro fertilization(IVF). Studies have shown that acupuncture treatment aids in the production of better quality eggs. There is a correlation between women being more relaxed during fertility treatments when undergoing corresponding acupuncture treatment. This relaxation has had the effect of aiding better egg transfer which in turn has led to higher pregnancy rates.

Are Ther Disadvantages In Using Acupuncture?

An obvious disadvantage of infertility acupuncture treatment lies in the fact that while it seems beneficial in aiding problems of function including irregular ovulation, it's use in treating structural problems is undetermined. However, a study of acupuncture generally suggests it wasn't designed to repair structural damage and this is best left to modern surgery techniques. It also requires several sessions which could be seen as a disadvantage but again, when emotion comes into play and all other avenues have failed, then this is usually just a minor inconvenience.

It's important for couples considering infertility acupuncture to be prudent in their selection of practioner. Making sure they are licensed to practice is an obvious checkpoint. Before you even consider acupuncture a discussion should take place between you and your doctor regarding any possible side effects that may come about from medication which is already being administered and acupuncture medication such as herb treatment. It is common for acupuncture practitioners to offer herb medicine in conjuction with treatment but you'll need to check with your doctor before taking these. Why? Simply that some herbs could interfere or hamper the effects of drugs you have already been prescribed.

Doing some "legwork" prior to choosing a practioner should involve speaking to friends and families. Find out whether they have had acupuncture treatment and get recommendations. Going online and participating in infertility forums is another avenue that could be pursued.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Infertility is an emotional topic. Find out about infertility acupuncture as well as the latest infertility news and reviews at http://www.infertilityline.com

Acupuncture for Sinus Headaches Pain Relief

Sinus headaches are triggered when the mucous membrane of the sinus cavities in your face get inflamed. If you suffer from sinus headaches, you get a deep, dull pain in front of your head or face (at specific points such as behind the eyes or side of the nose). The pain gets worse if you moved your head physically, especially while bending down or leaning over.

Sinus headaches pain peaks during the morning hours after waking up and it generally subsides by after noon. And quite often, the pain starts when you get a bad cold.

Conventional treatments for sinus headaches usually involve antibiotic cure and surgery in acute cases. More recently, it has been found that acupuncture is an effective complementary and alternative therapy for sinus headaches.

Acupuncture is the one of the oldest and widely used holistic medical practices in the world. It is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The term ?acupuncture? stands for a variety of procedures that involves stimulation of anatomical points on the body using different techniques. The most popularly studied technique involves inserting extremely thin metal needles at the acupuncture points. These needles are then either manipulated by electric signals or bare hands. This procedure does not involve injections of drugs or medical substances. You usually do not feel any pain and sometimes you do not even realize that a needle has been inserted into your body.

Now here is how acupuncture relieves sinus headaches. Modern science believes that acupuncture brings about biochemical changes in the blood serum to stabilize serotonin ? a vital chemical that acts as a messenger between the spinal cord and brain ? and stimulates the release of endorphins (human body?s natural painkiller) to alleviate the pain. Further, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system to relieve stress, anxiety and muscle tension, and promotes cerebral circulation so that the affected region gets more oxygenated blood supply and nutrients.

Acupuncture for sinus headaches is usually prescribed based on a detailed diagnosis of your medical condition. Your practitioner has to first determine what the imbalances in your body are before he decides a course of treatments.

If you wish to consider having acupuncture for sinus headaches, you will need to find an expert acupuncturist. Check with the local acupuncture association to get some referrals. The better skilled your acupuncturist is, the more effective you will find this alternative and complementary treatment.

Overconsumption of drugs for headache relief can result in rebound headaches and worsening migraines. Get more information on natural headache remedy or remedies here on this site at http://www.naturalheadacheremedies.com

Acupuncture and the Story Behind It

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine?

or TCM for short is a coherent and independent system of medical thought and practice that utilizes the techniques of acupuncture, moxibustion, nutrition, herbs, exercise and massage in its therapy.

It has evolved over thousands of years and because TCM is rooted in a philosophy and culture entirely foreign to the West it has developed it?s own unique perception and language concerning the body and disease.

Ancient Chinese healers studied the external rhyme and season of nature and applied those laws and language in their observations of human bodily functions. Wind, heat, cold, fire, dryness and damp are words that apply not only to nature but to the body. For example in TCM an acute sore throat is not considered a viral infection but rather an attack of wind heat.

This uniqueness does not make Chinese medicine primitive or magical. Nor does it make the mystical and ultimate truth. It simply means that TCM is a complete, though different system than Western medicine.

Chinese physiology is also different from the West? It is not so much the physical organ that is being described, but rather its functions and those functions in relationship to other organs. For example, the liver according to TCM physiology has the function of nourishing the eyes, muscles and tendons, which are not liver functions recognized in Western medical science. If it is not functioning adequately a person may suffer stiff, aching, twitching, or cramping muscles or dry itchy eyes. The liver also has many other functions.

Some of the TCM physiology is radically different from a Western medical approach. For example, one of the Heart?s functions is circulating the blood, however it is also the consciousness ?awareness centre of the body. In Western terms though, this is considered a brain function.

Even though the two physiologies may be different, if each system is viewed in it?s entirety, their theoretical framework becomes logical and complete.

The Meridian System?

For each organ in TCM there is a corresponding meridian (energy pathway) that has functions relating to the parent organ. For example, the Liver meridian is related to the liver organ. Each meridian also has it?s own meridian functions. There are twelve main meridians, and they run all over the body from the toes, to the fingertips, to the top of the head. Along these meridians are found the acupuncture points. The points can be activated with very fine acupuncture needles or through massage.

What is Qi?

One of the most important concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine is that of ?Qi? (pronounced chee) which is the Chinese word for energy. Disease occurs when a person?s Qi is out of balance and therefore Chinese Medicine is about balancing Qi. This means that if there is too much Qi, the excess is reduced; too little and the deficiency is enhanced; uneven, and the Qi is more evenly distributed.

There are several kinds of Qi to be considered in TCM:

Firstly, there is the energy you were born with which is called ?inherited Qi?. This is the product of the energy of the sperm and ova and the quality of this inherited Qi relates to the health of the parents at conception. This Qi mainly acts like a catalyst in the body. It gets things going, like the ignition in a car. When this Qi is used up, we die.

Secondly, there is our ?acquired Qi?. This is the raw energy that we take in every day in the form of food, water and air. These raw products are transformed into energy that the body can use. Acquired Qi supplements our inherited Qi and protects it from being used up too quickly. It fills up the meridians, nourishes the organs, produces blood and protects the body form external attack. It can be likened to the petrol in a car.

If the acquired Qi is in good quality and quantity, less inherited Qi is needed and we can live a long life. The inherited Qi is like a bank, so that when the acquired Qi is insufficient, the body must take from the inherited Qi account to keep it functioning. Therefore the Chinese pay much attention to diet and consider a strong stomach to be of major importance.

Applications for Acupuncture?

Muscular-skeletal & neurological:
Back/neck/shoulder pain, sciatica, arthritis and rheumatism, muscle strain, joint pain, headache, migraine, dizziness, ringing in the ears, post-stroke, spasms, sports injuries?

Circulation problems:
Cold hands and feet, felling cold all over, aversion to cold/wind, numbness and tingling of limbs, edema swelling, retention of urine, fluid retention?

Stress symptoms:
Sleep disorders, stiff neck/shoulders, teeth grinding, impotence, mood swings, obsessive thinking, fiery temper, mild depression, anxiety attack, allergies?

Respiratory system:
Common cold and flu, tonsillitis, sinus, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, congested throat, hoarseness, allergies?

Digestive and intestinal illness:
Ulcers, diarrhoea, constipation, anorexia, lack of appetite, indigestion, over-eating, hemorrhoids, lack of energy, gastric, dysentery, irritable bowel?

Women?s health:
PMT, menstrual pain, menopause, irregularities of cycle, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, post-natal problems, lactation?

Disorders of the mouth and eyes:
Toothache, bleeding gums, bad breath, mouth ulcers, sore tongue, cold sores, eye infections, blurred vision?

Diagnosis & treatment by an acupuncturist: Most people will visit an acupuncturist because of one or two specific symptoms. Since Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the entire body, and not just the single symptom in isolation, the acupuncturist will ask pertinent questions concerning: health history, pain, energy level, sleep, appetite, bowels, urine, menstruation, family history, stress levels and so on. This is because the symptom must first be understood in relationship to the body?s other signs and characteristics. Taking the pulse and looking at the tongue also play a major role in helping the practitioner formulate a diagnosis.

Consequently, each patient?s treatment is an individual as there personal characteristics.

The number of treatments that are required varies. A general rule of thumb is that the more chronic the disease/symptom, the more treatments are required. This is why it is important to maintain good health at all times. And when ill, seek treatment immediately to prevent illness from moving into deeper more serious levels.

Scott Cansdell
Back on your Feet
Level 7, Suite 75
183 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000

T: 02 92 333 800
F: 02 92 333 700
W. www.backonyourfeet.com.au
E. scott@backonyourfeet.com.au

Scott's interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine was sparked at a young age and by the age of 25 he took it upon himself to travel southeast asia learning the ancient skills from various teachers. Today he works in Macquarie Street Sydney treating people from all walks of life.

Acupuncture Schools - Find Out More Online

 

Acupuncture has been around for a long time, with estimations varying between 3,000 and 5,000 years. It evolved in China, and is based on the concept that our body has an energy force called Qi running through it. Qi works in conjunction with Yin and Yang to keep our body and mind in balance. If the flow of Chi is disturbed, we can become ill. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at the Chi points around the body to restore harmony where required. Sometimes the needles contain electrodes for extra stimulation.

There are many different conditions that have been shown to respond well to acupuncture, including:

- depression
- anxiety
- stress
- addictions
- allergies
- asthma
- pain

This is only a sample, with acupuncture being used in conditions affecting all the various systems within the body, such as the circulatory, digestive, nervous and muscular systems.

Although initially it was regarded with some disfavor in Western society, acupuncture is now considered a legitimate practice. As a result, many schools have been developed in the US to teach the correct way of performing acupuncture. Many are now accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture, and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

If you're interested in studying acupuncture, then the Internet is a good place to start. There's lots of great information online about acupuncture, and particularly about acupuncture schools. So it's easy to locate an acupuncture school that's close to you, and find out what sort of prerequisites they require before you can attend their school. Many also list the cost of attending their school. All of this helps if you're planning an acupuncture career and need to plan financially for your training.

You might also like to check out the acupuncture laws are in your state. These vary considerably, and it's important that you know exactly what conditions you will be required to meet in order to establish an acupuncture practice. The ACAOM can be very helpful in finding out more on this subject. Acupuncture is a fascinating arm of medicine, so good luck with your studies.

If you want to find out more about studying acupuncture, click over to Gordon's site at http://www.tradeschoolinfozone.com

The Fundamentals of Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture is an important part of Chinese traditional medicine. It has more than two thousand years history and plays an important role on human health in China. In Tang dynasty, it spreads to Japan, Indian and other southeast Asia countries. In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. Millions U.S. adults have ever used it. Now acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world.

The term acupuncture involves positioning long, thin needles on various points on the body. There are different techniques to the insertion of the needles, including care for the angles at which they are inserted, different types of needles (there are nine, but most practitioners only use six types of the needles), and various ways to twirl or vibrate the needles. The needles are placed on the body depending upon the ailment of the patient.

Acupuncture has good effect on many diseases, even including some strange diseases. There are two main effects of acupuncture.

The first main effect of acupuncture is pain relief. This is the prominent characteristic of acupuncture and it is often used on all sorts of acute and chronic pain, such as headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis and back pain. According to the theory of Chinese traditional medicine, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and pain is caused by disruptions in the energy flow patterns (Qi) in the body. By acupuncture therapy, these imbalances are corrected through puncturing identifiable points and pain is alleviated.

The second main effect of acupuncture is adjustment of organism functions. Treatment scope of acupuncture is very wide because it doesn't treat diseases through medicine, but it adjusts organism functions. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature. With the adjustment effect of acupuncture, it can be used on many chronic diseases, such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation and asthma.

Acupuncture is safe and side effects are minor, but since acupuncture involves puncturing the skin with needles, the potential does exist for harmful effects to occur, such as accidental puncture of lung that can lead to pneumothorax and bacterial infection from acupuncture needles. a qualified acupuncturist can avoid such side effects.

Health and sense of well being can be maintained with acupuncture, research and thousands of years practice verifies its positive effects. Patients can try it and benefit from this wonderful treatment.

For more health articles, please go to http://www.healthpile.com.

Michale Lee is a healthcare professional. For more health articles, please go to http://www.healthpile.com.

Quit Smoking - Try Acupuncture Instead

 

Over the past few years it has been found that as a good alternative way of helping people who wish to stop smoking. The treatment is carried out by the insertion of needles to various specific points on the patient?s body, including a few points around the outer ear. The way the treatment works is that it is supposed to help reduce the cravings a person feels for a cigarette and to help those who are already on their way to quitting smoking. During the first years when the use of acupuncture was being used for helping people to quit smoking it became quite popular and certainly had a large number of followers who began to recommend it to others.

The main reason for so many people using this method is that is not invasive and is an ideal option for many people who can not or will not take medicines. However, over the last couple of years the use of acupuncture for helping people to quit smoking has significantly been reduced.

There are usually a number of reasons for this occurring and one of the reasons is that the number of people who actually stopped smoking whilst having acupuncture treatment was very minor and it certainly indicated that may be acupuncture is not the best choice for people who really want to quit smoking. Also there have been a number of other solutions that have been introduced such as laser treatment and shot treatment.

However, to conclude it is quite clear that acupuncture has a place as an alternative treatment in stopping smoking and a number of people have reported that they are getting good results using this form of treatment. But if you really want to quit smoking, then there are other alternatives available.

Kerris Samson a work from home mum now residing in Spain and who has spent a vast amount of researching the different ways in which acupuncture can help in place of conventional western medicine when treating various forms of illness and ailments and also for use to relieve pain. Please visit http://www.oneohone.info/acupuncture if you would like to learn more.

 

 

Acupuncture May Help with Hot Flashes

High quality research is showing a link between Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. In fact with long term HRT, over ten years, the risk may even double. As news travels about the possible harm caused by this therapy, women across America and indeed across the globe are responding by declining HRT. Of course one of the great benefits of HRT has been the reduction of menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Mild hot flashes can be annoying, while severe hot flashes can be debilitating. Mayo clinic reported that up to 75% of American menopausal and post-menopausal women suffer from hot flashes.

Decrease in HRT usage means an increase in hot flash sufferers. While the scientific evidence is still mixed, a recent study published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility suggests that acupuncture may be helpful in reducing hot flashes. Acupuncture, the ancient art of using tiny needles to affect the body?s energies, may have an effect on hormones. Women who received acupuncture in the study had a reduction of the severity of their hot flashes.

Acupuncturists and their patients have long known that acupuncture can be helpful for a host of conditions. So, why is the research only now starting to show that acupuncture works? Michael Roland, L.Ac., MTCM a licensed acupuncturist who works with Dr. Andrew Weil?s Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona and has a private practice in Tucson, Arizona explains it like this: ?Effective research models for studying acupuncture need more development. We?re still trying to use the same research model to see if acupuncture is effective that we use to study whether or not pills work. Both acupuncture and pill usage are very different and so require different research models. Acupuncture is, by its very nature subjective, it must be. The higher the skill of the acupuncturist the better the results for a broader range of patients. We are not little pills. When we have skilled acupuncturists working within research models that allow their skills to be used properly, we will see more and better results. However, even within the current constraints of research models, acupuncture is showing itself to be effective.

Should you try acupuncture for your hot flashes?

There is evidence to suggest that it will be helpful. It?s also safe. The British Medical Journal published a study showing no serious adverse reactions in 34,000 acupuncture treatments. Many patients also say that they experience a sense of well-being and relaxation during and after acupuncture treatments. It is also possible, in some cases, to treat more that one condition in the same session. So if you have headaches and hot flashes for instance, acupuncture can help both within the same session.

Along with acupuncture, you may also want to try a higher fiber diet that includes soy as well as regular exercise.

Good Luck and Good Health!

Michael Roland, L.Ac., MTCM is the acupuncture and Chinese medicine expert on drweil.com. He is in private practice in Tucson Arizona

 

Acupuncture Degrees

The healing art of Acupuncture serves global populations in huge numbers, and acupuncture has been one of the most respected of the Oriental healing professions for thousands of years. Acupuncture Degrees prepare students with healing art techniques based on the principle that the short-term insertion of needles into tissue beneath the skin stimulates nerves to promote healing.

Acupuncture Degrees can be accomplished in three years of schooling in dedicated acupuncture and alternative medicine schools. Students earning Acupuncture Degrees are prepared in the ancient Chinese healing techniques of acupuncture used to treat various diseases and conditions, including illnesses resulting from allergies, occupational stress, emphysema, gastrointestinal stress, arthritis, headaches, depression, hypertension, and much, much more.

Students studying Acupuncture will quickly learn to identify acupuncture points through demonstration, discussion, and hands-on clinical applications of acupuncture techniques. Acupuncture Degrees also emphasize integration of supervised internships in clinical settings.

Acupuncture studies address theoretical and practical issues that develop skills used in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Various programs for Acupuncture Degrees provide study of varying forms of acupuncture. In the U.S., the curriculum will likely include basic courses in traditional medicine along with courses in Oriental medicines. Students will find themselves in various classes covering the subjects of anatomy, biosciences, and medical terminology, as well as herbal medicine, moxibustion, and acupressure. Acupuncture Degrees may also include studies of nutrition and various kinds of research in alternative healing.

Depending on location of practice and degree of education, entry-level positions for graduates with Acupuncture Degrees can realize annual earnings of $40,000 or more. Experience can soon double and triple that amount.

If you are interested in learning more about Acupuncture Degrees, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

All Rights Reserved Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our Traditional School Directory and find Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Natural Healing Schools at SchoolsGalore.com

Balancing the Chakras With Acupuncture

As many of us know, acupuncture is widely used today as a viable treatment option for many disorders. In fact, its clinical use has proven effective for thousands of years. As we continue into the 21st Century, it remains obvious that we could benefit greatly from avenues of healing which may enhance our conscious awareness, as well as treating our "physical" health. One of the methods of doing this is by balancing the chakras with acupuncture.

The chakras (Sanskrit for "wheel") are a series of energy fields that align in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. They relate to different aspects of our physical body as well as our emotional, mental, and spiritual development. By working with the chakras, we can address many health issues including depression, pain, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia.

Dr. Mikio Sankey, an acupuncturist, naturopath, and iridologist, has developed a system for balancing the chakras as part of a method which he calls "Esoteric Acupuncture." After reading his books, I had the honor of studying with Dr. Sankey earlier this year. The practice of balancing the chakras through acupuncture involves the practitioner's scan of the body to assess which chakras are out of alignment. The treatment involves specific protocols developed by Dr. Sankey, where traditional acupuncture points are needled in a specific sequence. As in classic acupuncture, the needles act as a conduit of energy. This allows the receiver to connect with the finer frequencies which are available to us all.

For some, these ideas may seem incomprehensible. Many of us are not used to using this language or these concepts when discussing our health. For those who have contemplated these ideas and who are interested in developing oneself further, this is a style of practice that could suit you. In fact, the treatments are much more effective when done with those who have a regular meditation practice. Begin with the understanding that we, as humans, are a microcosm of a macrocosm. If one understands this interconnectedness, then these treatments may be regarded as truly invaluable.

One of the few places one can experience chakra balancing with acupuncture in the Washington DC area is at Tulsi Holistic Living www.tulsiliving.com. One can expect a session to last about an hour. A series of sessions is recommended for the most desirable effect, but is not always necessary. Those who have experienced these treatments thus far have reported excellent results.

Michelle Schreiber, MSOM, L.Ac, holds Diplomate status by the NCCAOM as a nationally certified practitioner of Oriental medicine, and is licensed in Washington DC and Maryland. In her practice, Michelle incorporates acupuncture, herbs, therapeutic bodywork, nutrition, and reiki. Michelle is also a Reiki Master. You can find her website at Acupuncture-DC.com