Parkinson's Disease Alleviated with Acupuncture

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement. Changes include the onset of tremors, slowness of movements, shuffling, difficulty swallowing, fainting, reduced arm sway, rigidity and dysfunction of speech and gait. There is no known biomedical cure but medications including levodopa, COMT inhibitors, MAO-B inhibitors, dopamine agonists and other medications are used to control symptoms. Surgical interventions include the implantation of deep brain stimulators.

Acupuncture successfully reduces pain, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and mental illness in Parkinson’s disease patients. Researchers from the Aizu Medical Center (Fukushima Medical University) delivered the patient care and collected the data. Additional support and came from an investigator at the Department of Neurology, Hematology, Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetology (Yamagata University).

The case history documents acupuncture’s ability to address specific concerns of an 81 year old female patient suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Complications included a history of hypertension and lumbar fracture. The patient had been prescribed medications including anti-inflammatory and psychiatric drugs. Her symptoms persisted and acupuncture was initiated.

The researchers note that the patient’s lower leg pain decreased. Hot flashes and paroxysmal sweating incidences reduced. The patient showed very significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores. In addition, her “steps became larger” and there was a significant reduction in bradykinesia, a complication often correlated with Parkinson’s disease characterized by slowness and impairment of movements and reflexes.

In related research, University of Arizona doctors find acupuncture effective for the treatment of balance and gait disorders in Parkinson’s disease patients. The research team from the surgery and neurology departments measured significant clinical improvements in overall balance, gait speed and stride length. The results were published in Neurology, the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Patients were randomly assigned to an acupuncture group or a control group. The acupuncture group received electroacupuncture. The control group received sham acupuncture to rule out variables including the placebo effect. Patients received one treatment per week for three weeks and each treatment duration lasted a total of 30 minutes.

Objective measurements were taken from various positions and during many types of activities. Balance measurements included assessment of the relationship between the mediolateral center of mass sway with the anteroposterior sway. These measurements were taken with the eyes open, closed and during multitasking. Gait measurements were taken during fast walking, postural transitions and related activities.

The researchers tabulated the results and measured an overall improvement in balance by 31% in the acupuncture group. Gait speed improved by 10% and stride length increased by 5% for patients receiving true acupuncture. Control group patients showed no improvements.

Balance, gait and stride length significantly improved due to the application of electroacupuncture. Use of a sham acupuncture control group eliminated the possibility of the placebo effect in the final results. As a result, the University of Arizona doctors conclude, “EA (electroacupuncture) is an effective therapy in improving certain aspects of balance and gait disorders in PD (Parkinson’s disease).” 

Herbal medicine research reveals benefits for Parkinson’s disease patients. That the herbal formula Yi Gan San exhibits neuroprotective effects and rescues dopaminergic neurons from toxicity. The Acupuncture & Meridian Science Research Center at Kyung Hee University conducted research showing that Yi Gan San is correctly used for the management of neurodegenerative disorders. Yi Gan San showed significant neuroprotection in an induced Parkinsonian mouse model. The study notes that “in the mouse Parkinson’s disease model, treatment with Yi-Gan San also significantly improved motor functioning and prevented dopaminergic loss.” 

In another study, The Journal of Brain Disease reported that Yi Gan San may be helpful in treating schizophrenia and many neuropsychological disorders because it has been shown to restore glutathione levels in the brain. In yet another study published in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, the Shimane School of Medicine concluded that Yi Gan San is a serotonin modulator and is a “safe and useful” formula for treating behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and borderline personality disorder. That study also shows a statistically significant improvement in tardive dyskinesia, psychosis, schizophrenia,

Yi Gan San (Restrain the Liver Powder) contains Dang Gui, Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, Gou Teng, Chuan Xiong, Chai Hu, and Gan Cao. The formula is often used for headaches, dizziness, anxiety, panic attacks, teeth grinding, chills & fever, seizures, palpitations, infantile epilepsy, disturbed dreams, insomnia, and spasms. Traditionally, this formula quells rebellious Liver Qi and treats Liver Blood deficiency. Biomedical and traditional perspectives agree that Yi Gan San has neuroprotective benefits.

Combating Obesity- Mexican Doctors will Train in Acupuncture

(Xinhua/GNA) — Mexican doctors will train in acupuncture and other alternative medical techniques thanks to an agreement between local officials from Mexico and China, media reported Monday.

The agreement, signed between Mexico City’s Secretariat of Health and the Chinese City of Zhengzhou, aims to help fight obesity and chronic diseases, according to Mexican daily La Cronica.

Capital Health Secretary Armando Ahued Ortega and Wu Xiaojun, the visiting vice president of the Municipal Committee of the Consultative Political Council of the Chinese People, for Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, agreed to exchange experiences and promote cooperation to help boost the use of alternative therapies, including homeopathy and phytotherapy, which uses plants.

The two officials toured Mexico City’s Center for the Integral Management of Diabetic Patients, where Ahued explained the bariatric surgery program in place to treat those with morbid obesity, the daily said.

Wu, whose office is in charge of legislating in educational and public health matters, said her region has implemented similar programs to fight excess weight and prevent hypertension, the agency said.

Henan is China’s most populated province, with some 100 million inhabitants, and its capital Zhengzhou is home to about the same number of residents as Mexico City, some nine million people.

On Allergies & Acupuncure

Pollen-laden Hornbeam blossom (Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images)

Allergies are a common problem with symptoms ranging from the occasional sniffle to severe, life threatening reactions. According to WebMD, 55% of the U.S. population tests positive to one or more allergens. So, if allergies are this common, what exactly are they? Allergies happen when your immune system has a reaction to something it considers harmful (even if it isn’t) and, in response, produces antibodies. Normally these antibodies help protect us from from infection and illness, but with an allergic reaction, the antibodies can cause many unpleasant symptoms, including inflammation of the sinuses, airway, skin and digestive tract. People can be allergic to many things including certain foods, pet dander, medications, pollen, mold and insect bites.

Chinese Medicine techniques strengthen and balance your immune system so, over time, the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine and cupping can greatly reduce allergic reactions. Today, I’m going to focus on acupuncture. There are acupuncture points around the sinuses and elsewhere on the body that may provide almost immediate relief as well as offering cumulative benefits. Acupuncture opens the sinuses, relieves congestion, helps reduce inflammation and resolves many digestive complaints such as bloating, pain and gas. Some common acupoints used to treat allergies include Yinxiang/Large Intestine 20 which is located close to the nostrils, Hegu/Large Intestine 4 (pictured above), a well known point, is found on the hand between the thumb and index finger andZusanli/Stomach 36 is just below the knee on the lateral side of the shin bone.

Researchers have been testing acupuncture’s effects for awhile. In 2008, The American Journal of Epidemiology published the results of a large German study of 5,237 people. The patients who received acupuncture had significantly more improvement in their allergy symptoms than those who received routine care alone.

By Jennifer Dubowsky

Jennifer Dubowsky, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in downtown Chicago, Illinois, since 2002. Dubowsky earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from University of Illinois in Chicago and her Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado. During her studies, she completed an internship at the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China. Dubowsky has researched and written articles on Chinese medicine and has given talks on the topic. She maintains a popular blog about health and Chinese medicine at Acupuncture Blog Chicago.Adventures in Chinese Medicine is her first book. You can find her atwww.tcm007.com.

Taking charge when your cancer is in remission

Taking Charge with Integrative Therapy

Alex Trujillo loves to bike.

 

For him, it's meaningful. Having battled cancer for years, he knows how important it is to control stress and stay physically and mentally healthy. 

 

“When I got the cancer, because of the atrophy, it took me a while until I was able to even get on my bike for fear I wasn't even strong enough to maintain my balance,” he said. “But I did.  I road for a short time.”

 

He worked up to riding 10 miles four times a week.

 

“It gives me a sense of purpose,” he said.

 

Finding peace and a sense of purpose is all part of the integrative oncology program at Florida Cancer Specialists.  Dr. Nuruddin Jooma is the medical director of the Integrated Oncology Program at Florida Cancer Specialists. 

 

“Integrative medicine is a complimentary approach to treating cancer patients,” Jooma said.

 

In addition to their medical treatments, exercise, diet, acupuncture, supplements, massage, yoga and  mind and body therapy is offered.

 

Dr. Gene Healy said integrative therapy might help a cancer patient with more than just easing stress.

 

“Specifically things like nausea is fairly well documented,” Healy said. “There might be different kinds of pains unrelated to their cancer therapy, but we work on a wide range of things.”

 

Jooma said, “Some of the drugs we use can cause neuropathy or numbness of fingertips and toes, which can turn into a painful process and affect the quality of life. In those cases, we will use evidence-based supplements to help them decrease the risk of neuropathy formation. Number two, we would refer them to our acupuncturist.”

 

Both doctors said studies show acupuncture, used in conjunction with chemo, reduces the risk of permanent neuropathy.

 

Florida Cancer Specialists also offers a dietitian's guidance. 

 

“I work with the patients and doctors and families to make sure they stay well-nourished during their treatments. We want to keep them strong.  We want to support their immune system. Maintain a healthy weight and have the energy to tolerate their treatments.”

by: Linda Hurtado

4:29 PM, Apr 15, 2015

 

My First Time!

I've been itching to try acupuncture again for years, especially because others with multiple sclerosis have touted it as extremely helpful.  Thanks to a reader's suggestion, I made an appointment with a local acupuncturist to meet with Dr. Z.

The unknown makes me nervous.  My first time in a new yoga studio, or doctor's office or even with a new friend can cause anxiety.  I've gotten much better over the years since I learned yoga breathing, but honestly I was nervous about my first acupuncture experience.

I arrived on time and was greeted by Dr. Z a Master Herbalist and the Office Manager, Monica. I filled out a very detailed questionnaire asking everything from family history, previous procedures, to how often I poop, how well I sleep and how often I sweat.

Dr. Z led me back to the simple carpeted room with a bed and chair.  He explained to me about Chinese medicine (although he is from Russia) and the way the Yin and Yang can balance our bodies and energy points.

I then took off my shoes and socks and laid on the table.  Dr. Z checked out my tongue and pulse and then inserted 11 needles in my feet, arms, belly and head.  Then to my surprise he covered me with a blanket and told me to rest for 25 minutes.  I thought about how tired I was just a few hours earlier when my alarm went off, but suddenly felt wide awake.  I focused on my yoga breathing and thought about how easily I let go during savasana. But, at that moment on the table it was hard to Zen out with needles in my body.

Eventually Dr. Z returned and removed the needles and I was done.  He emphasized the importance of coming weekly or bi-weekly, specifically for someone like me with an autoimmune disease.  I made an appointment for next week and look forward to going back now that I know what to expect.

Have you tried acupuncture?  Do you go regularly?  Do you notice benefits? 

By Yoga Mom, today at 10:47 am

Time to Ditch your Dermatologist?

I suffered from debilitating migraines for years, and after experiencing countless negative side effects (and little relief) from powerful medications, I had just about given up on treatment. That is until a close friend of mine recommended her acupuncturist. She had been seeing him for about a month for her headaches, anxiety, and hormone imbalances and had nothing but glowing reviews. I quickly booked an appointment, and after regular treatments, I found that my migraines had considerably subsided, leaving me with only one or two painful days a month instead of the 15-plus days I was used to.

That's when I decided to do some digging. What couldn't acupuncture treat? Nearly nothing, as it turns out. Acupuncture is shockingly versatile, even for skin care. It's a great alternative method for aging skin and breakouts in lieu of more-invasive procedures like Botox and heavy-duty acne medications. So far, I've been blessed with clear, firm skin, but when the time comes to get more serious about my complexion, I'd rather go with preventative options over corrective ones. I sat down with my acupuncturist, Dr. Min Zhang, a practitioner for over 25 years, to get the skin care scoop.

• What is acupuncture, and how does it work? During an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner inserts fine, sterile needles into specific pressure points on the skin to create local reactions. It is based in traditional Chinese medicine, wherein qi, or energy, flows along certain channels (known as meridians) in the body to keep you balanced. Should the qi be disrupted or blocked, acupuncture can stimulate and unblock the qi, activating healing responses in your body.
  Though these beliefs are different from Western medicine, modern research has proven that acupuncture therapy can have significant effects on your body's various systems. Dr. Zhang blends Western and Eastern medicine to get the best results for each patient. "For example, Chinese medicine states that if the lung is healthy, skin is healthy, but Western medicine says liver toxins can be the cause of poor skin health. Based on the needs of each patient, I choose which route to go for treatment."
• What skin conditions can be treated with acupuncture? "Acne, wrinkles, dermatitis, and eczema can all be treated with acupuncture," said Dr. Zhang. "Sagging, dark spots, dullness, and enlarged pores can be improved, and even some types of hair loss respond to acupuncture." Issues like male-pattern baldness and deeply damaged skin may be harder to treat. In his practice, he frequently treats acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss caused by stress.

• How does acupuncture work for skin? There are two primary reasons to treat your skin with acupuncture therapy — health and beauty — and they are often connected. As you likely know from experience, nearly anything can affect your complexion, from stress, poor sleep, and a bad diet to hormonal imbalances and environmental factors. "An acupuncturist must first diagnose the cause for a patient’s skin problem then select proper acupuncture points for the treatment," Dr. Zhang explained. The acupuncturist can then treat the skin concern locally (on or around it) and/or via the meridians connected to the concern. To illustrate, Dr. Zhang cited a specific case: "Hormones play an important part in some skin conditions. One female patient was suffering from very bad acne and an irregular period from her birth control medicine. After six treatments of focusing directly on her skin condition and her hormone points, her period became consistent and her acne was tremendously improved."
• How do you treat signs of aging with acupuncture? Acupuncturists treat concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging with local treatments nicknamed the "acupuncture face-lift." Dr. Zhang told me that cosmetic acupuncture has been used since the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 AD) and kept the empress looking youthful. By inserting needles into specific points on the face, acupuncturists can stimulate collagen turnover and blood flow to nourish the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Can you treat yourself at home with pressure on the same points? Dr. Zhang said that acupuncture is more effective than pressure on the same points (known as acupressure), because it penetrates the surface and is deeply connected with your meridians. He strongly recommends acupuncture for loose, sagging skin. However, you can give yourself very basic treatments at home, one to fight puffiness and the other to fight breakouts.
  Place your index fingers directly under the iris of each eye, and lower them until the pads of your fingers are between your lower lid and your orbital bone. Massage these symmetrical points for up to 60 seconds several times a week to reduce eye puffiness. After you've finished massaging these areas, drag your fingers lower on your face until they sit just under your orbital bone (close to the top of your cheekbone). Massage these points for fewer breakouts.
• Is acupuncture better than going to a dermatologist? "Dermatologists often use antibiotics and other chemicals to treat the skin," said Dr. Zhang. "Topical skin care products and medications help some skin conditions but not those caused by internal problems." Also, acupuncture is a healthy and safe alternative to prescribed medications. Accutane has some side effects that shouldn't be taken lightly. He does admit that in order to prevent or reduce wrinkles, you must maintain steady treatment (about once a week for 30 minutes). You may consider this to be too much of a time investment, but think about it: you also need to continue getting Botox to be line free. Dr. Zhang is strongly against that method. "Botox isn't natural. Acupuncture is. Choosing a natural method that promotes energy in the body is the best way to get results."

Finally, if you're nervous around needles or think you don't have time to get acupuncture, let me soothe your concerns. I rarely feel Dr. Zhang insert the acupuncture needles (that's how small they are!). And while it can be a struggle to make room in my schedule for acupuncture, I make sure it takes precedence over happy hour. Plus, it makes for a very relaxing break in my week. During each 30-minute treatment, Dr. Zhang turns off the lights. Coupled with the fact that I have needles on the tops of my hands, this makes it difficult to go on my phone (he knows me too well), so I have no choice but to close my eyes and decompress, resulting in a multitasking power nap. That night, I have the best sleep ever instead of the usual restlessness, and I wake feeling clearheaded and serene.

by Emily Orofino 4/07/15