Athletes and coaches are finding that acupuncture is a great tool for improving athletic performance and gaining advantage over their competition. The San Fransico Giants (1) have employed a team acupuncturist from spring training through the end of the season to keep them on track. Five-time Olympian high jumper and licensed acupuncturist Amy Acuff (2) has been quoted as saying that the use of acupuncture has helped her longevity in the sport she loves. These professional athletes have learned the value of adding acupuncture to their repertoire of treatments to keep them healthy and ward off further injury. From swimmers with rotator cuff injuries and low back pain, to runners with runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis and shin splints, athletes who want to compete and recover much more quickly are seeking out acupuncture and making it a part of their healthcare routine.
As acupuncturists, we know the benefits of our practice in the clinic. Watching a patient on the table recover from a sprained ankle can be quite interesting. Many times we see swelling dissipate right after the first treatment and the patient is able to walk much better right from getting off the table. Acupuncture reduces pain and swelling and bolsters the immune system to promote and shorten recovery time. Acupuncture also reduces stiffness and tension, thereby improving range of motion.
Many have begun to see acupuncture as a complement to Western methodologies while others see it as an alternative. Both views raise the profile of the practice while increasing the demand for licensed practitioners. Tendonitis, osteoarthritis and tennis elbow (3) have all been treated successfully through the use of acupuncture.
A research study on the impact of patient expectations on outcomes with respect to acupuncture showed that patients who expected a better outcome with acupuncture fared better than those who did not. This supports the mechanism of holistic therapies in using the strengths of the body, mind and spirit. Broader use of acupuncture for both amateur and professional athletes can support these positive patient expectations and outcomes (4).
Next time you have a sports injury try the ancient practice of acupuncture to speed recovery time and prevent another one from developing.
References
1-Acupuncture Scores Home Run With SF Giants -- Team Acupuncturist Keeps Players in the Game
Tina Beychok, Associate Editor
Acupuncture Today August, 2009, Vol. 10, Issue 08
2-www.AmyAcuff.org/Amy_Acuff.html
3-Acupuncture and Sports Medicine, A Review of Published Studies
Alec Meleger, MD and Joanne Borg-Stein, MD
Medical Acupuncture Fall 1999 / Wiinter 2000- Volume 11 / Number 2
4-The impact of patient expectations on outcomes in four randomized controlled trials of acupuncture in patients with chronic pain.
Linde K, Witt CM, Streng A, Weidenhammer W, Wagenpfeil S, Brinkhaus B, Willich SN, Melchart D.
Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, Department of Internal Medicine II, Technische Universität München, Kaiserstr. 9, 80801 Munich, Germany. Klaus.Linde@lrz.tum.de
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
What's that Ringing? Tinnitus and How TCM Can Help
(Excerpt from PCOM newsletter -
http://www.pacificcollege.edu/acupuncture-massage-news/articles/1157-whats-that-ringing-tinnitus-and-how-tcm-can-help.html)
Have you ever had an inexplicable ringing in your ears, but don’t know why or how to get rid of it? You may have a condition called Tinnitus, and there is a wide array of causes. Exposure to sudden, loud music or explosive noises can cause Tinnitus, a nerve disorder that involves a consistent ringing sound in a person's ears. At its worse, Tinnitus can lead to deafness. Tinnitus affects one in 10 people, and can range from mild to chronic. While it is a common problem for veterans and the elderly, other common causes include whiplash or even dental work. While it is a difficult phenomenon for Western and East Asian medicine doctors to treat, tinnitus is not incurable.
In Chinese medicine, chronic Tinnitus is believed to be caused by kidney weakness, according to Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Faculty Member Dr. Mohammed Javaherian. Acupuncture is recommended and treatments will focus most likely on the kidney meridians, as well as on points along the liver and gallbladder meridians to help strengthen the root of the problem.
Tinnitus is linked to nerve and touch sensitivity. For some people, clenching one's jaws or applying pressure to the neck can bring on or reduce tinnitus episodes. Acupuncture patients with this disorder will have a high response rate to the nerve's natural response to pressure and the disorder's sensitivity to certain points. The practice of acupuncture is based on the stimulation of certain points on the body, as well as meridians and channels. Stimulating specific points (which are determined based on the patient's unique case) can rebalance the qi (one's life force) and alleviate the source of the problem. It is integral in traditional Chinese medicine to treat the origin of an ailment as well as the symptoms, and TCM has several theories as to what causes tinnitus.
For example, in more temporary cases of Tinnitus, high emotional strain or sudden anger can lead to a ringing in the ears. Also, diet can have an effect. Practitioners of TCM believe that excessive greasy foods or irregular eating can lead to Phlegm (a TCM term that commonly refers to a retention in body fluid), which prevents the rising of clear qi to the head (resulting in the "phantom noise" associated with tinnitus). Overworking or excessive physical strain can lead to a nerve disturbance, causing tinnitus. Lastly, trauma is a common cause of the ringing noise associated with this disorder.
Along with acupuncture, Chinese herbs can be prescribed. Example formulas are: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and Er Ming Zuo Ci Wan. “Sometimes a combination of chrysanthemum flower with mint might help,” Dr. Javaherian said.
Western medicine is limited in its treatment options for Tinnitus; no prescription drug is available for this condition. However, with careful management and the natural remedies found in traditional Chinese medicine, there is a resource waiting to be tapped.
(Excerpt from PCOM newsletter -
http://www.pacificcollege.edu/acupuncture-massage-news/articles/1157-whats-that-ringing-tinnitus-and-how-tcm-can-help.html)
Have you ever had an inexplicable ringing in your ears, but don’t know why or how to get rid of it? You may have a condition called Tinnitus, and there is a wide array of causes. Exposure to sudden, loud music or explosive noises can cause Tinnitus, a nerve disorder that involves a consistent ringing sound in a person's ears. At its worse, Tinnitus can lead to deafness. Tinnitus affects one in 10 people, and can range from mild to chronic. While it is a common problem for veterans and the elderly, other common causes include whiplash or even dental work. While it is a difficult phenomenon for Western and East Asian medicine doctors to treat, tinnitus is not incurable.
In Chinese medicine, chronic Tinnitus is believed to be caused by kidney weakness, according to Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Faculty Member Dr. Mohammed Javaherian. Acupuncture is recommended and treatments will focus most likely on the kidney meridians, as well as on points along the liver and gallbladder meridians to help strengthen the root of the problem.
Tinnitus is linked to nerve and touch sensitivity. For some people, clenching one's jaws or applying pressure to the neck can bring on or reduce tinnitus episodes. Acupuncture patients with this disorder will have a high response rate to the nerve's natural response to pressure and the disorder's sensitivity to certain points. The practice of acupuncture is based on the stimulation of certain points on the body, as well as meridians and channels. Stimulating specific points (which are determined based on the patient's unique case) can rebalance the qi (one's life force) and alleviate the source of the problem. It is integral in traditional Chinese medicine to treat the origin of an ailment as well as the symptoms, and TCM has several theories as to what causes tinnitus.
For example, in more temporary cases of Tinnitus, high emotional strain or sudden anger can lead to a ringing in the ears. Also, diet can have an effect. Practitioners of TCM believe that excessive greasy foods or irregular eating can lead to Phlegm (a TCM term that commonly refers to a retention in body fluid), which prevents the rising of clear qi to the head (resulting in the "phantom noise" associated with tinnitus). Overworking or excessive physical strain can lead to a nerve disturbance, causing tinnitus. Lastly, trauma is a common cause of the ringing noise associated with this disorder.
Along with acupuncture, Chinese herbs can be prescribed. Example formulas are: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and Er Ming Zuo Ci Wan. “Sometimes a combination of chrysanthemum flower with mint might help,” Dr. Javaherian said.
Western medicine is limited in its treatment options for Tinnitus; no prescription drug is available for this condition. However, with careful management and the natural remedies found in traditional Chinese medicine, there is a resource waiting to be tapped.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Chinese Medicine & Skin Disorders
This article talks about the efficacy of acupuncture in decreasing itch in those with atopic dermatitis. We use acupuncture and herbs to decrease itching in various skin disorders and prevent future skin flares. Some common disorders we see at our clinic include acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Call 617.372.3960 or email to find out more about how we work with skin disorders.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2012.02789.x/abstract
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2012.02789.x/abstract
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Needling Kids Back to Health
Kate Ruma & Associates Acupuncture
180 Mass Ave., Suite 301
Arlington, MA 02474
(617)372-3960
www.KateRuma.com
Info@KateRuma.com
Many adults I meet ask me about the needles I use in acupuncture treatment. "Are they big? Will they hurt?" they ask, revealing some level of fear about the process. Rest assured, acupuncture needles are small (about the size of a period at the end of a sentence) and are painless when inserted during treatment. The needles are so benign that even young kids are unphased by them, thankfully, because the benefits of acupuncture for children facing both chronic and acute ailments are powerful.
Take E, age 11, of Arlington. She was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis—a common thyroid gland disorder. It can occur at any age, but is most often seen in middle-aged women, caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. Her mom, who was being treated for the same condition with acupuncture, decided the best offense for E’s condition was to augment her medication with acupuncture—knowing that acupuncture treats the root while medicine treats the symptoms. After three months of treatment, E noticed many health changes, including the cessation of a chronic cough, less frequent colds, and feeling more energetic. After six months of treatment, her thyroid is now normal size and her medication has been reduced.
K, age 4, also of Arlington, had eczema behind her ears, on her eyelids, in her elbows and arm pits. She was treated with herbs, diet changes and a technique called sho-ni-shin-non — a kit of metal tools used to brush the meridians or stimulate the acupuncture points-in the case of eczema, the ones that relate to the lungs and spleen and liver. After six weeks of treatment, K’s eczema was gone from her eyelids and armpits and disappearing behind her ears and in her elbows. After another six weeks, the eczema was completely gone from behind her ears, with just a trace left in her elbows.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine works to correct the body at its root so that symptoms no longer appear. It increases blood flow to organs via pathways called meridians. These meridians are the external way to access the internal organs. This is done through placing stainless steel needles in a network of organ pathways called meridians. Each meridian is connected to specific organs. As the needles move, energy flows thru the pathways, qi (energy) is increased to the organs and heath is restored.
180 Mass Ave., Suite 301
Arlington, MA 02474
(617)372-3960
www.KateRuma.com
Info@KateRuma.com
Many adults I meet ask me about the needles I use in acupuncture treatment. "Are they big? Will they hurt?" they ask, revealing some level of fear about the process. Rest assured, acupuncture needles are small (about the size of a period at the end of a sentence) and are painless when inserted during treatment. The needles are so benign that even young kids are unphased by them, thankfully, because the benefits of acupuncture for children facing both chronic and acute ailments are powerful.
Take E, age 11, of Arlington. She was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis—a common thyroid gland disorder. It can occur at any age, but is most often seen in middle-aged women, caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. Her mom, who was being treated for the same condition with acupuncture, decided the best offense for E’s condition was to augment her medication with acupuncture—knowing that acupuncture treats the root while medicine treats the symptoms. After three months of treatment, E noticed many health changes, including the cessation of a chronic cough, less frequent colds, and feeling more energetic. After six months of treatment, her thyroid is now normal size and her medication has been reduced.
K, age 4, also of Arlington, had eczema behind her ears, on her eyelids, in her elbows and arm pits. She was treated with herbs, diet changes and a technique called sho-ni-shin-non — a kit of metal tools used to brush the meridians or stimulate the acupuncture points-in the case of eczema, the ones that relate to the lungs and spleen and liver. After six weeks of treatment, K’s eczema was gone from her eyelids and armpits and disappearing behind her ears and in her elbows. After another six weeks, the eczema was completely gone from behind her ears, with just a trace left in her elbows.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine works to correct the body at its root so that symptoms no longer appear. It increases blood flow to organs via pathways called meridians. These meridians are the external way to access the internal organs. This is done through placing stainless steel needles in a network of organ pathways called meridians. Each meridian is connected to specific organs. As the needles move, energy flows thru the pathways, qi (energy) is increased to the organs and heath is restored.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Prolonged Television Viewing Linked to Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Premature Death
This is a good reason to get out and go for a long walk, or to zumba or qi gong!
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2011-releases/tv-diabetes-cardiovascular-disease-premature-death.html
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2011-releases/tv-diabetes-cardiovascular-disease-premature-death.html
Monday, April 16, 2012
We treat sleep issues with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Here are some simple things you can do to help improve your sleep at home:
1. Lie on the floor and put your lower legs up on a couch so your knees form a 90 degree angle. You can also rest your legs straight up a wall. Put a small pillow or towel under your head/neck if comfortable, and cover your eyes to block out light. Do this for 15 minutes. Take slow, deep breaths and clear your mind.
2. Take a bath before bed. You can add lavender or your favorite calming essential oil to the bath.
3. Contract and stretch your muscles when you get into bed. If you notice an area that is particularly tense (between your eyebrows, temples, jaw, and/or behind your ears), try to rub the area gently to relax it.
4. Alcohol initially acts as a sedative. A few hours after you fall asleep though, you are more apt to pop out of that sleep cycle. If you do drink, try to do so three hours before trying to sleep.
5. If you eat just before sleeping, your body will focus more on digesting than focusing on restorative aspects of sleeping (detoxification, cell regeneration, etc.). Try not to eat at least two hours before bedtime.
1. Lie on the floor and put your lower legs up on a couch so your knees form a 90 degree angle. You can also rest your legs straight up a wall. Put a small pillow or towel under your head/neck if comfortable, and cover your eyes to block out light. Do this for 15 minutes. Take slow, deep breaths and clear your mind.
2. Take a bath before bed. You can add lavender or your favorite calming essential oil to the bath.
3. Contract and stretch your muscles when you get into bed. If you notice an area that is particularly tense (between your eyebrows, temples, jaw, and/or behind your ears), try to rub the area gently to relax it.
4. Alcohol initially acts as a sedative. A few hours after you fall asleep though, you are more apt to pop out of that sleep cycle. If you do drink, try to do so three hours before trying to sleep.
5. If you eat just before sleeping, your body will focus more on digesting than focusing on restorative aspects of sleeping (detoxification, cell regeneration, etc.). Try not to eat at least two hours before bedtime.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Military Pokes Holes In Acupuncture Skeptics' Theory
http://www.npr.org/2012/02/16/146944270/military-pokes-holes-in-acupuncture-skeptics-theory
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