Category Archives: ARTICLES

ACUPUNCTURE FOR CHRONIC PAIN.

Do you suffer from chronic pain?

Recent studies show the effectiveness of Acupuncture in relieving symptoms of chronic pain1. The research has also shown that Acupuncture’s positive effects can still be evident 12 months after treatment2.

Chronic pain can continue long after an injury has healed. It can be both physically and emotionally draining, and affect a person’s ability to work, sleep and socialise.

The recent focus on the opioid epidemic3and it’s far reaching consequences has highlighted the need to look to methods of alleviating pain, that don’t require long term use of those drugs.

Acupuncture is a holistic system of healing based on Chinese Medicine theory. It focuses on restoring balance and facilitating the body’s natural healing responses. Studies show it can aid the release of the body’s natural painkillers4 and anti-inflammatory agents5.

So, if you are experiencing chronic pain, consider Acupuncture.

During a consultation, we will discuss your symptoms and your health history. I will then work out a treatment plan to suit your needs.

To read the latest research, please click on the links in article or see below.

Elisabeth

1.Yin, C., Buchheit, T. E., & Park, J. J. (2017). Acupuncture for chronic pain: an update and critical overview. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology, 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28719458

2.MacPherson, H., Vertosick, E. A., Foster, N. E., Lewith, G., Linde, K., Sherman, K. J., et al. (2016). The persistence of the effects of acupuncture after a course of treatment. Pain, 1–22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27764035

3. Rudd RA, Seth P, David F, Scholl L. Increases in Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths — United States, 2010–2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1445–1452. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm655051e1

4. Harris, R. E., Zubieta, J.-K., Scott, D. J., Napadow, V., Gracely, R. H., & Clauw, D. J. (2009). Traditional Chinese acupuncture and placebo (sham) acupuncture are differentiated by their effects on μ-opioid receptors (MORs). NeuroImage, 47(3), 1077–1085. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811909005904?via%3Dihub

5. Longhurst, J., Chee-Yee, S., & Li, P. (2017). Defining Acupuncture’s Place in Western Medicine. Scientia, 1–5.https://www.scientia.global/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/John-Longhurst.pdf

DIETARY THERAPY IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE – NOURISHING LIFE

Dietary therapy is an important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It forms a part of self care practices known as Yang Sheng, a term that means to ‘nourish life’.

Yang Sheng involves paying attention to and making the necessary adjustments to diet, exercise, mindfulness and rest, to best support our health.

These needs will differ from person to person, based on constitution, individual health concerns, as well as seasonal and environmental influences.

In times of challenge and change, it is important to take some time to re-evaluate your diet and lifestyle. Making small adjustments and putting some nourishing routines in place can help you to feel balanced and energised.

Dietary recommendations form part of a TCM consultation and treatment plan. In Chinese Medicine, food is looked at not just for its nutritional value, but other characteristics as well. These include both the nature and flavor of foods – such as bitter, pungent, sweet, warming and cooling. Cooking methods, when we eat and how we eat, can also affect our assimilation and digestion of food.

Eating seasonal and whole foods where-ever possible is ideal. However, depending on an individual’s constitution, the strength of their digestive system and particular health care needs, specific foods may be more suitable at different times.

During a TCM consultation for Acupuncture and/or Herbs, Yang Sheng recommendations are given as home care. Implementing some new self care strategies, over time can effect positive change.

SHOULDER PAIN – ACUPUNCTURE

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint, affecting up to one third of the population in their lifetime. Symptoms may include pain, loss of function and a decrease in strength. Symptoms can be debilitating and greatly affect quality of life ¹.

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and provides an holistic approach to health-care, integrating well with other treatments. Whilst the research on its effects for shoulder pain is ongoing, several studies indicate its benefits when used in combination with other therapies.

Research:

A systematic review (SR) conducted in 2017, suggests Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for shoulder pain, when used with other management strategies such as physiotherapy or exercise, as part of a multi-modal approach².

In another SR in 2015, relating to ‘shoulder impingement syndrome’, it was demonstrated that combined treatment lead to more favorable outcomes. In early cases, exercise combined with other therapies such as Acupuncture, and kinesio taping was recommended ³. As part of this review, a study on Acupuncture in association with physiotherapy showed an improvement in shoulder function and reduction in pain. There was also an overall decrease in analgesic use by the participants ⁴ .

Shoulder injury:

The shoulder can be easily injured. A shallow ball and socket joint, the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff are largely responsible for anchoring the shoulder in place. The rotator cuff enables overhead movements and the rotation of the arm towards and away from the body.

Shoulder injury can result from overuse, weak muscles and degenerative changes. Therefore, sport or work related activities, wear and tear – or a combination of these, may lead to shoulder pain ⁵.

Some musculoskeletal causes of shoulder pain include – tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, bursitis and shoulder impingement syndrome ⁶.

If you are suffering from shoulder pain, a course of Acupuncture may be a useful addition to your care. During a consultation, a patient’s presenting symptoms, lifestyle and general health will be carefully assessed when putting together a treatment plan.

Please contact me at the clinic or send a message through the contact form if you would like to discuss treatment – and how it may be of benefit to you.