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SEASONAL SNIFFLES AND ACUPUNCTURE.

According to the most up to date evidence – Acupuncture can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) 1 and may also be a cost-effective approach 2.

Spring is on its way and the Magnolias in bloom are certainly a welcome sign of the sunshine to come.

However, for many people, this also means hay-fever season and for some, it has already started.

Research shows Acupuncture can be helpful for both seasonal and perennial types of allergic rhinitis, lessening the allergic inflammatory response and improving tolerance to seasonal triggers 3.

Whilst treatment can be effective once symptoms have started, it’s helpful to get in early to ward off those sneezes and watery eyes before they set in.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has been used for millennia to address many issues related to seasonal allergies, treating the whole person and not just the presenting symptoms – to help bring the body back into balance.

During a consultation, we will work out an individual treatment plan to address your health care concerns. Please reach out if you would like some help with your symptoms.

*Interestingly, the beautiful Magnolia flower when processed for herbal use, is often prescribed in Chinese Medicine for particular types of nasal congestion and sinus.

To read the Acupuncture research, please click on the links in the text or see below.

Elisabeth

1. Rao YQ, Han NY. [Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis and its effects on immunologic function]. Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion. 2006;26(8):557-60.

2. Kim SY, Lee H, Chae Y, Park HJ. A systematic review of cost-effectiveness analyses alongside randomised controlled trials of acupuncture. Acupuncture in medicine: Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society. 2012;30(4):273-85.

3. McDonald JL, Cripps AW, Smith PK. Mediators, Receptors, and Signalling Pathways in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Acupuncture. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. 2015;2015:975632.

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

ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH HONEYED WALNUTS

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.