One in three Americans has arthritis, that’s an estimated 70 million people!  For most people arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis. Joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can be managed Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Arthritis isn’t just 1 disease; it’s a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these 2 forms of arthritis have very different causes, and effects on the body, they often share a common symptom—persistent joint pain.

The main benefit to acupuncture treatment is that it is a drug-free way to minimize pain. With drugs, people often develop a tolerance, or the need for an increased dosage to achieve the same required effect.  Not to mention the side effects of the drugs and the toxic effect on the body.  Some common side effects of pain relieving drugs are:

• Constipation
• Respiratory depression (slowed rate of breathing, one of the more serious concerns)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Confusion
• Difficulty urinating
• Itching

Effects experienced after acupuncture are:

• Calmness
• Pleasant fatigue
• Mental alertness
• Euphoria
• Improved sleep
• Pain reduction

Acupuncture not only alleviates your symptoms the way pain killers do, but also improves range of motion.  Since Acupuncture treats the body as a whole, your other health issues will be addressed as well, not just your pain.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture and moxibustion (burning of the herb Artemesia above selected acupuncture points) to treat digestive disorders. Moxibustion has anti-inflammatory properties, increases Qi in deficient meridians and is effective at treating many different gastrointestinal conditions.

In Tradition Chinese Medicine digestive disorders are a sign of a disharmony between the two organ systems responsible for digestion (they are the Spleen and Stomach).  This disharmony is often caused by lifestyle and diet, both of which put a strain on the digestive system.  Lifestyle changes and diet modification are incorporated into each individual treatment.  Acupuncture and moxibustion can correct the imbalances, help regulate the digestion and alleviate symptoms. 

 Acupuncture is effective in treating many digestive disorders including but not limited to: nausea and vomiting, peptic ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, lactose intolerance, inflammatory conditions, Ulcerative Colitis, and IBS.  The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for digestive imbalances as well as a wide range of other medical conditions.  See our website for more conditions treated using acupuncture www.pointsofwellness.com/facts.php

A frequent injury that strikes both professional athletes and weekend warriors is lateral epicondylitis, also known as: tennis elbow.  This is an inflammation of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, specifically the elbow which is caused by repeatedly twisting the wrist or frequent rotation of the forearm.  This can lead to elbow pain, a weakened grip, and damage to the tendons that connect to the humerus bone.

Traditional Allopathic therapies for tennis elbow consist of: pain medications, ice or heat, physical therapy, bracing and rest, which can relieve some of the pain but do very little to prevent the condition from recurring. Research from a pilot study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in San Francisco¹ suggests that acupuncture not only relieves the symptoms of tennis elbow, but also appears to resolve the condition completely.

Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for tennis elbow either as an adjunct to standard Allopathic treatments or on its own.  According to Traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works because we have a natural flow of energy throughout our body. When that energy becomes blocked in one or more of the pathways, the energy becomes like a dam in a river. There is too much pressure on one side of the dam, and a restriction of flow on the other. This “energy dam” in the body can produce a variety of symptoms; one of the most common is pain.

By inserting very fine, sterile acupuncture needles into specific points on your body, your Acupuncture Physician can break up these blockages that restrict the flow of energy. By stimulating these points, the energy can move smoothly, enabling your body to heal itself.

Along with acupuncture we use heat, herbs, Shiatsu and Tui Na massage to treat tennis elbow. The best first line of treatment for tennis elbow is rest. Limiting movement of the affected joint allows  it to heal. If you must use that joint, be sure to warm up your elbow first with a heat pack. After you’ve played, be sure to ice the tender area to keep the inflammation to a minimum.

¹Dorsher PT. Treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis with acupuncture: a pilot study. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, San Francisco, CA, November 4, 2000.

You may not think of acupuncture as an important piece of your child’s health care.  However it can be an essential therapy to help regain and maintain your child’s health.  Your Acupuncture Physician can check the overall quality and balance of your child’s Qi, which is our life energy. What effects the flow of Qi in children are similiar to that of adults: accidents and falls can physicially block the movement of Qi in the meridians, exposure to environmental and chemical hazards have a direct impact on the child’s health, a diet lacking in proper nutrition can affect organ function and overall health and well being, unpleasant situations can emotionally effect the free flow of Qi and overtime stress can manifest into many different signs and symptoms.  If not detected and cared for, all of these stressors can lead to an inadequate supply of Qi necessary to nourish and support health.  Eventually the child will have symptoms of illness, disease and pain my occur. 

Acupuncture treatments will restore balance and flow in the meridians using many different techniques.  Our Physician specializes in many non needle treatments for children.  Caring for your child’s health with acupuncture is safe, natural and effective.

By using pressure to release blockages in the meridians, pain is relieved and one feels a sense of relaxation.

            Shiatsu taps into the body’s own healing system, so along with alleviation of symptoms, you get a sense of increased vitality and well-being.  Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies are effective for children, pre/post-natal, pain, tension and stress related disease such as headaches, insomnia, allergies, fatigue, digestive problems, anxiety and a multitude of other symptoms. 

            Do you suffer from neck and shoulder stiffness and pain? In Japan this is called Katakori, typically a result of hours spent working at desks and computers. associated symptoms can include headaches, frozen shoulder, pain and tension leading to fatigue, limited range of motion, eyestrain, poor circulation, and sleep problems. Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies redistribute surface energy and release deeply held blockages to effectively relieve symptoms.

I am fortunate enough to work with all ages from infants to seniors.  And I must admit that working with children poses some challenges that differ from working with adults and admittedly, more rewarding. 

Generally speaking, by the time a Mom or Dad brings their child in, they have exhausted many treatments and without much success.  Mom will have a look about her.  I know that ‘look’…it’s the one that says ”I’m really not sure this will work but I’ve tried everything else”.  Mom is stressed out.  She stays up late at night worrying.  When she sees me take my shoes off and sit on the ‘magic carpet’ with her child and read stories and play with the child while treating them, she starts to relax a bit.  I show them what I will do by practicing on ‘Bobo’ our resident stuffed monkey that has had more acupuncture treatments then anyone I know!  And Mom calms down, realizing that this is not your typical doctor’s visit.  I ask her questions and more importantly listen to her answers.  When they leave everyone is excited about the new journey.  And then, the most amazing thing happens. When they return for their follow up visit, Mom looks more relaxed and rested as though she’s given up that burden she’s been carrying.  She realizes that she has found a place of understanding and healing and the child is so excited to come back in and have treatment because he or she knows the treatments are helping and they feel good during treatment.  The Center is a sanctuary for the whole family…yes it’s the whole family getting better, not just the little patient. 

THIS is one of those days for me.  I am so grateful to be helping families heal and begin their journey to wellness…together.