The Western viewpoint of “more is better” has taken a toll on mental health. While some chose to work hard and play hard until exhaustion, others will suffer from over-thinking, worrying about every detail of life. This lifestyle causes the mind and body to become tied-up inside, creating anxiety and depression. Acupuncture can help treat these mental-emotional disorders by helping you to “un-do”. The needles create a deep state of relaxation during the treatment, allowing true rest and healing of both mind and body.

Anxiety comes in a variety of forms, from mild worrying about an upcoming speech or exam to phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, a nervous stomach, and even panic attacks. Some anxiety is a normal healthy response to the stresses of daily life and new situations; however, anxiety that occurs randomly or in an excessive manner is a sign for concern. Fortunately, acupuncture can help balance both the mental and physical manifestations of this condition returning you to an easy-going life.

When anxiety occurs, you may experience the obsessive thoughts circling the fearful situation you are experiencing, and physical symptoms such as chest pain, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath, stomachache, nausea, or headache. Depending on the exact manifestations of your anxiety in conjunction with an observation of the pulse and tongue, an acupuncturist can determine which Oriental Medicine pattern of anxiety you are experiencing.

Most conditions of anxiety are related to imbalances of the Heart and Kidney, referring the energetic aspects of these organs.  The Heart organ is considered a very Yang energy organ, constantly pumping the blood throughout the body. Over-excitement of the Heart due to excessive joy or an imbalance of Fire within the body can create Heat in the Heart, leading to anxiety and insomnia. The Kidney is the Water organ and functions to balance the Fire of the Heart helping to contain an excess of Fire. If the Kidney is deficient, the Heart Fire can rise up disturbing the mind.

Acupuncture treatments for anxiety can use both body and auricular acupuncture. Body acupuncture points may include Heart 7, Kidney 6, and Spleen 6 to harmonize the Heart and Kidney and nourish the cooling Yin energy of these organs. In cases of excessive Heart Heat, the points Heart 8 and Heart 9 may be used to sedate the Fire within the Heart. Auricular points, such as Shenmen (Spirit Gate), can effectively reduce anxiety; in some cases, retaining ear tacks or small magnetic balls at this auricular acupuncture point can prolong the effects between treatments.

There are many different factors that play a role in determining the chances of conception and carrying to term. Some of these factors require aggressive treatment or are irreversible such as menopause, and should be ruled out. However, much of the time, natural medicine and moderate lifestyle changes have powerful results without any adverse side effects. Additionally, acupuncture is regularly utilized in conjunction with Assisted Reproductive Therapies to increase their effectiveness.

It is important for the prospective mother to become intimately familiar with the body’s rhythms and cycles. This can be done by charting early morning temperatures, examining cyclical changes throughout the menstrual cycle, and using non-invasive home test kits to determine hormonal shifts. This serves several purposes: one is to know the time during the menstrual cycle when conception is most likely to produce ovulation; another is to bring to light the underlying blockages or deficiencies that need to be addressed. Lastly, it helps women to be in touch with their bodies. Patients are encouraged to become curious observers of the interconnected nature of all life. This is elegantly demonstrated as body temperature, fluids, and emotions all ebb and flow together.

A balanced diet is of utmost importance where reproductive health is concerned. Reduce the intake of caffeine, alcohol, sugar and foods high in saturated fat, while eating plenty of color rich vegetables and essential fatty acids is the key to health. Only buy organic foods to avoid pesticides and additives. If one eats meat and dairy, choose those that have not been hormone fed. More specifically, there are foods and herbs that facilitate balance, based on each individual’s needs. Chinese medicinal herbs – with over 25 centuries of continual use – can be safe, effective and nourishing when prescribed by a Nationally Board Certified Herbalist. Additionally, incorporating gentle energy building exercises – such as Tai qi, Qi gong, or Yoga – nourish the spirit, calm the mind and strengthen the body.

Through acute observation and analysis the TCM practitioner is able to assess disharmony. The strength of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that it takes into consideration every aspect of one’s life, including factors such as sleep patterns, stress level and digestion. There are a lot of imbalances that seem unrelated reveal underlying patterns of disharmony that can contribute to infertility. Acupuncture works by treating the “root” of the problem as well as the “branch” to enhance overall functioning. In real meaning, acupuncture gives the body an opportunity to properly attune itself rather than only suppressing symptoms.

Today scientists are attempting to translate the effects of this ancient medicine into modern biophysical terms as more research comes out in support of acupuncture’s effect on fertility. A lot of western medical theory holds that acupuncture initiates electromagnetic signals via the nervous and endocrine systems, to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for the hormonal activity that is directly connected to ovulation, menstruation and conception. Furthermore, by mediating the sympathetic nervous system (which is easily and often over-taxed due to stress), acupuncture stimulates vasodilation and effects blood flow to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. This, in turn, increases the viability of the ovum, thickens the uterine lining, and assists implantation of the fertilized egg – while decreasing the likelihood of miscarriage.

It is important to note that statistics show at least 30% of infertility cases are caused by male factors and another 30% involve a combination of both male and female. A recent study indicates that acupuncture improves sperm count, motility and quality.

Traditional Chinese Medicine’s goal is to harmonize the entire being, tilling the soil for the creation of an overall environment that nurtures growth and well-being. Acupuncturist works in partnership with their patients to address specific needs and objectives.

The needles are usually inserted by placing them in a “tube-like” holder to keep them from bending upon insertion, and then the doctor will “tap” the top of the holder to insert the thin needle to the desired depth. The holder is then removed, leaving the actual needle in place. The needles are left in place for a prescribed period of time before removal. Depending on the treatment plan, one to several dozen needles could be inserted in various points.

While Western patients are mostly concerned about the needles, the real treatment begins with the diagnosis. In some training clinics, the “teaching” doctor will review all data and make the diagnosis, marking the insertion points, and then the students will do the needle insertion, simply following the doctor’s instructions.

A Manhattan Acupuncturist’s Diagnosis

Much like the first visit to a Western doctor, the visit starts with medical history forms. It is important to answer all questions accurately to assist the medical staff in evaluating your condition. Acupuncture is part of “Traditional Chinese Medicine”, which is typically a more holistic approach than Western medicine, so questions which may seem unrelated to your reason for making the visit are often important to the diagnosis. After reviewing your records, the physician will visit and begin the diagnosis.

Most clinics will do the customary stethoscope routine, along with letting you describe your condition verbally. Then, depending on your condition, may do a rather extensive tongue examination and an unusual pulse examination. The Chinese pulse examination is a major diagnosis technique for traditional Chinese medicine. It is a method of establishing the condition of the “meridians” or pathways of “qi” within your body.

Then, using all of the information gathered from the diagnosis, the physician will determine the “cause” of the symptoms that you have described (the reason for your visit). Needles will then be inserted into very specific acupoints that will help bring the body back into “homeostasis” or balance, thus removing the source of the symptoms.

Allow at least an hour for the first visit. The actual treatment will last around 30 to 40 minutes and it may take several visits to make progress, depending on the seriousness of the condition and the length of time it has been causing you discomfort. As with any treatment plan (Western or Eastern), make certain your questions are answered to your satisfaction, and the treatment plan seems reasonable based on your condition.

If you have tried Western medicine for many years with no progress, it may take more than a single visit to an Acupuncturist to see results, yet you don’t want to make an acupuncture treatment a weekly event for the rest of your life to heal a sore elbow.

• Yin and Yang, according to Chinese philosophy is the universe and the body that describes two separate complimentary principles that of which is yin and yang. The two principles are always interacting, opposing, and influencing each other and their goal in Chinese medicine is not to eliminate either yin or yang, but to allow the two to balance each other and exist harmoniously together. For example, if a person suffers from symptoms of high blood pressure, the Chinese system would say that the heart organ might have too much yang, and would recommend methods either to reduce the yang or to increase the yin of the heart, depending on the other symptoms and organs in the body. Therefore, acupuncture therapies seek to either increase or reduce yang, or increase or reduce yin in particular regions of the body.
• Chi is another fundamental concept of Chinese medicine which is the fundamental life energy of the universe. It is invisible and is found in the environment in the air, water, food and sunlight and in the body it is the invisible vital force that creates and animates life. Every individual is born with inherited amounts of chi, and we also get acquired chi from the food we eat and the air we breathe. The level and quality of a person’s chi also depends on the state of physical, mental and emotional balance. Chi moves through the body along channels called meridians.
• The Organ System in the Chinese system is compose of twelve main organs which is the lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, urinary bladder, kidney, liver, gallbladder, pericardium, and the “triple warmer”. The latter represents the entire torso region. Each organ has chi energy associated with it, and each organ interacts with particular emotions on the mental level. With twelve organs, there are twelve types of chi which can move through the body, and these move through twelve main channels or meridians. Chinese doctors attach symptoms to organs. Symptoms are caused by yin/yang imbalances in one or more organs so an unhealthy flow of chi to or from one organ to another. Each organ has a different outline of symptoms it can manifest.

If you are a patient visiting an acupuncture center, you would have to explain your health problems to the acupuncturists and you will receive information about the procedure. Depending on your condition, you will be instructed to sit in a chair or lie on a table in preparation for a treatment. Initially, an acupuncturist would insert as many as 200 needles into the skin at fixed locations in an effort to promote the flow of energy. With acupuncture sessions, your body will restore its balance and energy to promote its overall wellness. This is according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine.

A lot of acupuncture centers offer a plethora of holistic health treatment options. Some acupuncture center feature chiropractic services, herbal medicine and aromatherapy treatments. Plus, many facilities offer magnetic, heat or light therapy suited to treat a number of ailments. A lot of individuals receive such treatments for sore muscles, arthritis, back pain and even chronic health conditions like cancer.

In a majority of states and countries, acupuncturists who work in an acupuncture center are required to hold a license. Acupuncturists must complete three-to-four year master’s degree programs from accredited institutions. They must pass extensive licensing exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in order to practice in most regions of the United States. For newly licensed acupuncturists, joining established practices with other professionals can be helpful on getting them started in the business. But there are some who are successful at opening their own acupuncture centers.

When choosing a healing center, it is extremely important to consider an acupuncturist’s credentials. Only licensed professionals are trained in safe and sanitary procedures and have shown extensive knowledge of laws and ethical medical procedures. The ones who pursue to continue their education to stay-up-to-date on practical and technological advances in the field are the most trustworthy acupuncturists. They do this so that they will be able to provide the best services to their clients. Getting information and other facts about an acupuncture center can be achieved by visiting the facility’s website or speaking with the receptionist at the actual center.

Acupuncture health is a natural form of healing and it has many benefits. Acupuncture treatment alone can help provide drug-free pain relief. It effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments like back pain, menstrual cramps and others. It is also believed to treat underlying disease and illnesses as well as their symptoms. It can assist in the prevention of diseases and illnesses and maintain a person’s overall well-being. It provides a holistic approach to treating illnesses and diseases by linking the body, mind and emotions.

Acupuncture Treatment Benefits

In some countries like the United States and UK, acupuncture is one of the most well established and popular complementary forms of therapies. Approximately, three million people are undergoing treatment each year and this has been stated in the NHS Direct-health Encyclopedia 2008. Many people seek acupuncture treatment to treat specific symptoms or health conditions. It is also prescribed to work alongside with conventional forms of medical treatment or it can be used as a natural medicine alone without the use of drugs.

Thanks to extensive research and practice, it has shown that acupuncture is effective in treating certain conditions such as tiredness, stress, anxiety, depression, arthritis, rheumatism, musculo-skeletal problems, backache, high blood pressure and other circulatory problems, headaches and migraines, asthma and breathlessness, digestive problems, insomnia, gynecological problems and infertility, skin conditions, allergies and addictions.

Acupuncture health is directed at restoring the overall energy balance that will help deal with any health condition and also help the person feel better in a general and holistic kind of way. There have been increasing reports about patients having increased energy, normal sleep, vitality and a more normal appetite. With this kind of outlook in life, any individual treated with acupuncture can have a chance to greater confidence and greater enjoyment of life.

• First thing to consider is to understand how acupuncture will help. Acupuncture can improve the blood circulation in the pelvic cavity and boost the ovarian function.
• Second thing to consider is to know what to expect. A lot fertility expert considers acupuncture as just one part of the overall health plan to improve wellness and health. So this means you are still required to make certain lifestyle changes to accomplish your goal. After all, with good health comes fertility.
• Third thing to take into consideration is to learn how acupuncture can help in regulating hormonal imbalances. Infertility can be caused by hormonal imbalances in some women and this situation can be remedied by acupuncture.
• Next thing to take into consideration is to know and understand where the needles will be placed. Acupuncture points for infertility are usually found on the lower abdomen, lower back and legs.
• Always seek the assistance of an expert. Look for an acupuncturist that has experience in fertility issues. There is a lot of information about acupuncturist who deal with fertility issues found on the web.
• Once you meet with your chosen acupuncturist, give him or her all the information as much as possible like how long have you been trying to conceive as well as a full detailed description of your medical history.
• Always follow your acupuncturist’s treatment schedule until its completion. Be sure to ask all necessary questions to avoid anxiety and of course to get what your money is worth.

Tips and Warnings to Reflect On

• Acupuncture’s rates can rise from moderate to expensive. This usually depends on the experience and credentials of your chosen acupuncturist. Aside from that, the city from where she or he is based can also affect his or her professional fees.
• Like other forms of treatments , it is also covered by many insurance plans. However, this a not covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
• Supplements and herbs may also be prescribed by acupuncturist to support with your treatment. In these cases, herbs and supplements can be inexpensive and moderate in price. These are not usually covered by insurance plans thought.
• If you have potentially life-threatening symptoms like extreme abdominal pain, never attempt to use acupuncture as a form of treatment.
• Always bear in mind that not all alternative forms of medical treatments are scientifically evaluated. Some practitioners only have limited information about their safety and effectiveness. Each state has its own rules regarding how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. So if you decide to visit an acupuncturist, choose someone who is licensed and recognized by the national organization. Always keep your medical doctor informed about form of alternative medical procedure you undertake.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that one out of three Americans which is an estimated 70 million people is affected with arthritis. Some individuals would claim that as the body ages, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided. In fact, people over 50 years old already show signs of arthritis since joints naturally degenerate over time. But thanks to acupuncture and oriental medicine, arthritis can be managed and controlled.

Acupuncture Diagnosis and Treatment of Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when there is an imbalance or blockage of the cyclical flow Qi in the meridians. The blockage is referred to as “bi” type pain. Studies have shown that this type of pain can be successfully treated with a combination of Chinese herbs and acupuncture treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine like acupuncture has been found to be tremendously effective at treating inflammation and pain related with all types of arthritis. Depending on the blockage of Qi or arthritis, if it is caused by damp, cold or damp-heat, the acupuncture points and herbs used would vary. Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM does not distinguish arthritis as one particular syndrome. Instead, it focuses to treat all the specific symptoms that are unique with each individual. To restore balance to the body, a variety of techniques like Chinese herbs, acupuncture, dietary or lifestyle recommendations and energetic exercises are used. Thus, if there are 10 patients who are will be treated with oriental medicine for arthritis then each patient will have their own unique customized treatment plan starting with different acupuncture points, herbs, and lifestyle and diet recommendations.

To determine your Chinese diagnosis and treatment, your acupuncturists will examine you first to decide the onset of your condition and learn the signs and symptoms of your present illness. This is initially done before your acupuncturists will choose the right acupuncture points and treatment plan for you.

In treating arthritis, acupuncture points are located all over the body so basically it does not focus on the affected area alone. During the treatment process, tiny needles are placed along the arms, shoulders, legs and the toes.

A lot may be anxious as to how the needle insertion would feel like but there is only little sensitivity when it comes to needle insertion. There may be brief moments of discomforts as the needle are inserted but once the needles are in place, you will feel relax and may even fall asleep during the whole treatment.

The number, frequency and length of the acupuncture treatment will vary from patient to patient. A usual treatment would last from five to 30 minutes with the treatments repeated once or two times a week. For some individuals, symptoms are relieved after the first treatment. But for more severe and chronic pains, this would usually require multiple treatments.

Acupuncture is a method that involves the use of very thin needles inserted through the patient’s skin at specific acupuncture points of the body. The needles are specifically inserted in various depths. Although there hasn’t been any study that shows how acupuncture works scientifically but there are studies that show it does provide therapeutic benefits like pain relief and relief from nausea brought by chemotherapy.

According to the theory in Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are found in the meridians where the givital energy runs. But despite other people’s claims, there is no anatomical, anatomical and histological proof that these meridian exist. Acupuncture is still considered as controversial especially among western medical scientists and doctors. A lot of them believe that the curing effects of acupuncture are only achieved through placebo effect because case studies can’t be created for this method due to the invasive nature of acupuncture. But despite what other doctors or scientists say, there are studies that conclude that acupuncture can provide real benefits.

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, acupuncture is effective for treating 28 clinical conditions but there some evidences that point out it can be effective with many more. Acupuncture can provide relief for people with headaches, tension and migraines. It is very effective in treating the aforementioned symptoms and this is according to the study made by the Technical University of Munich, Germany. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center conducted made s study that indicated treatment with acupuncture twice a week can relieve debilitating symptoms of xerostoia or severe dryness of the mouth among patients treated with radiation for neck and head cancer.

A lot of patients and even people without any serious illness can benefit from acupuncture. Plus anybody, no matter what shape and size can be benefit from its therapeutic results.

When it comes to the effects of acupuncture, it will also depend on each individual. Some people become energized by the treatment, while others feel relaxed. A person can only feel soreness or pain during acupuncture treatment if there is a defect in the needle or there is improper needle placement. This is the reason why it is important to seek a licensed acupuncturist for acupuncture treatment.

How safe is acupuncture?

In 1996, the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA approved the use of acupuncture needles by licensed practitioners. The only needles that are required by the FDA are nontoxic and sterile needles to be used and they should be labeled for single use by licensed acupuncturists only.

Since then there are have only been few complications related to the use of acupuncture needles which have been reported to the FDA. This is only 5% from millions of people who are treated with acupuncture each year. The complications only arise when there is inadequate sterilization of needles used and from improper handling or delivery of treatments. It is a rule that each practitioner should use new sealed package of needles for each patient and the site of treatment should be swab with 70% alcohol or any disinfectant before the needles are inserted. If the needles are not delivered properly this could result to serious side-effects like infection and punctured organs.

Before, acupuncture needles were deemed investigational but it has been recently declared as safe and effective. In 1973, the status of acupuncture needles in the US was somewhat shaky. During that time the use of acupuncture needles would mean that it is still a part of a research study with written protocols. At the same time, acupuncturists were advised in writing that the use of acupuncture needles was experimental.

Of course, there were cases that acupuncturist across the country ignored these legal requirements therefore placing themselves in great risks whenever malpractice is brought up to the FDA. This could be used by patients claiming that malpractice had occurred simply because they have received proper warnings and disclosures relating to the fact that acupuncture needles were experimental and investigational.

People nowadays shouldn’t be worried on how safe acupuncture needles are. Acupuncture needles are now reclassified by the FDA as Class II devices which are satisfied as safe and effective.