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Philadelphia Acupuncture to Help with Anxiety

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Philadelphia acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have always considered the connection between mind and body to be inseparable. Along with the ancient descriptions of external environmental disease factors, such as Wind, Heat, and Cold, internal causes of disease were considered to be due to emotions. Anger, fear, sadness, worry, and joy were correlated to each of the five Yin organs of the body. Imbalances within these organs could be the origin of the emotion, or the emotion could injure the corresponding internal organ over time.

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.

Written by Valerie

July 28th, 2010 at 6:52 am

The Basic Ideas of Acupuncture New York

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Acupuncture new york originates from ancient Chinese medicine so basically it is also important to study about Chinese medicine and theories that surrounds this most ancient and useful form of alternative medicine. Chinese medicine sees the body as a small part of the universe which is subject to universal laws and the principals of harmony and balance. It does not draw a sharp line compared to Western medicine. The Chinese system believes that mental and emotional states are every bit as influential on disease as purely as any physical mechanisms. Chinese medicine uses different symbols and ideas to discuss body and health. If Western medicine describes health in terms of measurable physical processes made of chemical reactions, Chinese medicine on the other hand uses ideas like chi, yin and yang, the organ system and the five elements to describe the body and health. Here are some of the basic terms used in Chinese medicine:

  • 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.

Written by Valerie

July 16th, 2010 at 9:12 am

Miami Acupuncture Health Philosophy

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The concept of Miami acupuncture health is that each acupuncturist should take the time to listen to their patients. Each patient’s well being is affected by his or her lifestyle, emotions, attitude, diet, habits and environment. All of these factors can contribute a lot to health issues that makes every person’s needs different. Addressing the different health issues and taking into consideration the different factors will help promote a good health and balance lifestyle for each individual.

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.

Written by Valerie

June 24th, 2010 at 12:31 pm

How Fertility Acupuncture Can Treat Infertility

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Acupuncture is a kind of ancient healing technique that originated from the East. Due to its numerous medicinal benefits, fertility acupuncture in New York is becoming popular since it is capable of treating infertility. In theory, once there is a blockage in the energy pathways which are the acupuncture sites, this can cause illnesses or other disease. With the use of needles, the blockages are cleared to promote a continuous flow of the energy thus resulting to proper physiologic healing. It is believed that acupuncture can possibly treat infertility, as well as other ailments like back pain, dizziness, depression, neuralgia and constipation. So how can acupuncture treat infertility? Here are some steps on how acupuncture can help treat infertility.

  • 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.

Written by Valerie

June 7th, 2010 at 3:15 pm

Studies About Acupuncture Treatment

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A lot of people seek acupuncture treatment due to its numerous benefits and it is fact that this form of alternative treatment has helped people even with severe forms of illnesses. Acupuncture first originated from China and it has been practiced as a traditional form of medicine for thousands of years. There have been some records of acupuncture being used in Europe and during the second half of the twentieth century it started spreading in Western Europe, Canada and the United States.

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.

Written by Valerie

April 27th, 2010 at 10:12 am