Modern Science Proves 2,000 Year Old Theories
Improving the quality of life for people suffering Multiple Sclerosis...
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease whereby the myelin sheathing on the body's nerves slowly wastes away. This causes poor signals to reach the muscles causing slow deterioration in motor function. Though no form of medicine is able to cure this condition yet, using both eastern and western therapies can have great benefits to the patient. Whilst western drugs are a necessary part of treatment, acupuncture helps greatly in reducing the secondary physical symptoms associated with MS, greatly improving their quality of life. Surveys performed in the US and Canada, showed many people suffering MS use acupuncture. They noted improvements in fatigue, muscle spasms, sleep and depression. Many degenerative diseases in Chinese Medicine are caused by “damaged essence”, which is the irreplaceable reservoir of Qi given to you at birth by your parents. As a result the body is never able to properly generate new energy and effectively maintain itself. This causes the body to use up its essence much faster than normal. Sadly damaged or deficient essence cannot be repaired, but what acupuncture can do is strengthen the body's ability to make fresh Qi from food and air. This aids in strengthening the body and slowing the degeneration by preserving whatever essence is left. A copy of the mentioned article can be downloaded here (1.27mb).
Acupuncture effectively relieves depression...
Currently it is said that 10% of men, and 20% of women in Australia will suffer depression. This means that almost every person in Australia knows someone suffering depression. Commonly the only method of treatment is the use of pharmaceuticals, which can have several unpleasant side effects. I have heard several patients describe the medication as worse than the condition. As a result of this, many people are turning to alternative therapies for help. According to Chinese Medicine theory, depression is largely the result of long term mental strain, and thus your mind and spirit have become exhausted. This is usually brought about by times of extreme emotion such as grief and worry. A study performed in 2007 on 245 women showed that by the end of the study, they felt significantly less depressed, less anxious and had stronger beliefs in their coping efficacy. This was achieved simply by having regular acupuncture sessions. Acupuncture works so well, as it is able to correct the deficiency which caused the mind and spirit to become weak. A copy of the mentioned journal article can be found here. Another journal article discussing acupuncture and depression can be found here (640kb).
Acupuncture improves success rate of IVF procedures...
For couples who are having difficulty conceiving a child, many turn to IVF as a last hope. Though this is sometimes an effective way to solve the problem, it is unfortunately not always successful. IVF works by hyper-stimulating the ovaries to release multiple eggs at one time, the eggs are then externally fertilised and reinserted into the uterus. From a Chinese Medicine perspective this is viewed as a very draining procedure on the energy of the body. The reasons why a women cannot bear a child in TCM can be several, the underlying cause is she has an energetic deficiency which has weakened her body. Another key factor is emotional stress and worry which causes blockages in her Qi and prevents the uterus from remaining strong and unobstructed. Acupuncture compliments IVF well as it is able to balance the exhausting nature of the procedures by strengthening the energy of the body. It can also simultaneously treat the underlying cause of the infertility which will also increase the chances of its success. This is shown in several studies which reveal an increased conception rate of 31-42%. The results show that acupuncture helps regulate and boost several key hormones which are necessary for a successful pregnancy. A journal article discussing this issue further can be viewed here... (222kb)
Help ease those seasonal allergies...
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR) or hay fever as it’s commonly called, is becoming an ever increasing problem. Recent surveys have shown that common allergies are costing the government billions of dollars each year in treatment. In Chinese medicine there is actually no such thing as an allergy, it is instead explained as a weakness between organs such as the Liver, Lung and Spleen, which are aggravated by the changing of the seasons and extremes in weather and temperature. Several studies have been performed using acupuncture to treat SAR, as it has been viewed as a very cost effective and safe alternative to pharmaceuticals. Results have shown that acupuncture is quite effective in resolving the nasal and non-nasal (itchy eyes, etc) symptoms associated with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis.For more information, here is a direct link to A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis(60kb)
We
do think with our Hearts...
The Chinese have always said that our "shen" (spirit/mind) resides
in our heart. Though they acknowledge the existence of the brain
and its role in cognitive thought, they have always firmly believed
that the Heart is the "General", who governs the entire body.
Molecular Biological research of our heart has revealed several new
key pieces of information which will change the way we look at the
mind. The have discovered that the heart is in fact one of the largest
hormonal glands in the body. It produces a chemical called Atrial
Natriuretic Factor. This chemical has a profound effect on the
entire emotional area in the brain, as well as the areas for
memory, learning and hormonal control of the entire body. They have
also discovered that the heart is not composed entirely of muscle
as once thought, 60-65% of the cells are neurons, the exact same
type of nerve cells found in our brain. Finally they have
discovered that the heart is a powerful electromagnetic generator.
Its field extends up to 3 feet away from our body in all directions.
This obviously means too that it travels through every cell of our
body, thereby having an effect over our entire body.
More information can be found here and here.
Bundles of
connective tissue are beneath Acupuncture points...
A common sensation felt upon needling
is a deep ache along with the feeling of the needle being "grasped"
by the body. Much research is currently being performed to explain
these phenomena. Studies have revealed that beneath acupuncture
points are concentrated bundles of connective tissue. When a needle
is inserted and manipulated, these bundles of tissue bind to the
needle, and as a result are pulled and moved upon stimulation. This
is just one explanation of the aching sensation and "needle
grasp" referred to during acupuncture treatment. Scientists believe it is this mechanical manipulation of the
connective tissue that stimulates the body to respond and release
hormones and chemicals.
Here is a direct link to a Journal Article for more
information. (810kb)
A copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these file, it can be downloaded here.
More Information coming soon...
