Acupuncture Treatment for Diabetes
June 29th, 2009
In the United States, nearly 13 percent of adults age 20 and older have diabetes, but 40 percent of them have not been diagnosed, according to epidemiologists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whose new study includes recent data from an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).
Diabetes is especially common in the elderly: Nearly one-third of those age 65 and older have the disease. An additional 30 percent of adults have pre-diabetes, a condition marked by elevated blood sugar that is not yet in the diabetic range. The researchers report these findings in a recent issue of Diabetes Care.
The study compared the results of two national surveys that included a fasting blood glucose (FBG) test and a 2-hour glucose reading from an OGTT. The OGTT gives more information about blood glucose abnormalities than the FBG test, which measures blood glucose after an overnight fast.
“We’re facing a diabetes epidemic that shows no signs of abating, judging from the number of individuals with pre-diabetes,” says Catherine Cowie, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a part of the NIH. “For years, diabetes prevalence estimates have been based mainly on data that included a fasting glucose test but not an OGTT. The 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES, is the first national survey in 15 years to include the OGTT. The addition of the OGTT gives us greater confidence that we’re seeing the true burden of diabetes and pre-diabetes in a representative sample of the U.S. population.”
Type 2 diabetes accounts for up to 95 percent of all diabetes cases and virtually all cases of undiagnosed diabetes. A chronic progressive disease, type 2 diabetes has been associated with the increase in obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
“Of paramount importance is the need to curb the obesity epidemic, which is the main factor driving the rise in type 2 diabetes,” says Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., director of the NIDDK.
Re-directing the trends in diabetes will require changing the nutritional and physical activity habits of people at risk, and also creative and substantial efforts by health systems and communities.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in alleviating diabetic symptoms and can easily be integrated into an individual’s overall diabetes management plan. Acupuncture has been found to increase insulin production, improve blood circulation, regulate blood sugar, and can help to treat obesity.
An acupuncture physician can also recommend beneficial lifestyle changes such as suggestions for a healthier diet, ways to increase physical activity and natural weight loss methods.
Acupuncture is a proven modality of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for thousands of years to restore, promote and maintain good health. Acupuncture treats the root cause of a condition and promotes long-term wellness, rather than just alleviating symptoms. Its health benefits are widely recognized.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of diabetes call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Acupuncture for Infertility
June 25th, 2009
Acupuncture, often combined with Chinese herbal medicine, has been used to treat causes of infertility. Acupuncture can address imbalances that affect fertility such as hyperthyroidism (over-functioning) and hypothyroidism (under-functioning).
Although acupuncture can be used as a primary fertility therapy, it may also be combined with traditional medical treatments. Acupuncture for fertility treatment produces virtually no adverse side effects. It is not contraindicated for any therapies or medications.
Many types of fertility disorders can be treated with acupuncture including unexplained infertility, male factor, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and repeated pregnancy loss.
For women who have failed IVF attempts, acupuncture can help to increase the success of treatment, beyond what the protocols alone can accomplish. Acupuncture can improve functioning of the body which can help modern reproductive treatments such as IVF to work more efficiently.
As a primary fertility therapy, acupuncture can stimulate egg production in women who choose not to use fertility medications. Acupuncture strengthens the flow of Qi, or vital energy, and has a restorative effect that enhances well being. Acupuncture stimulates specific acupoints linked to the reproductive organs which direct the flow of Qi to areas where it may be deficient.
Acupuncture increases production of endorphins, the brain’s mood enhancing chemicals, which can aid in regulating the menstrual cycle.
By impacting the areas of the brain involved with hormone production, the pituitary glands and the hypothalamus, acupuncture can impact egg production and ovulation. Acupuncture can also increase the number of egg follicles available for fertilization in women undergoing IVF.
Acupuncture increases blood circulation to the ovaries. By increasing blood flow, the ovaries receive enhanced hormonal stimulation. Acupuncture can also strengthen the uterine lining and can help to reduce the risk of chronic miscarriage.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of infertility call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Acupuncture for Indigestion During Pregnancy
June 23rd, 2009
Maintaining healthy digestion is an essential component of general health and well being. Acupuncture can restore healthy functioning of the digestive system. Acupuncture also treats the symptoms associated with digestive imbalance, such as dry skin, fatigue, concentration difficulties, muscle cramps, and low energy.
A new study indicates that acupuncture can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of indigestion which are common in pregnant women. The study, which appears in Acupuncture Medicine, produced findings showing that acupuncture can ease the hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy which cause heartburn, stomach pain and discomfort, reflux, bloating, and belching.
Between 45 to 80 percent of pregnant women experience these symptoms, which often increase as the pregnancy advances. Although the discomfort is not severe it can affect quality of life. Often, pregnant women resist taking medicine to avoid harming the developing fetus.
In the study, forty-two pregnant women experiencing indigestion symptoms were randomly assigned to either conventional care, such as nutritional counseling, or conventional care and weekly or biweekly acupuncture treatments.
All women participating in the study were between fifteen to thirty weeks of pregnancy, and aged fifteen to thirty-nine. The study evaluated symptoms at baseline and then every two weeks until the research concluded after eight weeks.
Compared to the women in the conventional care group, the women receiving acupuncture required less medication and experienced less severe indigestion symptoms. Heartburn, the most frequent symptom, was reduced in intensity by 50 percent in the women receiving acupuncture.
Women receiving acupuncture also reported that their diet had improved by 50 percent, compared to 33 percent in the conventional care group. Fourteen of the women in the conventional care and acupuncture group stated that their sleep had improved by 50 percent, compared to 25 percent in the conventional care group.
“Acupuncture is simple to apply and if used in an appropriate manner, can reduce the need for medication,” the authors note.
In addition to indigestion, acupuncture can effectively treat many digestive conditions including: Peptic ulcers, lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, hiatus hernia syndrome, bacterial infections, and inflammatory conditions. In conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture for digestive disorders can nourish related organs, improve energy and decrease stress.
For information about acupuncture for indigestion and digestive disorders call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Acupuncture for Hay Fever
June 16th, 2009
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is the most common allergic disease. About 35 million individuals suffer from this condition. The ailment’s symptoms include an inflamed, runny nose, watery nasal discharge and sneezing and itching that can affect not just the nose but the roof of the mouth, throat and the Eustachian tubes which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
Hay fever typically results from genetic predisposition to allergic disease and exposure to allergens. Allergens are substances (pollens and spores) that cause an allergic reaction.
The most common treatment for hay fever is to reduce exposure to the allergens causing the allergic response. Conventional therapies for severe hay fever symptoms may recommend nasal corticosteroids, immunotherapy (allergy shots), antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, and over-the-counter decongestants.
Evidence indicates that acupuncture can be a useful complementary or alternative therapy option for individuals experiencing hay fever. In one recent study, acupuncture produced results as effective as antihistamines in improving symptoms; acupuncture also was proven to have beneficial effects that lasted for a longer period than antihistamines. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine formulas were also shown to reduce symptom discomfort.
While conventional medications for hay fever may offer symptom relief, they do not cure at the root of the condition. Many allopathic drugs cause adverse side effects, such as nervousness, gastrointestinal conditions, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can naturally and safely strengthen wei qi, the body’s defensive energy that combats pathogens such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. When combined, acupuncture and herbal formulas can often help hay fever sufferers throughout the allergy season.
Your acupuncture physician will select particular acupoints during therapy which reestablish the flow of qi. Acupoints selected may address the greatest symptom discomfort. Acupuncture for hay fever opens congested areas, allowing the qi to flow more freely. Energetic blocks which may be contributing to the congestion can be dissolved with acupuncture.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat the underlying nature of the individual’s condition and the fundamental cause of the allergic reaction rather than alleviating symptoms only. Depleted or imbalanced qi may be the cause of the hay fever. Acupuncture strengthens and rebalances the qi.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of hay fever call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Acupuncture Treatments Effective for Low Back Pain
June 11th, 2009
People suffering from chronic low back pain who received acupuncture or simulated acupuncture treatments fared better than those receiving only conventional care, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The trial was led by Daniel Cherkin, Ph.D., of Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle.
“Because of the lack of highly effective medical treatments for chronic low back pain, we were pleased to find that acupuncture-like treatments were helpful for persons suffering from chronic back pain,” said Cherkin.
The trial enrolled 638 adults with chronic low back pain who had never had acupuncture and who had rated the “bothersomeness” of their pain as at least a 3 on a 0-to-10 scale.
The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Individualized acupuncture, involving a customized prescription for acupuncture points from a diagnostician; standardized acupuncture, using a single prescription for acupuncture points that experts consider generally effective for chronic low back pain; simulated acupuncture, which mimics needle acupuncture but does not involve actual penetration of the skin; or usual care, which is standard medical care.
The patients assigned to any of the three acupuncture groups (individualized, standardized or simulated) were treated twice weekly for three weeks, and then weekly for four weeks. At 8, 26 and 52 weeks, researchers measured back-related dysfunction and how much symptoms bothered participants.
The researchers found that at eight weeks the individualized, standardized and simulated acupuncture groups all improved their dysfunction scores significantly more than the group receiving usual care. These benefits persisted for one year, though diminished over time.
However, there was no significant difference between the groups receiving the needle and simulated forms of acupuncture. Thus, while acupuncture was found effective in treating low back pain, neither tailoring acupuncture needle sites to an individual patient nor penetrating the skin appears to be important for receiving therapeutic benefit.
“The findings of this research show that acupuncture-like treatments, including simulated acupuncture, can elicit positive responses,” said Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., director of NCCAM. “This adds to the growing body of evidence that there is something meaningful taking place during acupuncture treatments outside of actual needling. Future research is needed to delve deeper into what is evoking these responses.”
The researchers believe that further research is needed to determine the roles of patient expectancy, practitioner reassurance, the physiological effects of non-insertive stimulation, and other effects that may contribute to acupuncture-like benefits.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of low back pain call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Acupuncture for Food Cravings
May 27th, 2009
Individuals experiencing food cravings, impulsive binge eating and weight gain are increasingly turning to lifestyle changes and natural therapies such as acupuncture.
Acupuncture treats food cravings by stimulating and increasing endorphin levels. The low endorphin levels many individuals experience due to dieting and hormonal imbalance can lead to the impulse to overeat and binge, resulting in weight gain rather than weight loss.
Food cravings, in relation to obesity, can result in the development of a wide range of adverse health conditions, such as high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep apnea, among others. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 97.1 million adults are overweight, and 39.8 million of those individuals also meet the criteria for obesity.
Acupuncture for food cravings involves selecting acupoints on the body which improve qi circulation and speed metabolism. Ear acupoints are selected which reduce food cravings, suppress appetite, promote digestion, and control compulsive eating.
High stress levels or stressful situations can also contribute to food cravings and binge eating. By increasing endorphin levels, acupuncture produces a calming effect. This effect counterbalances stress, thus reducing food cravings and the impulse to binge. Increased endorphin levels also improve digestive system functioning and can aid in lowering blood insulin and lipid levels, which results in less insulin conversion into body fat.
Ear acupoints are also effective in harmonizing absorption and metabolism. Acupuncture body points selected can improve the circulation of oxygen and blood with an emphasis on the stomach. By strengthening qi flow, acupuncture can manage uncontrollable appetite and reduce cravings.
Acupuncture treatment can correct the energy imbalances that often are underlying factors contributing to food cravings. Acupuncture nourishes related organs and can contribute to the healthy functioning of the digestive system. Acupuncture for food cravings may be combined with other traditional Chinese medicine modalities, including moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary therapy.
For information about acupuncture for food cravings and weight management call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Broccoli for Stomach Ailments
May 23rd, 2009
Consuming two to three ounces of broccoli sprouts or broccoli per day may protect against the onset of stomach cancer and ulcers, according to a new Japanese study.
Diets that include daily amounts of broccoli have previously been proven to reduce the risk of cancer of the lung, bladder, skin, and esophagus. Although a small study, findings indicate broccoli or broccoli sprouts can prevent cancer.
Sulforaphane, the chemical in broccoli, produces a protective effect against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium which contributes to gastric cancer and stomach ailments. Sulforaphane, a natural antibiotic, can lower levels of H. pylori. The Japanese study appears in the April issue of Cancer Prevention Research.
The H. pylori bacterium is contagious, spreading through person-to-person contact. In the United States, an estimated 30 percent of individuals are infected.
Higher rates of H. pylori occur in the Japanese population due to economic conditions and overcrowding. In Japan, an estimated 90 percent of individuals are infected with the bacterium.
The Japan-based study included 48 infected individuals. Half ate alfalfa sprouts daily, which do not contain sulforaphane, while the other half ate 70 grams of broccoli sprouts per day. Following an eight week time span, tests indicated no reduction in H. pylori infection among those who ate alfalfa sprouts. Those individuals who consumed daily amounts of broccoli sprouts had significantly lower levels of the bacterium infection.
Study findings indicate that levels of H. pylori, a carcinogen and infectious agent, can be reduced by including daily amounts of broccoli or broccoli sprouts in the diet. Broccoli can reduce the chances of getting stomach cancer and ulcers.
While high levels of sulforaphane are produced in broccoli sprouts, the mature broccoli plant also contains significant levels of the natural antibiotic. Sulforaphane produces an enzyme in the liver that combats the cancer-causing bacterium. Sulforaphane also causes additional cells to actively reduce cancer-causing agents.
As little as two to three ounces of broccoli per day added to the diet can produce a protective effect against the harmful bacterium.
For information about nutrition for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500..
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month
May 19th, 2009
According to the CDC, about 73 million people in the United States have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Blood pressure that is slightly higher than normal is called prehypertension. Persons with prehypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure than are persons with normal blood pressure levels.
Almost 90 percent of middle-aged adults will develop high blood pressure during the remainder of their lifetime. About 28 percent of American adults have prehypertension. Nearly one of five people with high blood pressure do not know they have it.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.
A diet high in sodium increases the risk for higher blood pressure. About 77 percent of the sodium Americans consume comes from processed and restaurant foods.
You can maintain healthy blood pressure by changing your lifestyle. Key lifestyle changes include: Maintaining healthy weight, being moderately physically active on most days of the week, following a healthy low-sodium eating plan, and quitting smoking.
With its capacity to regulate blood pressure, particularly if blood pressure is high, acupuncture can also reduce the stress response that may increase blood pressure. The effects of acupuncture can be long lasting and the duration of the effects increase with the number of acupuncture treatments.
High blood pressure is often treated with lifestyle recommendations associated with diet, exercise and weight loss in combination with drug therapy. However, some individuals seek out alternative therapies due to an inability to enact healthful lifestyle changes or who continue to experience high blood pressure although they lead a healthy lifestyle. Acupuncture can be a solution to high blood pressure that is safe and painless.
Acupuncture treats specific acupoints on the wrist, forearm and leg that trigger the release of opioid chemicals in the brain, which reduces excitatory responses in the cardiovascular system. Acupuncture can be part of a therapeutic regimen for long-term care of hypertension and other cardiovascular ailments and can be safely integrated into conventional medical treatment.
For information about acupuncture for hypertension call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Getting in Step with Your Fitness Routine
May 12th, 2009
If you’re one of many exercisers having trouble sticking to an exercise routine, you’re not alone. Linda Shelton, a fitness and wellness authority and author, has a solution: Work with, not against, your fitness personality type.
Shelton has identified five distinct personality types that exercisers can use to develop personalized long-lasting fitness regimens which also recognize potential pitfalls. Some people may be a combination of more than one of the following types, says Shelton.
“Using the personality types is a great way to structure an exercise routine so you’re not just guessing about what might work and might not,” Shelton said. “It’s about knowing what drives a person, and using that knowledge to help someone stick with exercise and even enjoy it.”
The five personality types:
Squares: Squares are the most reliable, stable and predictable of the five personality types. They like to have a plan for nearly everything in their lives, and thrive on routine.Potential pitfall: Doing the same exercise routine for years. “Squares tend to develop rigid schedules for themselves, so while they get to the gym, they don’t see progressive results because they hit plateaus,” Shelton said. “Instead, a square should try to take baby steps toward sprinkling in new activities weekly that switch up their routines while still giving them the familiarity of the old program.”
Rectangle: Rectangle types are a bit more flexible than squares, but still like order and routine. They love groups, and perform best with social interaction. Potential pitfall: Exercising alone. Rectangles should join fitness clubs – like hiking or running groups – and take group fitness classes instead.
Triangle: Triangles are the most competitive and driven of the five personality types. They are task-oriented and maintain detailed lists (like sets and repetitions) when working out so they can monitor their progress and revel in their successes. Potential pitfall: Exercising without a set goal. Shelton suggests that triangles work out with an equally competitive partner or train for a specific event, like a sprint triathlon or half-marathon that has a goal.
Circle: Circles are the social butterflies of the fitness world, and the most emotionally driven of the five types.Potential pitfall: Socializing instead of exercising, and putting themselves – and their fitness – last on the priority list. “Circles sometimes talk the entire way through a workout; they’re not really there for exercise so much as camaraderie,” Shelton said. “They need a nurturing trainer who will motivate them, yet not push too hard, or to exercise in a group setting.”
Squigglie: Squigglies possess the most outgoing, least structured personality type. They are the complete opposite of squares and hate routine. Squigglies must derive pleasure from whatever activity they’re doing, or they may quit.Potential pitfall: Getting bored. Squigglies should try an extremely varied routine that includes lots of different classes and new activities to maintain interest in exercise.
Shelton says her five fitness personalities are an important consideration when developing an exercise routine. The exerciser can use their personality type(s) to create the best workout.
For information about fitness and nutrition for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Wellness
May 11th, 2009
An important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the use of herbal medications and formulas. Chinese herbal medicine uses more than 600 different herbs prescribed in different combinations to treat specific diseases. There are hundreds of classic formulas, composed primarily of herbs of plant origin.
While conventional therapies often do not incorporate herbal medication into treatment, Chinese herbal medicine has been proven effective in health maintenance and disease prevention. Over 50 percent of allopathic pharmaceuticals are composed of botanical substances.
Chinese herbal medicine is used internally and externally. The most common way internal formulas are administered is in an infusion, or concentrated tea form. Occasionally, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners will create herbal formula capsules, pills, granules, or tinctures. External herbal formulas are prepared as liniments, powders, extracts, pastes, and salves.
There are over 6,000 medicinal substances in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Herbs are always used in combined formulations to treat specific conditions; TCM practitioners do not prescribe single herbs to treat disorders.
When recommending specific Chinese herbal formulas for treatment, TCM practitioners take into consideration the therapeutic effect of each herb as well as the combined effect of the herbs when processed together. A formula typically consists of 4-20 herbs to treat related secondary aspects of the disorder as well as the root cause and to reduce side effects of individual herbs.
Herbs are categorized by temperature and taste. Temperature characteristics are described as cold, cool, hot, or neutral. Taste properties include: Sour, bitter, sweet, bland, spicy, and salty.
Herbs are also organized according to affinity and primary action. Affinity refers to an herb’s relation to a particular organ system. Primary action is the effect of a specific herb. Combinations of these four properties result in herb formulas tailored to treat different conditions and qi imbalances.
In traditional Chinese medicine, all living things contain qi, or life force energy. While herbal formulations are composed to treat specific qi imbalances, each herb also has its own qi, which determines the basis of its action mechanism.
Your TCM practitioner or acupuncture physician will diagnose your condition and may create or recommend a standard formula to enhance the effects of acupuncture therapy.
Chinese herbs have been proven to be very effective in treating colds, anemia, chronic cough, wheezing, back and knee ache, poor circulation, an impaired immune system, allergies, digestive disorders, fatigue, influenza, chronic headaches, skin disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
Chinese herbal medicine is a main component of TCM and is used to treat all conditions and ailments.
For information about acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy for wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. .