The World Health Organization (WHO) references acupuncture as being an effective treatment for the management of many types of pain, both acute and chronic.

There are 3 proven mechanisms that explain how acupuncture relieves pain;

1. Gate Theory
Once inserted, the needle activates the myelinated nervous system fibers which ultimately stops the pain message from getting to the T-cells in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (closes the ‘Gate’). Therefore the pain message does not transmit to the thalamus/cortex in the brain (these areas normally interpret these messages and make you feel pain)

2. Opiate Theory
Once inserted, the needle activates the midbrain to release beta-endorphins into the cerebral spinal fluid and met-enkephalin into the plasma. This cascade causes the release of other neurotransmitters that block the sensations of pain. Both endorphins and enkephalins are naturally occurring opiate-like substances produced by the body in situations that require analgesia. Opiates are the fundamental compounds that Pharmaceutical painkillers such as codeine and morphine are built from.

3. Antihistamine Theory
Once inserted, the needle activates a process which regulates (reduces) the amount of histamine and bradykinin in the blood. These substances are what causes inflammation and pain when chronic or acute injury occurs.

Traditional Acupuncture Theory

Energy (Qi) circulates within the body through a series of pathways called meridians, similar to blood vessels. Wherever blood flows it brings with it nourishment and life giving qualities to the surrounding tissues and organs. Qi is the vital force necessary to keep the heart pumping so that blood will be transported as needed. More broadly, Qi gives that same life force to every single cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland in the body. Therefore, a blockage of the flow of Qi anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and glands.

Many things can cause Qi to become blocked: poor diet, physical trauma, emotional trauma, inherited weakness, many disease processes, and chemical, physical, and emotional stress, just to name a few.

By inserting fine sterile needles at specific points, blockages of Qi that cause pain are cleared and smooth flow is restored. Once this is accomplished, pain will vanish.

Treatment Protocols

It is not uncommon for there to be significant relief after just one treatment. Most often with acute pain, between 2-4 treatments for 1-3 weeks is usually required to obtain optimal pain relieving effects. As for chronic pain, 1-2 treatments per week for longer durations is usually necessary.

Any pain condition may involve combination with other pain relieving modalities (yoga, fitness rehabilitation, physiotherapy, etc). Herbal salves and preparations along with certain recommended supplements may also enter the scope of treatment. Other traditional techniques such as cupping and moxibustion are also frequently employed. You may also be asked to perform some simple techniques at home or work between treatments to aid treatment efficacy.

Spence Pentland of Vancouver BC Canada received his five year Doctor of TCM education from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Vancouver. To complete his studies he spent 500 hours at Anhui Hospital of TCM Hefei City, in the Peoples Republic of China. He is a licensed and registered member of the Canadian Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, is the President of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia (TCMABC http://www.tcmabc.org), and practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre (http://www.acubalance.ca)where he treats only Men’s reproductive health (http://mens.health-info.org)and Women’s fertility issues.

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Chinese herbal medicine is a health care system which has been around since ancient times. It is also known by the acronym CHM. As the causes of illness that afflict mankind have evolved in time, CHM has also undergone developments continuously. Along with modern medicine, state hospitals in China use herbal medicine for various ailments and diseases.

All forms of diseases can be treated by Chinese herbal medicine. The traditional view in Chinese herbal medical system is to prevent diseases before they occur.

The majority of the world population uses Chinese herbal medicine since ancient times and it still is the most extensively used medical system. In comparison to commonly produced pharmaceutical drugs, Chinese herbal medicine rarely gives an adverse reaction.

Depending upon the disease’s severity the duration of the medication is expanded to get the best results and cure. Allergies, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions pertaining to respiratory tracks, immune system disorders, pain, problems due to psychological disorders, children’s diseases and gynecological problems can be effectively treated using Chinese herbal medicines. Find more info at www.onlinepharmacyresource.info

People of all ages and constitution can take Chinese herbal medical treatment. Symptoms of current illness and previous history will be taken into consideration by the practitioner before prescribing the medicine. Even pregnant women and children can be given treatment using Chinese herbal medicines.

Traditional and modern versions of Chinese herbal medicines are available in number of formats. At first the unusual taste of the herbal medicine will be difficult to adjust to, but quickly the patients will get used to the taste. Chinese herbal treatment does not have any standard price structure. Nowadays many health insurance companies are covering herbal treatment too.

Colonic dialysis therapy is a form of treatment in Chinese herbal medicine which enables the body to eliminate toxins effectively and quickly and helps to overcome addictions.

PLA Institute of Drug Dependence Treatment and Rehabilitation is doing research to observe the effects of using colonic dialysis therapy in persons addicted to heroin and to find out whether this treatment can help them abstain from the craving for heroin.

An evaluation of an ancient Chinese remedy for dermatitis was done by doctors at the Royal Free Hospital in London. A mixture of 10 herbs was prescribed to a group of forty adult patients with longstanding and widespread atopic dermatitis in a trial which lasted 5 months. Over an eight week period each patient was randomly allocated to receive either the herbal remedy or a similar tasting placebo. This was followed by a four week wash-out period. 31 patients completed the study and showed a continued and rapid improvement in the extent of redness of skin (erythema) and surface damage during the time they were taking the prescribed Chinese herbal medicine. The research concluded that the remedy is effective in treating adult atopic dermatitis.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit CHM or Herbal Remedies.

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Acupuncture and beauty

The majority among us know the typical image of somebody who takes a treatment of acupuncture. We can also list some of the things which acupuncture is employed for, including reducing anxiety and reducing or eliminating pain. However, few people know that acupuncture is a marvelous thing to add to a beauty routine.

Let us look at deeply in the mirror, before any make-up is applied. What would it be good to change? Maybe there are too many fine lines, dark circles under the eyes are not attractive and the large pores really should be banished. There is a small sign of a double chin, and the skin has some age spots and cannot be compared with that of a young woman. Sigh. Well, these things will take much make-up, and perhaps more energetic actions, such as a little plastic surgery.

To think of the plastic surgery suddenly makes the thought of some needles and a treatment of acupuncture much easier to tolerate. When an acupuncture expert inserts the tiny needles in parts of the face, this stimulates the production of collagen in the general area. The skin will be reinvigorated and will be nourished by the body rather than by external means. This production of collagen will strengthen the skin and will stretch out all the fine lines.

Many women who undergo this process noted results within one or just a few treatments. Their skin becomes more even and clear, the wrinkles become less apparent, and there is a general gleam about the face. This treatment reconstitutes the energy of the face in a normal state, and thus in comparison with other women look naturally healthier and more beautiful. Now that our faces are beautiful, we can turn our attention to the remainder of our bodies. The majority among us have tried with varying degrees of success, to remove, in addition, additional pounds which we wished were not there. At the point at which many among us see the wrinkles and the dark circles, described above, the visits to the gym will not make much visible difference.

It is incredibly difficult for the majority among us to carry out, in the long run, a successful course of weight-loss. Many people have tried all kinds of diets, which only resulted in weight going up and down like a yo-yo. It does not seem possible to lose weight and keep it a level that is healthy and attractive; this is a second area where acupuncture gives a certain promise.

As you might expect, the treatment of weight loss through acupuncture is also made with needles. They are this time not inserted in the face, but rather, hair-thin needles are inserted in the particular spots on the body which will reorientate essential energy to help the body to function correctly.
Sometimes the expert of acupuncture can also suggest some herbs or a herbal tea. After each session of acupuncture the majority of the patients feel very good. Western scientists noted that a reason that this treatment is successful is due to the release of endorphins, which is a chemical used in the body that helps us to lose weight. The patient continues in a series of treatments,later on maintenance are programmed periodically. In all events, people in good health would draw benefit from a periodic visit to a private clinic of acupuncture to restore their energy to optimal levels. And these visits will maintain us not only in good health, but keep us beautiful as well!

For more information about good health, for reviews on health products and services visit goodhealthreviews.com

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