Acupuncture and Autoimmune Disease

Treating Autoimmune Disease with Acupuncture

Over 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease; an autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. Autoimmune disorders include Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Due to the complexity of treating autoimmune disorders, integrative medicine solutions including acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have received much attention as successful therapies in their treatment. Acupuncture is specifically noted for its use in pain relief, regulating the immune system, managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

Under normal conditions, an immune response cannot be triggered against the cells of one's own body. In certain cases, however, immune cells make a mistake and attack the very cells that they are meant to protect. This can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases. They encompass a broad category of over 100 diseases in which the person's immune system attacks his or her own tissue.

The exact mechanisms causing these changes are not completely understood, but bacteria, viruses, toxins, and some drugs may play a role in triggering an autoimmune process in someone who already has a genetic (inherited) predisposition to develop such a disorder. It is theorized that the inflammation initiated by these agents, toxic or infectious, somehow provokes in the body a "sensitization" (autoimmune reaction) in the involved tissues.

As the disease develops vague symptoms start to appear, such as joint and muscle pain, general muscle weakness, possible rashes or low-grade fever, trouble concentrating, or weight loss. The following symptoms may point toward something being wrong: numbness and tingling in hands and feet, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or repeated miscarriages can also be caused by an autoimmune response.

How Acupuncture Treats Autoimmune Disorders

According to TCM, autoimmune disorders occur when there is imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of yin and yang that disrupts the flow of qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.

Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system.

In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork.

To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into care for people with an autoimmune disorder, please call for a consultation today.

Source: Qi Mail™

Fight that Cold ... With an Acupuncture Treatment!

Another wave of colds and flus seem to be in the air. This week, many of my patients cancelled their acupuncture appointments due to illness. Most of them expressed concern about spreading illness by coming in. While it is recommended to limit your activity out in public to keep from spreading illness, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is very effective at treating acute colds. I encourage my patients to keep their appointments with me when they are sick. If you come in for a treatment, especially if it's at the beginning of the illness, TCM can shorten the duration of the cold.

The TCM theory behind the common cold is that an external pathogen (cold/flu) has entered into our system (body). Our first defense, and most common area of entry, is through the mucus membranes of the nose and throat. If we can push the pathogen out of our body, using acupuncture and herbs, then there is less likelihood for symptoms to worsen and for the pathogen to penetrate deeper. We all know when a simple cold moves into the lungs, for example, it can cause more intense flu-like symptoms or infections. And then what often follows is that lingering cough that just never seems to go away! It is important to treat a cold as soon as possible to stop it in its tracks. So, next time you start to feel run down and a cold coming on, make an appointment! Let TCM help you get back on your feet and back to your life!

A Good Foot Soak to Strengthen Your Kidneys

Many of my patients experience having cold feet, especially at night. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms, this might be a symptom of Kidney deficiency, which can be the root of many conditions. Strengthening the Kidneys is especially important if you experience anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or difficulty conceiving.

Soaking your feet in warm water for 10-20 minutes per day is good for body and mind. It improves circulation throughout your body and especially to your pelvic organs and reproductive system. It is very grounding for our mind and spirit. A good foot soak can help to calm a racing heart or wandering thoughts. And it is, of course, very relaxing!

Nutrition for Fertility

Randine Lewis wrote a great book called "The Infertility Cure" which discusses the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for conception and a healthy pregnancy. The book is somewhat technical but also provides some great tips on how to prepare your body to conceive.

TCM recognizes food as a main source of energy for the body. Thus, nutrition plays a vital role in a woman's fertility. In particularly, it is important to nourish kidney energy, which is responsible for reproductive functioning. Here are some ways to nourish your kidney energy:

• Avoid ice-cold drinks, especially during menses. Cold has the effect of reducing blood flow, and we want lots of nutrient rich blood flowing to our uteruses!
• Eat lightly steamed veggies, rather than raw. Cooked foods tax our digestion less, so nutrients become more accessible to the body.
• Make the bulk of your diet come from organic plant sources (fruits & veggies).
• Limit caffeine and alcohol (some green tea is fine) which tend to be more toxic to our systems.
• Eliminate nicotine, which can make eggs resist fertilization.
• Avoid unnecessary medications and drugs, including over the counter medicines. Even non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, like Alleve) can inhibit ovulation and antihistamines and decongestants can dry up cervical mucus, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.

For more information, check out Dr. Lewis's book, available here.

Double Broccoli Quinoa Recipe

Heidi Swanson has a great cooking blog called 101 Cookbooks, which provides seasonal recipes with lots of whole grains and veggies. Plus she's a photographer, so it makes for an even more inspirational cooking experience. Here's a yummy one for the fall:

Double Broccoli Quinoa

3 cups cooked quinoa

5 cups raw broccoli, cut into small florets and stems

3 medium garlic cloves

2/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan

2 big pinches salt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup heavy cream

Optional toppings: slivered basil, sliced avocado, crumbled feta or goat cheese

1. Heat the quinoa and set aside.

2. Now barely cook the broccoli by pouring 3/4 cup water into a large pot and bringing it to a simmer. Add a big pinch of salt and stir in the broccoli. Cover and cook for a minute, just long enough to take the raw edge off. Transfer the broccoli to a strainer and run under cold water until it stops cooking. Set aside.

3. To make the broccoli pesto puree two cups of the cooked broccoli, the garlic, 1/2 cup of the almonds, Parmesan, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor. Drizzle in the olive oil and cream and pulse until smooth.

4. Just before serving, toss the quinoa and remaining broccoli florets with about 1/2 of the broccoli pesto. Taste and adjust if needed, you might want to add more of the pest a bit at a time, or you might want a bit more salt or an added squeeze of lemon juice. Turn out onto a serving platter and top with the remaining almonds, a drizzle of the chile oil, and some sliced avocado or any of the other optional toppings.

Study on Acupuncture and Hot Flashes

More news about menopause: Acupuncture reduces nighttime hot flashes caused by menopause, according to a study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Researchers found that seven weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the severity of nighttime hot flashes by twenty-eight percent among menopausal women compared with a six percent decrease among women who had a sham acupuncture treatment. The effects of acupuncture vs. a sham acupuncture treatment on the severity and frequency of nighttime hot flashes were compared. Taking part in the study were twenty-nine menopausal women experiencing at least seven moderate to severe hot flashes per day.

All of the women underwent nine treatments from trained acupuncturists in sessions over seven weeks. Twelve of the women received real acupuncture using points selected to target hot flashes and sleepiness. The rest of the women received a sham acupuncture treatment using non-penetrating needles at random acupuncture channel points. Throughout the study, the women reported the number and severity of their hot flashes. The results showed that nighttime hot flash severity decreased significantly (twenty-eight percent) among the women who received acupuncture vs. a six percent drop among the women who got the sham treatment. However, they did not see a similar finding in the frequency of nighttime hot flashes between the two groups.

Researcher Mary Huang, M.S., of Stanford University, and colleagues say the results suggest acupuncture deserves further study as an alternative treatment for menopausal hot flashes.

Source: Huang, M. Fertility and Sterility, September 2006; Vol. 86: pp. 700-710. News release, American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Credit: Qi Mail™

Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health with Acupuncture

With its close understanding of the female body, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has always addressed the special needs of women throughout their lives. Menopause, in particular, is an area in which TCM shines. Acupuncture and TCM have the ability to detect energetic changes that occur in the body and quickly relieve uncomfortable symptoms that accompany the onset of menopause.

What is Menopause?
Menopause is a transitional period marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman’s body. Most women stop menstruating between the ages of 48 and 52, but symptoms can begin as early as 35. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and are brought on as our bodies try to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain.

From an Eastern Perspective
According to TCM theory, menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her. The kidney is the organ system in TCM that is viewed as the root of reproduction, vitality and longevity. Menopause signifies the depletion of the fertility essence stored within the kidneys. Blood and essence from the kidneys are conserved and cycled through the body to nourish the woman’s spirit and extend her longevity. Thus, in TCM, menopause is seen as true change in life from mother to enlightened and wise being.

Treating Menopause with Acupuncture and TCM
Few areas of women’s health stir up as much confusion and debate as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is normally started when the first symptoms of menopause appear. While HRT may alleviate hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, they may also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side-effects. But HRT isn’t the only solution, TCM has long recognized that health and vitality can be sustained over a woman’s lifetime by restoring balance within the body and supporting the natural production of essential hormones.
Lifestyle and Dietary Instructions
Menopause patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and to follow a diet with a high content of raw foods, fruits and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar. Some foods may exacerbate hot flashes or increase mood swings; steer clear of dairy products, red meats, alcohol, sugar, spicy foods, caffeine, and don’t smoke. Lastly, try to eliminate stress, tension and anxiety or learn techniques to cope with stress so that you can diminish the effects that it has on your body and mind.

With support from Acupuncture and TCM, along with small changes in lifestyle and diet, menopause can be a time of a revival of vital energy and an opportunity for personal growth. Please call with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Credit: Qi Mail™