Acupuncture Boise- Tony Burris, L.Ac., Television Interview on Acupuncture

Could Acupuncture Relieve Symptoms of Depression?

Reprinted from Science World Report

A recent study suggests that acupuncture can be beneficial for patients that may be suffering from moderate to severe depression.

Lead study author Hugh Macpherson from the University of York in the United Kingdom looked at 755 individuals who were diagnosed with moderate to severe depression. This group of participants were then divided into three groups: Three hundred and two individuals that received weekly acupunctures sessions, 302 participants who received weekly counseling sessions and 151 participants who received usual care only, all throughout the span of 12 weeks.

Before the first week of sessions, researchers determined the depression level of those involved, finding that the average depression score was 16 based on a scale of 0 to 27 (with higher scores meaning more severe depression and lower scores meaning less.)

At the 12-week testing period, the researchers reevaluated the depression levels of each group. For those that received acupuncture treatments, their scores were lowered to a 9 and fell into the category of "mild depression." Those that underwent counseling also experienced a lower score of 11. Yet those that received traditional care treatments had a score that fell to 13 on average, which is still rated in the "moderate depression" category.

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The participants were followed over a three-month period during which they received the various types of treatments. As those that received acupuncture and counseling fared better than those who received usual care, researchers believe that acupuncture may provide the same therapeutic benefits as counseling.

Many medical statistics back up the assumption that tradtional treatments involving depression may not be enough.

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In fact, Consumer Reports estimates that roughly 30 to 45 paercent of people fail to actually respond to treatment with an antidepressant. However, 55 to 70 percent on average gain at least a 50 percent improvement (or decress in depression) of their symptoms.

"For people who have depression, who have tried various medical options, who are still not getting the benefit they want, they should try acupuncture or counseling as options that is now known to be clinically effective," Macpherson said, via Reuters.

Acupuncture, a therapeutic practice that originated in china thousands of years ago, works through the insertion of very thin, small needles into a patient's skin at specific points in the body that reach certain depths. Many use the treatment for pain relief and alleviation from nausea caused by chemotherapy and other disorders that may help relieve stress through treatments. However, continuous studies are still investigating all the health benefits of this therapy.

Have you ever used acupuncture to relief stress, pain or depression? How well did it work for you?

More information regarding the study can be found via the online journal PLOS Medicine.

Tony Burris, L.Ac., is a 17-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. Visit Tony’s other blog at The Taoist Club of Boise or visit his website.

New Acupuncture Needle Qi Sensation Research

A new investigation of acupuncture connects modern research with the traditional inducement of de-qi, a sensation evoked by acupuncture needles. New insights into de-qi have emerged. Researchers from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Medimar International Hospital and the European Foundation of TCM performed a research meta-analysis of the medical implications of evoking de-qi. Prominent acupuncturists and modern research was included in the study. The findings suggest a direct correlation between ancient acupuncture techniques and improved clinical outcomes for patients.

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A total of 140 acupuncturists were chosen for the study and a publication review of 81 sources met the inclusion criteria out of a total of 352 publications reviewed. The investigators started with a historical account of classical acupuncture and then covered responses by modern clinicians and research. The researchers noted that, historically, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon discussed de-qi but the arrival of Qi was viewed in terms of the practitioner’s experience and not the sensations experienced by the patient. They noted that by the end of the Ming Dynasty, de-qi was described as dull, numb, distention, outward spreading and other similar sensations as described in The Inner Chapters of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.

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Modern research was conducted to survey patient responses to de-qi evoked by acupuncture needling. The subjective responses by patients included descriptors such as soreness, dull pain, heat, cold, heaviness, electrical, distention and numbness. The researchers also noted a distinction in subjective responses that were experienced as either fast or slow. Dull aches, for example, had a spreading sensation at a slow rate whereas electrical sensations were rapid. Correlates were drawn between the sensations and the rapid speed of nerve transmission and the slow speed, in centimeters per second, of channel transmission. Prominent acupuncturists added that de-qi is visually observable when the skin surrounding the needle appears tensed, bulged or pitted. The de-qi researchers note that classical authors describe de-qi as both tightness and heaviness that can be perceived in the fingers of the licensed acupuncturist holding the needle.

Acupuncture Speed Unique

The issues of de-qi and speed of transmission has emerged in other independent research. Dr. Jones and Dr. Bae of the University of California, Irvine, delineated three pathways by which acupuncture sends signals to the brain by using fMRI and ultrasound measurements. A very fast bioelectric signal is triggered at acupuncture points that is less than or equal to 0.8ms, another signal travels along nerve pathways and arrives at the brain in 180 - 200ms and a very slow signal arrives at the brain in 15 - 25 seconds as measured from stimulation of acupuncture point UB67 on the foot. The very slow signal travels at a rate of 5 - 10 cm per second. The stimulation process communicates to other acupuncture points along the meridian at this rate and is quantifiable with ultrasound and fMRI measurements. Dr. Jones noted that the very fast 0.8ms response is two orders of magnitude faster than any other known process. If a non-acupuncture point is stimulated, this rapid response is not observed. If one stimulates a true acupuncture point, the speed is less than or equal to 0.8ms, which is not only fast but unequalled at any other area of the body. Only acupuncture points carry information at this rate. The work of Dr. Jones and Dr. Bae relates to this new de-qi research in that the new de-qi research involves a discussion of de-qi and its relationship to neuro-stimulation, perception of de-qi speed sensations and clinical outcomes.

The de-qi researchers uncovered controversy in the determination of de-qi arrival. Dr. Jin R., a prominent acupuncturist, notes that patient sensations of numbness, heaviness and distention are sometimes superficial local sensations and are not necessarily indicative of de-qi. The researchers also noted that “clinical practice has shown that some patients can also get a good efficacy with weak needling sensation or even with no needling sensation at all.” They cited several styles of acupuncture that do not require a needle sensation response to achieve clinical results including abdominal acupuncture, wrist-ankle acupuncture and intradermal needle acupuncture.

Acupuncture Needle Techniques

The research focused on clinical data and licensed acupuncturist input as to the relationship between the arrival of de-qi and specific clinical techniques. Dr. Peng J.S. notes that different de-qi sensations are more appropriate for different ages and body constitutions. Dr. Qiu M.L. notes that changing the direction of needling sensation at one acupuncture point results in specific results. For example, if CV12 is used for the treatment of stomachache, the needle sensation is one of scattering around the region in order to relieve pain. To treat vomiting, the needling sensation is focused downward. Dr. Yu S.Z. notes that evoking numbness and electrical needle sensations are effective in the treatment of excess syndromes and acute diseases. Dr. Guan Z. H. added that needling GB30 for sciatica results in positive patient outcomes when the needle sensation spreads downwards towards the foot.

Various other factors were reviewed in the research including optimum needle retention time and its relationship to de-qi, the quantity of de-qi stimulus, the quality of de-qi stimulus and appropriate techniques to apply after the arrival of de-qi based on needle responses detected by the acupuncturist. Secondary responses to the arrival of de-qi were also reviewed in this meta-analysis and interview process.

There was agreement that secondary responses after the arrive of de-qi that are fierce, unsmooth, difficult for the patient to tolerate or even make the needle physically difficult to manipulate are indicative of a pernicious influence, Xie Qi. However, if the secondary response “comes slowly and softly” as described in the The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, then it is indicative of upright Qi. Dr. Qiu M.L. noted that Xie Qi may involve patient disorders such as acute pain, gallstones, high fever or spasticity. These involve a tense body condition and may lead to a fierce body response after de-qi arrival thereby giving rise to sensations of tenseness, dullness and pain beneath the needle. He noted that upright Qi secondary responses to de-qi are sometimes indicative of symptomatic relieve caused by the acupuncture needle insertion wherein the needle sensation is soft, constant and is “neither of tension nor emptiness.” Dr. Tian C.H. summarized by noting that upright Qi is mild and Xie Qi is quick and tense. The research then turned to a discussion of the specific nerve fibers related to specific de-qi responses.

Interesting feedback by prominent acupuncturists involved a discussion of de-qi and the appropriate acupuncture needle manipulations relative to the responses. There was agreement that the reinforcing and reducing methods can only proceed after the arrival of de-qi. Dr. Jin R. noted that when the Qi arrives slowly there is a sensation beneath the needle of gradually filling and this indicates upright Qi. This indicates the proper application of the reinforcing technique. A compact and fast sensation during the arrival of Qi indicates Xie Qi and therefore a reducing method is appropriate. Dr. Zhang S.C. noted that reinforcing and reducing methods are limited to patient examination and evaluation. Dr. Lu S.Y. added that de-qi sensations often reflect the proper application of the reinforcing and reducing techniques. He noted that the “reinforcing method requires the sensation beneath the needle to be tense and full, which was loose and puff before the procedure. Reducing method requires the unsmooth and tight sensation beneath the needle to be changed.”

Not Just Nerves

This de-qi research coincides with the release of other research finding no correlation between direct nerve stimulation at acupuncture point regions and de-qi sensation. An interesting finding, direct needle stimulation and contact of the median nerve at acupuncture point P6 does not necessarily stimulate a de-qi sensation. Conversely, de-qi is often achieved at P6 without any direct simulation of the median nerve. This and other research finds that de-qi is not caused by direct irritation of a nerve fiber. Rather, de-qi is a physiological response by the central and peripheral nervous system independent of direct contact to nerve fibers. In the same study it was found that achieving de-qi at acupuncture points elicits distinctly different cortical responses than at non-acupuncture points. The researchers suggest that much of these findings point to de-qi having a different effect on the central nervous system dependent on the acupuncture points chosen. Specific acupuncture points demonstrate a consistent and unique ability to stimulate specific brain regions upon de-qi stimulation.

References:

Chen, Sheng, Shengnan Guo, Federico Marmori, Yanping Wang, Qi Zhao, Baokai Wang, Eunhae Ha et al. "Appraisal of the De qi Concept among Contemporary Chinese Acupuncturists."

Zhu, Shi-Peng, Li Luo, Ling Zhang, Song-Xi Shen, Xiao-Xuan Ren, Meng-Wei Guo, Jia-Min Yang et al. "Acupuncture DE-qi: from Characterization to Underlying Mechanism." - See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/816-deqitcm140#sthash.mhi4xG6X.dpuf

Tony Burris, L.Ac., is a 17-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. Visit Tony’s other blog at The Taoist Club of Boise or visit his website.

Acupuncture & Herbs Heal Colitis - New Findings

New research confirms that acupuncture and herbal medicine relieve chronic ulcerative colitis. Chinese herbal medicine heals colitis. Herbal MedicineThis disorder is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that most commonly affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is a contiguous expanses of inflamed tissue that may spread deeply into affected regions. Biomedical treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppression and surgical removal of parts of the intestines.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a combination of acupuncture and herbs are used to treat this disorder.

TCM case histories for the successful treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis date back over 1,000 years. This new research confirms what has been included in standard Chinese Medicine texts for millennia. The approach taken in this recent study was to combine an herbal enema with standard acupuncture therapy. The herbal enema was comprised of a Bai Tou Weng and Ku Shen decoction. A control group was given only sulfasalazine, an antibiotic used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

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The researchers discovered two major findings. First, the acupuncture combined with herbal medicine group had significantly better patient outcomes than the drug group. Second, the acupuncture combined with herbal medicine group seldom had any side effects whereas the drug group experienced adverse effects from the antibiotic treatment. All results were taken from a sample size of 62 patients with chronic ulcerative colitis that were randomly divided into the acupuncture-herb group and the sulfasalazine antibiotic group. This study was recently published in the Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine.

Historically, Traditional Chinese Medicine documents a great many successes in the treatment of ulcerative colitis using internal herbal tea decoctions for oral consumption as a medicinal beverage. The use of the formulas is based on a differential diagnosis of a patient’s condition. The following is a short list of common herbal formulas used in TCM clinics for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis: Bai Tou Weng Tang, Bai Zhu Shao Yao San, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan, Ge Gen Huang Lian Huang Qin Tang, Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang, Huai Hua San, Jian Pi Wan, Shao Yao Tang, Tong Xie Yao Fang, Zhen Ren Huo Ming Yin.

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The medicinal functions of these formulas varies enormously and a skilled licensed acupuncturist trained in herbal medicine is able to determine the appropriate choice given a patient’s specific condition. Severe infectious stages of chronic ulcerative colitis may require an anti-toxin formula such as Bai Tou Weng Tang whereas chronic stages characterized by patient fatigue may require a tonifying herbal formula such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

Traditional treatment of subacute flare-ups and acute stages is often guided by the treatment principle of clearing the Large Intestine damp-heat. In TCM, damp-heat is a term often referring to inflammatory conditions characterized by redness, swelling, pain, heat, pus, mucous and other types of fluid congestion. Shao Yao Tang and Bai Tou Weng Tang are often appropriate herbal formulas in these more extreme clinical scenarios.

Shao Yao Tang is generally chosen when there is an equal amount of blood and pus in the stool whereas Bai Tou Weng Tang is chosen when there is more blood than pus in the stool. The chief ingredient of Bai Tou Weng Tang, Bai Tou Weng, has very strong properties. It clears heat, toxins and poisons and also cools the blood and binds the intestines. It is often used in cases where there is severe diarrhea from acute amoebic or bacterial dysentery. Bai Tou Weng Tang, in general, applies to the treatment of more severe, acute presentations.

The clinical scenarios shift from these subacute and acute stages to very cold, deficient chronic cases. In those situations, anti-toxin formulas like Shao Yao Tang and Bai Tou Weng Tang may not provide any relief. Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan represents a formula used on the othe side of the clinical spectrum for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis. It functions to warm the middle jiao, expel the cold and to tonify the Spleen Qi. It shares symptoms with more acute presentations such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea but this is where the similarities begin to wane. The patients are often exhausted, have a watery stool, belch, have a cold sensation of the lower abdomen or whole body and have a very low appetite. The treatment principle is to warm the interior. From the fiery presentations of Large Intestine Damp-Heat to the chilling presentations of cold and dampness, chronic ulcerative colitis presents many challenges to treatment.

The new research did not focus on herbal decoctions as beverages but instead combined herbal decoction enemas with acupuncture. In some states, herbal enemas are not within the scope of practice of a licensed acupuncturist. Outside of this legal restriction, this treatment modality is a widely accepted and well documented approach. Acupuncturists are also well versed in Chinese Medicine dietetics. Dietary modifications may be necessary to prevent exacerbation and aggravation of colitis. The acupuncture component helps to speed the recovery process significantly.

Acupuncture exerts a synergistic effect on the body thereby enhancing the efficaciousness of herbal medicine approaches. In an interview with Prof. J. Pang, L.Ac., he notes that acupuncture helps to open the acupuncture channels thereby potentiating the herbal formulas. Prof. Pang is a provider of acupuncture continuing education courses for acupuncture CEU credit at the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi) and is the department chair of herbal medicine, dietetics and theory at Five Branches University located in San Jose and Santa Cruz, California.

Reference: Clinical observation on treating chronic ulcerative colitis with retention enema by Baitouweng Kushen decoction and acupuncture, Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, 1674-7860, 2013. - See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/811-colitis62#sthash.EukbHvH9.dpuf

Tony Burris, L.Ac., is an 18-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. Visit Tony’s other blog at The Taoist Club of Boise or visit his website.

Acupuncture Protects Brain Cells From Stroke - New Study

New research demonstrates that acupuncture stimulates brain cell proliferation in the cerebrum. The researchers note that electroacupuncture “exerts a neuroprotective effect in ischemic stroke.” The researchers also successfully measured the biochemical pathway by which acupuncture exerts this medical benefit to the brain. Stimulation of two acupuncture points was shown to activate the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway, an important protein communication pathway involved in cell proliferation.

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The experiment measured the biochemical responses to electro-acupuncture delivered to acupuncture points LI11 (Quchi) and ST36 (Zusanli), bilaterally. LI11 is located at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease, a point located somewhat near the elbow. ST36 is located near the anterior crest of the tibia on the lower leg. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, both acupuncture points are related by their location on the hand and leg Yangming channels respectively. The traditional uses of these acupuncture points varies greatly in many clinical circumstances. According to TCM theory, both ST36 and LI11 are He Sea and Earth points thereby giving them another similarity beyond sharing placement on a Yangming channel. Interestingly, a common pairing of ST36 is with LI10. ST36, Zusanli, is translated as leg three measures and LI10, Zhousanli, is translated as arm three measures. This refers, in part, to each acupuncture point’s ability to strengthen patients with weak conditions. Here, the researchers paired ST36 with LI11 instead.

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Traditionally, LI11 is commonly used to quell inflammatory conditions such as sore throats, toothaches, red & painful eyes, urticarria, various skin conditions and febrile diseases. LI11 is also used for the treatment of upper limb paralysis. ST36 is commonly used to nourish and strengthen patients with weak bodily constitutions. However, it is indicated for inflammatory conditions including enteritis, gastritis and breast abscesses. ST36 is commonly used by licensed acupuncturists for the treatment of gastric pain, vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea, constipation, mastitis, edema, asthma, anemia, indigestion, mania and neurasthenia. ST36 is also traditionally indicated for the treatment of apoplexy, shock and hemiplegia.

The investigators noted that electro-acupuncture “significantly ameliorated neurological deficits and cerebral infarction” in cases of cerebral injuries. In addition, specific biological responses showed a healthy stimulation reaction to the application of electro-acupuncture. The researchers discovered that electro-acupuncture significantly increased phosphorylation levels of ERK and protein expression of Ras, cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase. All of these findings led to the conclusion that acupuncture “exerts a neuroprotective effect in ischemic stroke.”

There have been numerous studies with similar conclusive evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of acupuncture after a stroke and for brain repair. A study of the acupuncture points TB3 (Zhongzhu) and TB5 (Waiguan) demonstrated the ability of these points restore hand function and walking after a stroke. The study also concluded that general activities of daily living function improved.

Another study discovered that acupuncture is able to “promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the brain… accelerate angiogenesis and inhibit apoptosis.” The research measured acupuncture’s role in angiogenesis, the physiological process involving the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Acupuncture at GV20 (Baihui) and GV14 (Dazhui) increased neural repair following cerebral ischemia. These researchers also noted that acupuncture points GV20 (Baihui) and GV26 (Shuigou) regulate cells which “increase the release of nerve growth factors (NGFs) to make nerve cells survive and axons grow, synthesize neurotransmitters, (and) metabolize toxic substances….” The investigation also revealed that needling acupuncture points CV24 (Chengjiang), CV4, (Guanyuan), GV26 (Shuigou) and GV20 (Baihui) “could inhibit excessive proliferation of the hippocampal astrocytes and promote cellular differentiation.”

Just last year, a study revealed that acupuncture is an “effective therapy for CVS (cerebrovascular vasospasm) after subarachnoid hemorrhage.” This is important because cerebral blood vessel spasms lead to vasoconstriction and subsequent cerebral ischemia, which causes necrosis and may lead to a stroke. In this study, acupuncture at points Baihui (GV20, Du20) and Fengchi (GB20) were tested. The researchers note that the acupuncture group’s medical improvements were ““superior to that in the conventional treatment group.” Also, patients receiving acupuncture combined with medications showed greater improvements that those who only received medications.

Scalp acupuncture has also shown benefits for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH). Clinical investigators note, “The evidence from clinical studies suggested that SA (scalp acupuncture) therapy may produce significant benefits for patients with acute ICH.” The researchers note that studies confirm that scalp acupuncture “has rapid and powerful effects to remove limb paralysis caused either by cerebral infarct or by cerebral haemorrhage….” Research also shows that acupuncture at GV20 and GB7 significantly and beneficially regulates the cascade of endogenous inflammatory chemicals released after a stroke. Additionally, the investigators note that neuro-electrophysiologic measurements of scalp acupuncture responses demonstrate that acupuncture at GV20 and Taiyang improves “coordination and compensation functions among cortical functional areas” in ICH patients.

It is often the everyday aches and pains that follow a stroke that cause difficulty for patients. A large sample size study concluded that acupuncture reduces shoulder pain after a stroke. A meta-analysis of 453 randomized controlled studies investigated the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of shoulder pain after a stroke. The findings were tabulated and the researchers concluded that “acupuncture is an effective treatment for shoulder pain after (a) stroke.”

References:

Xie, Guanli, Shanli Yang, Azhen Chen, Lan Lan, Zhicheng Lin, Yanlin Gao, Jia Huang et al. "Electroacupuncture at Quchi and Zusanli treats cerebral ischemia‑reperfusion injury through activation of ERK signaling." Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 5, no. 6 (2013): 1593-1597.

Cheng XK, Wang ZM, Sun L, Li YH. [Post-stroke hand dysfunction treated with acupuncture at Zhongzhu (TE 3) and Waiguan (TE 5)]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2011 Feb;31(2):117-20.

Research advances in treatment of cerebral ischemic injury by acupuncture of conception and governor vessels to promote nerve regeneration. Zhou-xin Yang, Peng-dian Chen, Hai-bo Yu, Wen-shu Luo, Yong-Gang Wu, Min Pi, Jun-hua Peng, Yong-feng Liu, Shao-yun Zhang, Yan-hua Gou. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Jan. 2012. vol. 10, 1. Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Province, China.

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2012 Mar;32(3):193-7. Observation of clinical efficacy of acupuncture for cerebral vasospasm after embolization of ruptured aneurysms]. Jiang YZ, Li C, Xu JY, Lu YZ, Xu R, Han B, Lu WH. Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative MedicineVolume 2012 (2012), Article ID 895032, 9 pages. doi:10.1155/2012/895032. History and Mechanism for Treatment of Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Scalp Acupuncture. Zhe Liu, Ling Guan, Yan Wang, Cheng-Long Xie, Xian-Ming Lin and Guo-Qing Zheng. The Third Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou. Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, General Hospital, Beijing. Center of Neurology and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou.

Jung Ah Lee, Si-Woon Park, Pil Woo Hwang, Sung Min Lim, Sejeong Kook, Kyung In Choi, and Kyoung Sook Kang. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. September 2012, 18(9): 818-823. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0457.

Tony Burris, L.Ac., is a 17-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. Visit Tony’s other blog at The Taoist Club of Boise or visit his website.

Acupuncture Ups Sex Drive & Function After Antidepressant Loss

Researchers have discovered that acupuncture successfully relieves the adverse effects of antidepressant medications on sex drive and function.

Men showed overall improvement in sexual function across a broad spectrum of health concerns. Acupuncture also enhanced relief from both anxiety and depression in the male group. Women benefitted from a more targeted response to acupuncture therapy rather than the broad spectrum of relief experienced by the men. Specifically, women benefitted from increased libido and vaginal lubrication as a result of acupuncture treatments.

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Patient taking SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) for the treatment of depression may experience sexual dysfunction as an adverse effect from the medication(s). It is estimated that SSRIs and SNRIs have a 50% to 90% chance of inducing sexual dysfunction. The researchers sought to determine whether acupuncture may help in the management and resolution of these unwanted side-effects.

A standard protocol for the acupuncture treatments was performed. A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) intake of the health history was taken following by the assessment of a TCM differential diagnosis. Ordinarily, the acupuncture point prescription is then customized based on the intake assessments. For purposes of this study, the acupuncture point prescription was standardized to eliminate variables from the research. The same acupuncture point prescription was administered to each patient over a 12 week period. The acupuncture points used in the study were P6, HT7, UB23, GV4 and K3.

The researchers measured significant improvements in sexual function for both the male and female groups in the study. They noted that, “This study suggests a potential role for acupuncture in the treatment of the sexual side-effects of SSRIs and SNRIs as well for a potential benefit of integrating medical and complementary and alternative practitioners.” These findings are consistent with other research. Researchers from the University of Nevada and Montana State University conclude that acupuncture is “effective for reducing some FSD (female sexual dysfunction) problems….”

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In related research, investigators at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan determined that acupuncture eliminates hot flashes and benefits patients suffering from mental depression. Additionally, the researchers concluded that acupuncture increases sex drive, mental clarity and overall energy levels in patients. The investigators note that acupuncture “appears to be equivalent to drug therapy” and is “a safe, effective, and durable treatment.”

Another recent study concluded that low frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual frequency and balanced sex steroid levels in women with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome. The sex steroid levels in the electro-acupuncture group improved significantly, acne markedly decreased and menstrual regularity increased. In yet another study, acupuncture was found effective in alleviating schizophrenia and the side effects of psychiatric medication. Acupuncture caused a decrease in the “side effects of antipsychotic medication; decreased auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations; decreased anxiety and paranoia; improved sleep patterns… increased motivation including increased sex drive and ambition to further themselves in education and work; improved socialization and concentration… reduced addictive behavior in relation to alcohol and cigarettes; improved diet and weight loss; and improved exercise regimes.”

The extensive body of research on acupuncture and its effects on sexual function and sex steroid levels shows a positive correlation between acupuncture treatments and improved clinical outcomes. The new study of acupuncture for the treatment of sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI and SNRI side-effects went so far as to suggest an integrative medical model based on the findings. The investigators noted that there is a “potential benefit of integrating medical and complementary and alternative practitioners.” This new way of looking at medicine as a cooperative pooling of resources focused on positive patient outcomes is perhaps the medical model of the future.

References:

Khamba, Baljit, Monique Aucoin, Millie Lytle, Monica Vermani, Anabel Maldonado, Christina Iorio, Catherine Cameron et al. "Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction Secondary to Antidepressants." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013).

Acupuncture and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Time-Series Study of Symptom Relief. Alice Running, Julie Smith-Gagen, Mary Wellhoner, and George Mars. Medical Acupuncture. doi:10.1089/acu.2011.0867.

Paley CA, Johnson MI, Tashani OA, Bagnall AM. Acupuncture for cancer pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD007753. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007753.pub2.
Lee H, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Acupuncture for the relief of cancer- related pain-A systematic review. European Journal of Pain 2005;9 (4):437–44.

Elizabeth Jedel, Fernand Labrie, Anders Odén, Göran Holm, Lars Nilsson, Per Olof Janson, Anna-Karin Lind, Claes Ohlsson, and Elisabet Stener-Victorin. Impact of electro-acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenismand oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 300: E37–E45, 2011.

Ronan P, Robinson N, Harbinson D, Macinnes D. A case study exploration of the value of acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia: results and future study design.. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2011 May;9(5):503-14. Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, UK.

Tony Burris, L.Ac., is a 17-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. Visit Tony’s other blog at The Taoist Club of Boise or visit his website.

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Boise Acupuncturist Interviewed on Stress-Relieving Herbs!

Feeling Stressed?...

 Tony Burris, L.Ac., of Eagle Acupuncture in Boise, is interviewed on herbs for stress reduction in the July/August edition of Mother Earth News magazine.

http://tinyurl.com/l2mjdwj

Tony Burris, L.Ac., is a 17-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. Visit Tony’s other blog at The Taoist Club of Boise or visit his website.