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Acupuncture Chemotherapy Neuropathy Relief

Patient with needles

Acupuncture alleviates neuropathic symptoms due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer survivors. A randomized-controlled trial was conducted at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, Massachusetts). The results demonstrate that an 8-week intensive acupuncture protocol (18 sessions) greatly reduces pain intensity levels, pain interference, and average pain levels. [1] The results also show significant improvements in CIPN-specific and general quality of life scores, functional assessment of cancer therapy neurotoxicity subscales, and brief pain inventory short-form scores. In addition, stage I–III breast cancer patients with persistent CIPN after chemotherapy had better neurotoxicity questionnaire sensory scores (PNQ) over waitlist control patients. Moreover, low intensity acupuncture treatment regimens contributed to clinically significant reductions in sensory CIPN symptoms.

For the first week, researchers inserted acupuncture needles (0.20 × 25 mm and 0.25 × 40 mm) into specified main points to obtain the deqi sensation. From the second week to the eighth week, electroacupuncture was applied to TB5 (Waiguan) and Baxie (second) or SP6 (Sanyinjiao) and LR3 (Taichong), bilaterally. Acupoints were applied according to locations of CIPN symptoms, using alternating 2–10 Hz for 30 minutes each session. If the patients were very comfortable with acupuncture, researchers added Ex-LE12 (Qiduan) as a treatment point. Secondary treatment points included Ex-LE10 (Bafeng), LI11(Quchi), ST36 (Zusanli), SP9 (Yinlingquan), K3 (Taixi), and Yintang.

Chemotherapy drugs like Taxanes and platinum agents (especially paclitaxel and docetaxel) are widely used in the early stage and metastatic stages of breast cancer treatment, which can cause CIPN. The symptoms of CIPN vary, but usually present with pain and paresthesia. The incidence of CIPN in patients with breast cancer ranges between 30% and 97%, which is related with poor physical function, increased risk of falling, and greater disability in cancer survivors.

Many studies focus on medications or dietary supplements to treat CIPN in patients with cancer, including pharmacologic agents like duloxetine, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, non-narcotic and narcotic analgesics, or dietary supplements like glutamine, glutathione, vitamin E, and vitamin B12. Many treatments cause different types of side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, and nausea.

Acupuncture is proven to be safe and demonstrates efficacy in alleviation of CIPN symptoms, improving nerve system conduction, and reducing symptom distress. [2–5] Importantly, acupuncture effectively prevents deterioration of CIPN from grade II to grade III in breast cancer patients after finishing paclitaxel chemotherapy. [7]

References:
[1]Weidong Lu, Anita Giobbie‐Hurder, Rachel A. Freedman, Im Hee Shin, Nancy U. Lin, Ann H. Partridge, David S. Rosenthal, and Jennifer A. Ligibel. Acupuncture for Chemotherapy–Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. The Oncologist 2020;25:310–318.
[2]11. Bao T, Seidman AD, Piulson L et al. A phase IIa trial of acupuncture to reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy severity during neoadjuvant or adjuvant weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Eur J Cancer 2018;101:12–19.
[3] Garcia MK, Cohen L, Guo Y et al. Electroacupuncture for thalidomide/bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma: A feasibility study. J Hematol Oncol 2014;7:41.
[4] Molassiotis A, Suen LKP, Cheng HL et al. A randomized assessor-blinded wait-list-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1534735419836501.
[5] Han X, Wang L, Shi H et al. Acupuncture combined with methylcobalamin for the treatment
of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with multiple myeloma. BMC Cancer 2017;17:40.
[6]Xu WR, Hua BJ, Hou W et al. Clinical randomized controlled study on acupuncture for treatment of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic drugs [in Chinese]. Zhong guo Zhen Jiu 2010;30:457–460.
[7]11. Bao T, Seidman AD, Piulson L et al. A phase IIa trial of acupuncture to reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy severity during neoadjuvant or adjuvant weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Eur J Cancer 2018;101:12–19.

2020-11-30T12:39:49-08:00November 30th, 2020|

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi on the beachThis gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.

Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health.

In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, “white crane spreads its wings” — or martial arts moves, such as “box both ears.” As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.

Tai chi movement

benefits of Tai chi; movements help maintain strength, flexibility and balance

A tai chi class practices a short form at the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center in Watertown, Mass.

A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for tai chi as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions commonly associated with age. An adjunct therapy is one that’s used together with primary medical treatments, either to address a disease itself or its primary symptoms, or, more generally, to improve a patient’s functioning and quality of life.

Belief systems

You don’t need to subscribe to or learn much about tai chi’s roots in Chinese philosophy to enjoy its health benefits, but these concepts can help make sense of its approach:

  • Qi — an energy force thought to flow through the body; tai chi is said to unblock and encourage the proper flow of qi.
  • Yin and yang — opposing elements thought to make up the universe that need to be kept in harmony. Tai chi is said to promote this balance.

Tai chi in motion

A tai chi class might include these parts:

Warm-up. Easy motions, such as shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side, or rocking back and forth, help you to loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breath and body.

Instruction and practice of tai chi forms. Short forms — forms are sets of movements — may include a dozen or fewer movements; long forms may include hundreds. Different styles require smaller or larger movements. A short form with smaller, slower movements is usually recommended at the beginning, especially if you’re older or not in good condition.

Qigong (or chi kung). Translated as “breath work” or “energy work,” this consists of a few minutes of gentle breathing sometimes combined with movement. The idea is to help relax the mind and mobilize the body’s energy. Qigong may be practiced standing, sitting, or lying down.

Getting started

The benefits of tai chi are generally greatest if you begin before you develop a chronic illness or functional limitations. Tai chi is very safe, and no fancy equipment is needed, so it’s easy to get started. Here’s some advice for doing so:

Don’t be intimidated by the language. Names like Yang, Wu, and Cheng are given to various branches of tai chi, in honor of people who devised the sets of movements called forms. Certain programs emphasize the martial arts aspect of tai chi rather than its potential for healing and stress reduction. In some forms, you learn long sequences of movements, while others involve shorter series and more focus on breathing and meditation. The name is less important than finding an approach that matches your interests and needs.

Check with your doctor. If you have a limiting musculoskeletal problem or medical condition — or if you take medications that can make you dizzy or lightheaded — check with your doctor before starting tai chi. Given its excellent safety record, chances are that you’ll be encouraged to try it.

Consider observing and taking a class. Taking a class may be the best way to learn tai chi. Seeing a teacher in action, getting feedback, and experiencing the camaraderie of a group are all pluses. Most teachers will let you observe the class first to see if you feel comfortable with the approach and atmosphere. Instruction can be individualized. Ask about classes at your local Y, senior center, or community education center.

If you’d rather learn at home, you can buy or rent videos geared to your interests and fitness needs (see “Selected resources”). Although there are some excellent tai chi books, it can be difficult to appreciate the flow of movements from still photos or illustrations.

Talk to the instructor. There’s no standard training or licensing for tai chi instructors, so you’ll need to rely on recommendations from friends or clinicians and, of course, your own judgment. Look for an experienced teacher who will accommodate individual health concerns or levels of coordination and fitness.

Dress comfortably. Choose loose-fitting clothes that don’t restrict your range of motion. You can practice barefoot or in lightweight, comfortable, and flexible shoes. Tai chi shoes are available, but ones you find in your closet will probably work fine. You’ll need shoes that won’t slip and can provide enough support to help you balance, but have soles thin enough to allow you to feel the ground. Running shoes, designed to propel you forward, are usually unsuitable.

Gauge your progress. Most beginning programs and tai chi interventions tested in medical research last at least 12 weeks, with instruction once or twice a week and practice at home. By the end of that time, you should know whether you enjoy tai chi, and you may already notice positive physical and psychological changes.

No pain, big gains

Although tai chi is slow and gentle and doesn’t leave you breathless, it addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning. Here’s some of the evidence:

Muscle strength. Tai chi can improve both lower-body strength and upper-body strength. When practiced regularly, tai chi can be comparable to resistance training and brisk walking.

Although you aren’t working with weights or resistance bands, the unsupported arm exercise involved in tai chi strengthens your upper body. Tai chi strengthens both the lower and upper extremities and also the core muscles of the back and abdomen.

Flexibility. Tai chi can boost upper- and lower-body flexibility as well as strength.

Balance. Tai chi improves balance and, according to some studies, reduces falls. Proprioception — the ability to sense the position of one’s body in space — declines with age. Tai chi helps train this sense, which is a function of sensory neurons in the inner ear and stretch receptors in the muscles and ligaments. Tai chi also improves muscle strength and flexibility, which makes it easier to recover from a stumble. Fear of falling can make you more likely to fall; some studies have found that tai chi training helps reduce that fear.

Aerobic conditioning. Depending on the speed and size of the movements, tai chi can provide some aerobic benefits. If your clinician advises a more intense cardio workout with a higher heart rate than tai chi can offer, you may need something more aerobic as well.

Stay Well and Be Healthy!

Dr. Lucy Postolov, L.Ac. DACM Dipl

2020-11-02T15:39:27-08:00November 2nd, 2020|

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Woman in FieldOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness month. My grandmother passed away from breast cancer at the age of 35 ( when my mom was only 3 month old) . My mom passed away from breast cancer at the age of 62….so now you can understand why 60 % of my practice is Breast Cancer Patients!! Why my mission in life is to fight for survival of these Women!!
According to American Cancer Society 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. 1 out 38 will die.

NIH Panel Issues Consensus Statement on Acupuncture from 1997

A consensus panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) today concluded there is clear evidence that needle acupuncture treatment is effective for postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, Research published in JAMA Oncology including contributions from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York), RMIT University (Australia), and Guangdong University (Guangzhou) researchers finds acupuncture effective for the relief of cancer pain and reduces the need for opioids. The investigators determined that true acupuncture produces significantly greater pain reduction than sham controls. They add that hospitals need to include acupuncture services to address this demand based on the “growing evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture.” [5]

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston) and Fudan University Cancer Center (Shanghai) researchers conclude that acupuncture reduces the frequency and severity of xerostomia (dry mouth). The investigation of acupuncture’s effects on head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation finds that acupuncture “resulted in significantly fewer and less severe RIX [radiation-induced xerostomia] symptoms 1 year after treatment vs SCC [standard care control].” [6]
#thewomenwellnesscollective #selflove #womenshealth #mother #female #breasthealth #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #divinefeminine #womensupportwomen #holistichealth #acupuncture #empowerment #balance #menopause #nih #cancercentercommunity #research #dalailama #oncology #jama 

All acupuncturists providing treatment were licensed acupuncturists and were trained at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The acupuncture point prescription in the study was the following:

CV24
LU7
KD6

2020-10-29T14:06:04-07:00October 29th, 2020|

Acupuncture and Infertility-Scientific proof that it works!

SJ was referred to my practice for the 1st time in December 2018 by her #obgyn . She was informed that with her Ovarian Assessment Score was below average, even with #ivf her chance of getting #pregnant was very minimal. One month after #acupuncture and #Chinese #herbs #treatment the #patient got pregnant 🤰!!!! 9 month later she delivered a healthy baby 👶 👦 boy!!!!
4 month after , while still #breastfeeding and in the time of #covid_19 she came to me and told me that she wants another child…. after checking her #pulse and #tongue I had to be honest with her. I admitted that this time it will take me 3-6 month before she will get pregnant again women become depleted from pregnancy, #sleeplessnights😴 , breastfeeding #bloodloss . After 6 month of #chinesemedicine treatment she is pregnant again!!!! I feel privileged and honored 🙏. For more information see: Medicine (2019) Systematic review and Meta-Analysis . Acupuncture for #infertile #women undergoing #art . LiuYun, #md , Wu Liqun MD. #infertility #parenting #parents #chieldren #motherhood #mother #fatherandson #lucypostolov #mothernature #father

2020-10-23T12:08:33-07:00October 23rd, 2020|

Celebrating World Menopausal Day!

Natural Woman, Natural Menopause
How Oriental Medicine Can Help You Cope With The Change
By Lucy Postolov, L.Ac.
“Going to Hollywood to talk about menopause
was a little bit like going to Las Vegas to sell savings accounts”
-Gail Sheehy (author of “The Silent Passage”)
Of all the wondrous miracles of our world, none is more miraculous than the
female body. It is to be appreciated, it is to be worshipped, and it is to be
amazed with its timely changes that occur throughout a woman’s life. One
change that is destined and brings a range of emotions from anxiety to
elation is menopause. The French say life begins at forty. Something else
is on its way as well.
River of Night Sweats! The Fire of Hot Flashes! Terror in the Ovaries!
No, these are not summer blockbusters coming to a theatre near you. In
reality, these are a few symptoms a woman can experience when the change is
at hand. Whoever said being a goddess was going to be easy.
Defining the Change
The Merck Manual of Medical Information defines menopause as the time in a
woman’s life when the cyclic function of the ovaries and menstrual periods
cease. Also known as “climacteric”, it is important to note that menopause is
not a disease but a normal physiological transition that indicates a phase in
a woman’s life where she makes the passage from a reproductive to a non-
reproductive state.
The basis for the decline of a woman’s reproductive power lies in the ovary
itself. The ovarian follicles are formed before birth in the fetus. At that
time they number approximately 6,000,000, decrease to 600,000 at birth, and
actually, number about 10,000 at the time of the menopause. Keeping this in
mind, it would be correct to say that menopause is not so much an event
that takes place suddenly in a woman’s life, but a natural, gradual
physiological process throughout her lifetime.
As ovaries age, response to pituitary-produced gonadotropins (follicle-
stimulating and luteinizing hormones) decreases, initially with shorter
follicular phases (hence, shorter cycles), fewer ovulation’s, decreased
progesterone production, and more cycle irregularity. Eventually, the
follicle fails to respond and, without feedback of estrogen, the circulating
gonadotropins rise substantially. Circulating levels of estrogen and
progesterone is greatly reduced.
Symptoms and Age of Occurrence
Essentially the symptoms of menopause usually occur between the ages of 48 and 55
with the median age being about 51. Remarkably, this has remained a
constant throughout the world and through the centuries. Chinese medicine
refers to cycles occurring in women at 7-year intervals and changes in men at
8-year intervals. Using these markers, the woman would begin her menstrual
cycle at 14 (2 x 7) and shows signs of menopause at age 49 (7 x 7). The same
formula can be used with the assumption that men mature at age 16 (2 x 8),
affirming the belief that men mature later in life. The symptoms of
menopause will vary in a woman depending on her lifestyle and dietary habits
to that point. As if you needed another reason not to smoke, smoking will
contribute to an early menopause.
Problems that a woman is likely to experience are: fatigue, headaches,
irritability, nervousness, vaginal dryness, night sweating, and the most
common of symptoms which is found in 75% of women, hot flushes or flashes. A
woman also may experience loss of bladder control, inflammation of the bladder
or vagina, and pain during intercourse.
Osteoporosis (severe deterioration of the bones) is a major health hazard of
menopause. Slender Caucasian women are at highest risk. Women who smoke
cigarettes, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, take corticosteroids, have a
low intake of calcium, or have a passive lifestyle are also at risk.
Cardiovascular disease progresses more rapidly after menopause, when estrogen
levels decrease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine View
To understand the Chinese philosophy and classifications of menopause,
we need to define the foundation that Chinese medicine is based upon, and that is the
concept of yin and yang.
The terms yin and yang are used by a traditional Chinese medicine
practitioner to describe the various opposing physical conditions of the
body. These terms stem from a basic Chinese concept describing the inter-
dependence and relationship of opposites. Much as hot cannot be understood or
defined without first having experienced cold, yin cannot exist without its
opposite yang, and yang cannot exist without yin. Together, the two
complementary poles form a whole. –Alternative Medicine, The Burton
Goldberg Group
Here are a few examples of Chinese diagnosis, patterns and clinical
manifestations of menopause:
1. Kidney-Yin deficiency. Dizziness, hot flush or flashes, night-sweating,
sore back, dry mouth, dry hair, itching, and constipation.
2. Kidney-Yang deficiency. Hot flushes but cold hands and feet, night-
sweating, pale face, depression, chilliness, backache, swelling of the ankles.
3. Kidneys and Heart not harmonized. Hot flushes, palpitations, insomnia,
Night sweating, blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, backache, poor memory.
Chinese medicine does not refer to Kidney and Heart as a reference to an
organ, but to a channel of energy that flows through that organ. The Kidney
channel is responsible for reproductive and sexual activity, whereas the Heart
channel is responsible for the emotional and mental aspect of the body. Herbal
formulas will nourish the kidney essence; the acupuncture will regulate the
flow of Qi (vital energy). Research reveals that acupuncture stimulates
points that trigger the release of endorphins, natural analgesics found in
the spinal cord, brain, and pituitary gland.
Chinese Approach to Treatment and Prevention of Menopausal Symptoms
Chinese medicine can help a woman in this period of transition from
reproductive to a non-reproductive age in a gradual and healthy way. Herbal
treatment, acupuncture, meditation and a correct diet will help a woman with
menopausal problems. The treatment of a woman with oriental medicine will not
yield quick results, but will give a natural and balanced protection.
Chinese medicine with its gentle and safe manner will tonify Kidney essence
without side effects. Chinese medicine can be combined with HRT. There is no
contraindication of combining the two treatments because both work in
separate ways of treating menopausal problems and symptoms.
There are many different Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture treatments
that will help the menopausal woman based on the diagnosis of the individual.
Each woman’s diagnosis is different and there is a combination of acupuncture
and herbal treatments suited just for her.
There are dietary recommendations that will ease and/or prevent the
menopausal symptoms and strengthen the Kidney essence, such as black beans,
sesame seeds, soybeans, walnuts, mulberries, yams, licorice, Chinese black dates,
lotus seeds and chrysanthemum flowers. Certain dairy foods contain the best
sources of calcium, notably milk, cheese, and yogurt. Certain seafood
(shrimps, oysters, canned sardines, and salmon with bones) and vegetables
(broccoli and parsley for example) also contain high quantities of this
Mineral. Kelp is one of the most calcium-rich plants available.
Daily meditation and proper rest are integral to the prevention of menopausal
symptoms. Lifestyle habits that will produce a severe transition include
stress, tension, overworking, smoking, excessive or lack of sexual activity,
stimulants and drugs.
Menopause is inevitable; there is no denying that fact. How a woman copes
with this period of her life is entirely in her hands and her trusted
practitioner. Embrace the wondrous changes that occur in all phases of your

 

2020-10-22T13:25:24-07:00October 22nd, 2020|

The Balance of Yin and Yang

The Dao Masters believed that the key to a happy life is the balancing act of Yin and Yang within yourself. This individual balance centers you and makes it possible to strike a balance with another person ! What is Yin? It is a feminine, receiving, cooling, moistening-Moon Energy 🌙. What is Yang? It is male, proactive, giving, doing, achieving, warming, activating, initiating- the energy of the Sun 🌞! So….. we are all responsible for being centered and balanced within yourself and only then can we have happy and healthy sexual relationships with our partners 💥💫✨🔥 We are in a New Moon Phase of Lunar calendar right now, which is Yin. It requires the most Yin nourishment… herbal and acupuncture. Read about it in my chapter in the Textbook of Clinical Sexual Medicine published by Springer International in 2017 or please come to visit me or give me a call at 310-444-6212 to find more about it…🌔#moon #moonlight #yinyang #male #female #balance #sexualbalance #love #healthysexy #healingjourney #acupuncture #lucypostolov #waguihsiag

2020-10-19T13:48:41-07:00October 19th, 2020|

Acupuncture before surgery may reduce pain, opioid use

A new pilot study concludes that using acupuncture before surgery can reduce a person’s need for opioids following surgery. The Detroit-based researchers believe that acupuncture is a low-cost, safe method that reduces pain and anxiety in some people.
In the United States, the opioid crisis claimed the lives of 47,000 people in 2018, and almost a third of those deaths involved prescription opioids.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, two-thirds of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. A 2018 report from Substances Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that 10.3 million people in the U.S. aged 12 or older misused opioids in the past year.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin and the prescription drug fentanyl. Other prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine.

According to a 2017 paper, over 80% of people receive a prescription for opioids after low-risk surgery. Almost 87% of these prescriptions include oxycodone or hydrocodone, which are the most common culprits in drug overdose deaths.

Doctors often use these opioids in inpatient settings and prescribe them to people when they leave the hospital.

In 2020, researchers found that opioid-related overdoses are 28% higher than reported because of incomplete death records.

Veterans are twice as likely to die from an accidental overdose compared with the general U.S. population. One study showed that the number of veterans’ who died due to an opioid overdose increased by 65% from 2010 to 2016.

In light of this opioid epidemic, there is an urgent need to decrease opioid use before or during surgeries.
Alternative methods

In a recent pilot study, a team of researchers evaluated the efficacy of two different acupuncture techniques before a group of veterans underwent surgeries: battlefield acupuncture and traditional acupuncture.

They presented their findings at the Anesthesiology 2020 annual meeting in Chicago, IL, on October 5.

The researchers conducted two experiments. In the first, they divided participants into two groups of 21 veterans due to undergo hip replacement surgery.

The first group received traditional acupuncture before their surgery, and the second group received sham acupuncture. Sham acupuncture, or placebo acupuncture, mimics acupuncture.

People in the control group needed an average of 56 of morphine milligram equivalent (MME) in the first 24 hours after surgery. MME is a method of calculating a patient’s cumulative intake of any opioid drugs over 24 hours.

In comparison, those who had traditional acupuncture received an average of only 20.4 MME. Almost two-hirds less than the control group.

The veterans who underwent traditional acupuncture also reported higher satisfaction with their pain management 24 hours post-surgery.

After rating their treatment satisfaction on a scale of 1–10, those who had acupuncture reported less pain. They also experienced 15% less anxiety than the control group, although this was not statistically significant.
Traditional versus battlefield

In the second experiment, 28 veterans scheduled for general surgery procedures received battlefield acupuncture. In the control group, 36 participants received sham acupuncture.

Battlefield acupuncture involves putting needles on ear acupoints. The needles remain in the ear for around 3–4 days. This technique targets points on the ear that practitioners think might interfere with how the body processes pain in the central nervous system.

A French doctor, Paul Nogier, popularized ear acupuncture in the 1950s. In 2001, it became known as battlefield acupuncture after Richard C. Niemtzow, a U.S. Air Force radiation oncologist, adapted the technique of ear acupuncture to provide rapid pain relief on the battlefield.

The veterans who received this acupuncture technique required half as many opioids in the first 24 hours after the surgery as the control group (17.4 MME versus 35 MME). They also reported lower scores at a median of 8 versus 6 in the control group.

While 38% of participants in the control group experienced nausea and vomiting after surgery, only 3% of those who had undergone battlefield acupuncture reported these symptoms.

Proponents of traditional medicine believe that acupuncture points in the ear affect trigger points in the stomach, gall, bladder, and small intestines and reduce nausea and vomiting.

Speaking with the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Brinda Kish, lead author of the study and an anesthesiology resident at Detroit Medical Center, MI, said:

“Some patients were open to trying acupuncture right away, and others became more interested when they learned more about the risks of opioid use. It’s easy, patients love it, it’s not just another medicine, and it’s very safe. Because battlefield acupuncture was developed by an armed services doctor, veterans also were more willing to participate.”

It is important to note that, although the findings are interesting, this research has not yet been peer-reviewed. Additionally, the study’s are small, so scientists will need to conduct much larger trials before reaching a firm conclusion about acupuncture’s usefulness.

2020-10-12T14:56:31-07:00October 12th, 2020|

Acupuncture And Herbs Increase Pregnancy Rates

This article is pretty technical but I would gladly answer any questions you have about Acupuncture and pregnancy. Please call me at 310-444-6212 or visit my website LucyPostolovAcupuncture.com Thank you!

Acupuncture improves fallopian tube patency and increases pregnancy rates. A combination of warm needle acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine improves tubal patency and increases pregnancy rates in women with fallopian tube obstruction. These are the findings of a study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Tongchuan Chinese Medicine Hospital (Shaanxi, China). [1]

The study compared two groups. One received warm needle acupuncture and the herbal formula Tong Guan Tang. The other received Tong Guan Tang monotherapy. The sample size was 88 women with obstructed fallopian tubes. The total effective rate in the acupuncture plus herbs group was 93% compared with 70% in the herbal medicine monotherapy control group. A total of 39% in the acupuncture group became pregnant within 12 months of treatment, compared with 14% in the herb monotherapy control group. The study notes that acupuncture plus herbs is a safe and effective treatment for blocked fallopian tubes and is worthy of clinical promotion when applied in controlled clinical environments and only with treatment applied by licensed acupuncturists.

A total of 88 women were recruited for the study and were randomly assigned to the control group or the acupuncture group. The control group was comprised of 44 women, ages 22–37 (mean age 32 years). The women had been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for 1.5–8 years (mean 3.7 years) and there were 18 cases of primary infertility and 26 cases of secondary infertility. Of the 88 fallopian tubes in the control group, 46 were fully obstructed and 42 partially obstructed. The acupuncture group was comprised of 44 women, ages 23–38 (mean age 32.1 years). The women had been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for 2–7 years (mean 3.8 years) and there were 16 cases of primary infertility and 28 cases of secondary infertility. Of the 88 fallopian tubes in the acupuncture group, 43 were fully obstructed and 45 were partially obstructed. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups at the outset of the investigation (p>0.05).

 

Acupuncture and Herbs
Both groups were treated with Tong Guan Tang, which was comprised of the following herbs:

  • Huang Qi 20g
  • Yi Mu Cao 20g
  • Gui Zhi 15g
  • Tao Ren 15g
  • San Leng 15g
  • Dang Gui 15g
  • Chi Shao 15g
  • Bai Jiang Cao 15g
  • Hong Hua 12g
  • Dan Pi 12g
  • E Zhu 12g
  • Chuan Xiong 12g
  • Fu Ling 12g
  • Lu Lu Tong 9g
  • Gan Cao 6g

The herbs were decocted in water and taken daily while warm, split into two doses for morning and evening. The formula was introduced 3 days after the last day of the menstrual period and stopped during menstruation. A course of treatment was comprised of one menstrual cycle. After each course, a pregnancy test was administered and treatment was ceased if it was positive. If the test was negative, treatment continued for up to a total of 3 cycles. In addition to this, patients assigned to the acupuncture group received treatment at the following acupoints:

  • Zigong (MCA18)
  • Zhongji (CV3)
  • Qihai (CV6)
  • Hegu (LI4)
  • Sanyinjiao (SP6)
  • Taixi (KD3)

Following standard disinfection, disposable, sterile needles were inserted and manipulated by rotation, using a balanced reinforcing-reducing technique. Once in situ, a piece of moxa roll was attached to the needle handles and ignited. The needles were removed once the moxibustion completed and the needles cooled. Treatment was administered for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 2-day rest. Treatment was stopped during menstruation and each menstrual cycle made up one course of care. A pregnancy test was administered at the end of each course to determine whether treatment would cease or continue.

 

Results
Outcome measures for the study included ovarian artery RI (resistance index) and PI (pulsatility index) as measured by abdominal color doppler ultrasound, complete blood viscosity (high shear), fibrinogen levels, and pregnancy rates after 6 months and 1 year. The total effective rates were also calculated for each group according to overall tubal patency.

Mean pre-treatment RI was 0.56 in the control group and 0.57 in the acupuncture group. Following treatment, it fell to 0.55 and 0.51 respectively. Mean pre-treatment PI was 2.95 in the control group and 2.96 in the acupuncture group. Following treatment, it fell to 2.89 and 2.48 respectively. Significantly greater improvements in both measures were observed in the acupuncture group (p<0.05).

Mean pre-treatment blood viscosity was 5.8 mPa-s in both the control group and the acupuncture group. Following treatment, it fell to 5.5 mPa-s in the control group and 4.2 mPa-s in the acupuncture group. Mean pre-treatment fibrinogen was 4.4 g/L in both groups. Following treatment, it fell to 4.2 g/L in the control group and 3.0 g/L in the acupuncture group. Significantly greater improvements were observed in the acupuncture group (p<0.05), indicating a possible additive or synergistic effect of combined therapy.

At the 6-month follow up, 4 women in the control group and 13 in the acupuncture group had become pregnant. At the 12-month follow up, a further 2 women in the control group and 4 women in the acupuncture group had become pregnant. The overall pregnancy rates after 1 year were 14% and 39% respectively (p<0.05).

The total effective rates were calculated for each group. Each case was classified as either recovered, improved, or ineffective, according to their tubal patency as assessed by radiography. In the control group, there were 15 recovered, 16 improved, and 13 ineffective cases, giving a total effective rate of 70%. In the acupuncture group, there were 32 recovered, 9 improved, and 3 ineffective cases, yielding a total effective rate of 93%. The difference in effective rates between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05).

The results of this study suggest that Chinese herbal medicine improves tubal patency and pregnancy rates, but its effects are greatly enhanced by the addition of warm needle acupuncture. No adverse reactions were reported in either group, indicating that these treatments are safe and well tolerated when applied by licensed acupuncturists in controlled clinical settings.

Blocked fallopian tubes may be caused by chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. To learn how to treat this disorder, visit the following courses. The first is PID and Chinese Medicine, Part 1, which is an ebook acupuncture continuing education course. The second is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Essentials, which is a video-based acupuncture continuing education course.

 

Reference:
Xiao Jinhuan (2019), “Clinical observation on treatment of infertility due to fallopian tube blockage with traditional Chinese medicine Tong Guan Tang and warm acupuncture,” Shanxi Medical Journal Vol. 48 (16) pp. 1991, 1992.

2020-02-27T12:12:02-08:00February 27th, 2020|

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