Moxibustion works well with Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique for unblocking qi (the energy that allegedly permeates all things) by inserting disposable needles at particular points on the body to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang.

When yin and yang are in harmony, qi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, there is an obstruction of qi along one of the meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine has identified some 2,000 specific points where needles are to be inserted for specific effects.

What does acupuncture feel like? Do the needles hurt?

People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel minimal or no pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion, or moxa for short, is an ancient form of heat therapy. Moxa uses the ground up leaves of the plant mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese). The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to a smoother flow of blood and qi.

How does moxibustion work? Does it hurt?

There are two types of moxibustion -- direct and indirect.

In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of herb is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. The patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should not experience any pain, blistering or scarring unless the moxa is left in place for too long.

Indirect moxibustion is currently the more popular form of care because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning. In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red.

Who is moxibustion good for?

It is used specifically for patients suffering from cold or stagnant constitutions. It should not be used on anyone diagnosed with too much heat.

"It is especially good for women who have joint pains, menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility."

How is acupuncture paired with moxibustion?

When the needles are in the body, the smoldering moxa stick is held a couple inches away from the skin, usually around the inserted needles. The practitioner will monitor the heat level, and work with the patient to provide a therapeutic level of heat while maintaining comfort and safety.

This simultaneous use of moxibustion with the acupuncture needle intensifies the therapeutic benefit of the given acupuncture point.

Can anybody practise moxibustion?

Moxibustion is usually taught as part of a qualified acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine degree programme. It takes skill and caution. "It is equivalent to holding a red-hot coal an inch above someone's skin."

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique for unblocking qi (the energy that allegedly permeates all things) by inserting disposable needles at particular points on the body to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang.

When yin and yang are in harmony, qi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, there is an obstruction of qi along one of the meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine has identified some 2,000 specific points where needles are to be inserted for specific effects.

What does acupuncture feel like? Do the needles hurt?

People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel minimal or no pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion, or moxa for short, is an ancient form of heat therapy. Moxa uses the ground up leaves of the plant mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese). The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to a smoother flow of blood and qi.

How does moxibustion work? Does it hurt?

There are two types of moxibustion -- direct and indirect.

In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of herb is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. The patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should not experience any pain, blistering or scarring unless the moxa is left in place for too long.

Indirect moxibustion is currently the more popular form of care because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning. In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red.

Who is moxibustion good for?

It is used specifically for patients suffering from cold or stagnant constitutions. It should not be used on anyone diagnosed with too much heat.

"It is especially good for women who have joint pains, menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility."

How is acupuncture paired with moxibustion?

When the needles are in the body, the smoldering moxa stick is held a couple inches away from the skin, usually around the inserted needles. The practitioner will monitor the heat level, and work with the patient to provide a therapeutic level of heat while maintaining comfort and safety.

This simultaneous use of moxibustion with the acupuncture needle intensifies the therapeutic benefit of the given acupuncture point.

Can anybody practise moxibustion?

Moxibustion is usually taught as part of a qualified acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine degree programme. It takes skill and caution. "It is equivalent to holding a red-hot coal an inch above someone's skin."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

www.medical-explorer.com

GDBHNCB9204360

Chinese Medicine for Alopecia Areata

Tip! acupunture

Alopecia areata is considered to be an auto-immune condition in which the body's immune system, specifically the white blood cells, attack the hair follicles, leading to hair loss, which can be on the scalp or elsewhere.

In most cases of alopecia, the hair falls out in small round patches about the size of a quarter. Alopecia areata affects approximately four million Americans of both sexes, and all ages and backgrounds. The effects of alopecia are primarily socially and emotionally disturbing, because of its unpredictable effects on a person's appearance. It is not life threatening or painful.

There are a number of Chinese herbs that can be beneficial for this condition. Chinese medicine treats the root imbalances in the body that result in alopecia. When the body is brought into balance, symptoms resolve themselves and slowly disappear. There are two patterns in Chinese Medicine that can result in the hair loss symptomatic of alopecia areata. The first is a pattern of Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency. This means that the energy of the body that normally nourishes the hair follicles is deficient. When herbs are used that nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, hair can start to grow back. The second pattern is that of Toxic Heat in the body. This means that there is an inflammatory condition in the body that is a result of excess acidity from a poor diet, exposure to pollution or other toxins, or an infection. In most people with alopecia areata, these two conditions exist in combination with each other.

It is necessary to reduce inflammation and acidity in the body while nourishing the cooling yin energy of the body that nourishes hair growth.

He Shou Wu, polygonum or Fo-ti, is one herb that can be beneficial for people with alopecia areata. This herb has been used traditionally in China for graying hair and premature hair loss. It is a general tonic for the brain and the body, and can improve the quality of hair growth on the head. It can take three to six months of use to see the full benefits of Fo-ti. The Chinese have also traditionally used this herb as a longevity tonic.

Ligustrum and eclipta are also two Chinese herbs used to nourish hair growth by strengthening the Liver and Kidney Yin energy of the body. Research done in China have shown that these herbs can promote hair growth in people with alopecia areata.

Chinese wolfberries are also a general body tonic that improve blood circulation to hair follicles of the head. This herb can work well in combination with the herbs listed above.

In order to clear the inflammation and acidity that can trigger alopecia, mint, dandelion, and honeysuckle herbs can be used in combination.

Tip! Traditional acupuncture as practiced in China for more than 2,500 years is one of the vital components of the Chinese medicine system. It involves the insertion of stainless steel needles into various body areas, along with a low-frequency current to the needles to produce greater stimulation.

Some supplements that may be of benefit in combination with Chinese herbs include vitamin C, flaxseed oil, and nettle tea. All of these are anti-inflammatory and detoxifying to the body. Eating black beans and black sesame seeds can also be helpful when taken alongside Chinese herbs.

Chinese herbs are a safe, natural, effective, health-promoting way to treat alopecia areata and increase hair growth.

Chinese Medicine Workshop in Boca Raton Take a workshop in acutonics and harmonic medicine at Equisol in Florida.

Dr. Khan is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has her own line of herbal supplements, including one for alopecia, at http://www.yinessence.com. You can reach her at farah@yinessence.com

Can Chinese Medicine Help You Quit Smoking?

Tip! acupunture

Addiction is now the biggest preventable killer in Britain, causing 150,000 deaths a year (120,000 tobacco related, 33,000 alcohol related and 1,700 drugs related).
How can Chinese medicine help with addiction?

Chinese medicine has beneficial effects on addiction to various substances. The most commonly treated addictions at AcuMedic clinics are smoking and alcoholism.

Smoking has a detrimental impact on all major systems of the human body, in particular, the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. In Chinese medical theory, smoking weakens the Lung's function of commanding the overall movement of Qi, Blood and Meridians, by creating Heat in the Lung and Stomach, which in turn will cause Fire in the Heart and/or stagnation of Liver Qi, hence withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, palpitations, mood swings and restlessness occur.

Chinese medicine can reduce the craving for cigarettes. Studies show that patients after treatment often report a dislike for the smell of tobacco and that the craving stops when they press ear points with herbal seeds on (This is called ear acupuncture where either herbal seeds or metal studs are plastered on to certain points on the ears).

Alcoholism, like smoking, can cause irreversible damage to all major organs in the human body, although a moderate amount of alcohol under certain circumstances can be beneficial for health. Chinese medicine treats any withdrawal symptoms and reduces the craving. It has no side effects.

Acupuncture stimulates detoxification, promotes a heightened sense of relaxation, and encourages endorphin production, which makes it an excellent tool for overcoming addiction. Herbal medicine helps the body to cope with stress, improves circulation and promotes mental and physical alertness.

Treatment for addiction can be effective only if the patient is determined to change. The length of treatment depends on the patient's response and on the severity and duration of the addiction. Drug addiction can also benefit from Chinese medical treatment.

--------
NOTE:This document may be freely redistributed as is - no edits, on the strict condition that the author and author information be printed with the article with active links intac.

--------
The Author 'Acumedic' has over 30 years of experience developing and enhancing all aspects of Chinese medicine, Acupuncture and traditional herbal treatments. With an extensive range of Products and Services Acumedic is one of the most comprehensive suppliers in Europe. For more Information please visit http://www.acumedic.com.

USING CHINESE HERBS FOR HEALTH




Author: Michelle Bery

The history of Chinese herbs used for medicinal purposes dates back to sometime between 800 and 200 BC with the publication of Huang Di Nei Jing - The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. At this time, a combination of 28 separate Chinese herbs had been discovered to have great healing power and the combination of many of these are still in existence today.

By around 500 AD, Chinese herbs had been sorted into a classification system that helped guide their use depending on the particular situation. Superior herbs were used to help sustain health - much as we use herbal and vitamin supplements today; middle herbs were used to treat illness; and inferior herbs were used to cure disease. Chinese herbs have been credited with successfully treating everything from acne to infertility.

In today's world, where traditional medicine tends to focus on the methods employed in Western medicine, much of the uses of Chinese herbs are largely passed over. But for those who look towards non-traditional medicine as a means of recovering health or even as a supplement to traditional medical care, they will find the benefits of Chinese herbs to be rooted in ancient knowledge and a history of success.

Chinese herbs can be found in a variety of places including medical offices following the Eastern practice of medicine, Asian markets, and even online. But the use of Chinese herbs, while most often safe, should be used under the guidance of a medical professional and after extensive research has been performed.

If there is an interest in using Chinese herbs to help supplement health or treat an existing condition, it is best to research those herbs that have shown success in these particular instances. Seek out a medical professional or someone well-versed in the use of Chinese herbs to determine the best way to proceed.

When Chinese herbs are used in conjunction with education, preparedness, and medical supervision, they can be a fantastic tool to achieving overall, natural health.

Mozilla Firefox Start Page

Treating Chronic Mutational Hepatitis B with Chinese Medicine Vitalliver (Vigconic Suppositories)

by: ZHANG GUAN HUA, LIANG CHAO, ZHENG WAN PIN

Treating chronic mutational hepatitis B with Chinese medicine Vitalliver (Vigconic suppositories)
ZHANG GUAN HUA, LIANG CHAO, ZHENG WAN PIN
Chengdu University of TCM, Hepatitis Laboratory in the attached hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan, China

Research Method:

Quantitative determination by contrasting HBV-DNA of cases before and after the treatment.

Number of cases: 25 (n)

Case Selection: Between the age of 16 and 65, in accordance with the diagnosis standards pf chronic Hepatitis B, with negative e antigen and positive e antibody, HBV-DNA > 1×104 cp/mL.

Detection Method: All the blood samples are detected by Sichuan Clinical Detection Center; PCR-ELISA quantitative determination is used within detection range of 1×104 - 1×107-8, HBV-DNA, unit of measurement is cp/mL.

Direction Plan: one suppository provided by Vigconic (International) Ltd. Bid. The course of treatment is six months, the tracing observation after withdrawal lasts six months.

Observation index:

1. HBV-DNA response after the treatment.
2. Lasting HBV-DNA response (six months after withdrawal).

Criterion of Therapeutic Effect:

1. If HBV-DNA volume 1×104 cp/mL: 4/25 (16%)
2. Lasting response:

HBV-DNA volume 1×104 cp/mL: 2/25 (8%)

Among the results of lasting response, 16 blood serum samples are detected through fluorimetric quantitative determination PCR by the instruments of PE.USD, H-7700 in the second attached hospital of Guangzhou Medical College. The result is in accordance with that in Sichuan Clinical Testing Center. (8 cases among it <>

Conclusion

The reason for the repeatedly abnormal liver function of Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) patients lies in the repeatedly duplication of HBV after infection, which leads to fibrosis of liver, then cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is commonly accepted that if CHB shows the transformation of HBeAg/Anti-HBe, HBV-DNA becoming negative, liver function returning to normal state, the disease is relieved. However, parts of patients with the transformation of HBeAg/Anti-HBe still remain positive in HBV-DNA and the pathological change in the liver continues. Because HBV-DNA occurs promoter mutation in the anterior C section (1896 necleoside G-A variation) or in the C section (1762 nucleoside T variation, 1764 G-A variation), HBeAg cannot come into being. Therefore, the HBeAg in the patient’s blood cannot be detected, while the virus can keep on duplicating and fixing itself. Through sequential assay of nucleic acid, it proves that promoter mutation appears in 30%-60% of HBeAg negative Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in the anterior C section or in the C section. In some provinces and cities of the People of China, the percentage of promoter mutation appears in HBeAg negative Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in the anterior C section or in the C section is from 17.6% to 78.9%. Eight out of the 25 cases of our observation go through the sequential assay of nucleic acid carried out by the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong. It all proves to have HBV-DNA mutation. The chronic mutational Hepatitis B is infectious and apt to cause cirrhosis and liver cancer since the present medicines of antivirus and immuno-modulator do not produce the expected therapeutic effects.

Vitalliver suppository is made up from a formula of Chinese herbs, including Ginseng, Deer Horn, Cordyceps, Radix Astragali, Frudctus Cnidii, Semen Cuscutae, etc. The formula is mainly for strengthening the body resistant and primarily for reinforcing Kidney Qi, which produces good therapeutic effects in treating chronic mutational Hepatitis B. The mechanism is probably that through the regulating of immune system, the duplication of virus is inhibited and meanwhile the liver is protected, so it can produce a lasting therapeutic effect. No adverse reaction and severe accident happens during clinical observation, so it is safe for using. Vitalliver is bringing hopes to the treatment of chronic mutational Hepatitis B.

* The second stage of clinical trial would be carrying out by the Microbiology Department of the University of Hong Kong and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture - Good Science Or Ancient Chinese Paradigm by Brian Winkels

The system of inserting and manipulating needles into the human body is known as acupuncture and according to its foundational teachings it helps to maintain and restore health and well-being and is particularly beneficial in the handling of aches and pains.

The World Health Organization has defined and classified acupuncture points and recognizes acupuncture as a medical alternative. It is well known that the origins of acupuncture lie in China and are closely related to most historic Chinese medicines. In addition, there are other forms of acupuncture such as the Japanese, Korean as well as classical Chinese versions which are not only currently being practiced but also taught all around the world today.

The scientific community has been taken a bit by storm while delving into the possibilities of whether acupuncture is actually effective or merely a panacea. There has been many reviews of existing clinical trials which suggest it's effectiveness against headaches, lower back pain and nausea. On the other hand, sufficient evidence has not surfaced to conclusively determine if acupuncture is effective in the treatment of other medical conditions. Nevertheless, there does seem to be a consensus that acupuncture is safe when performed by a well-trained practitioner.

In China, acupuncture dates to the 1st millennium. There is also archeological evidence to clearly show that it could date back as far as the Han Dynasty. Other data also indicates that traditional Korean medicine was known as chimsul while Japanese versions were referred to as Kampo.

Acupuncture doesn't follow the traditional scientific bio-medicine path; rather, it's more of a paradigm whereby it's primary premise centers around the human body as a whole system that involves many sub systems of function. These systems are often associated with physical organs, although some systems do function, such as the triple heater - San Jiao, is not associated with any physical organ.

Disease is considered the end of homeostasis, a defect that develops in the various systems of function and in order to treat such disease, an attempt is made to modify the malfunction using one or more systems through the use of needles, pressure and heat on the body's receptive areas localized as acupuncture points. This is referred to as "treatment of patterns of disharmony".

Surprisingly, it's not necessary for acupoints to be on the same area of the body. One explanation is because many acupuncturists, especially those in Japan, are heavily dependent on palpation of tender or ashi points. The basic theory behind this form of treatment is that it works by stimulating the meridian system(s) and provides relief through rebalancing the qi, yin and yang. This philosophy is not based on science but rather thousands of years of real world results.

Acupressure Or Acupuncture - Fingers Or Needles

by Brian Winkels

Acupressure and acupuncture are not one in same techniques. They differ slightly because acupuncture makes use of thin needles in approaching health concerns while acupressure never breaks the skin. On the other hand, they do a have a few things in common. For instance, both are centered on touching meridians which carry energy or chi along those meridians right through an individuals' body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clearly states that illness occurs due to the blockage of chi in any of fourteen different meridians. Acupressure and acupuncture both advocate the free flow of energy without obstructions. Both methods are used to treat arthritis, allergies, migraine headaches, depression, menstrual cramps, nausea and anxieties.

Because acupuncture uses very thin, long needles to puncture the skin it should be performed by an experienced practitioner who is skilled in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is much less technical; it can therefore be learned from a book and may even be; in some instances, performed on oneself. Somewhat surprisingly, acupressure was practiced long before acupuncture became known.

In addition, since acupuncture requires the skilled use of a tool (needles) it requires much greater accuracy in order to bring quick relief whereas acupressure is less precise since the only tool is the practitioners finger. Due to the release of toxins or through realignment of muscle groups, in some instances acupuncture can result in some short term, minor side effects.

Acupressure and acupuncture thus have different effects on the patient with acupressure having fewer side effects. This may be somewhat akin to deep tissue massages where there is also less chance of unforeseen side effects to the patient.

Acupressure and acupuncture are known as Zhen Jiu and Zhi Ya respectively. They are probably the best known of all traditional Chinese methods used in treating health imbalances. Acupuncture is now a very popular alternative therapy for arthritis pain relief and acupressure makes use of the same points while using the fingers to manipulate the meridian points.

By pressing down firmly with the thumb or finger on the groove that lies between the two large tendons running from the base of the palm up to the elbow, acupressure is often used to provide relief for those who are suffering from nausea. Acupuncture can also achieve the same results through the use of needles. Both methods have a long history of success and neither is better than the other, it's simply a matter of opinion as to which method is best.

ACUPUNTURE & non-Healing Skin Wounds

General treatment information for non-healing skin Wounds (Ulcers):

Acupuncture treatments are done daily (Monday through Friday) by Dr. Swing in conjunction with conventional wound care as an outpatient at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital - Pt. Charlotte, Florida. You can actually see visible changes in the wound by the end of your FIRST TREATMENT. For the majority of patients treated, only four acupuncture needles are used. All needles used by Dr. Swing are one time use only - disposable needles. The healing time and care involved varies, depending on the size of the wound (ulcers), age and health of the patient and the amount of blood flow to the wound. Arrangements have been made with a local hotel for a preferred rate to be offered (based on availability) to patients traveling from out-of-town needing accommodations. The hospital also has free transportation from the motel to the hospital for treatments.

How does Medical Acupuncture work?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles establish the regular flow through the meridians, unblock the obstructions at the dams and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and the brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel, or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass with a very short time, and never require anything more than a little bit of rest to overcome.

Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?

Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs, other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. The AAMA is working to inform insurance companies and the public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type of treatment. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policies.

FIVE ELEMENTS THEORY

FIRE

Fire is the element of Summer and is associated with the emotion of Joy. Fire people love to reach out and be in relationship with all people. They enjoy to laugh and sometimes they carry a sadness or lack of joy deeper in themselves.

EARTH

Earth is the element of Late Summer and is associated with the emotion of sympathy. Earth people have the ability to nourish like a mother can nourish a child. Thus food and understanding are important. Sometimes an Earth person can feel a sense of emptiness or neediness in their own life

METAL

Metal is the element of Autumn and is associated with the emotion of grief . Metal people search for what is pure and spiritual. They set the highest standards for themselves and others, respect is important. Sometimes they live in a sense of what could have been.

WATER

Water is the element of Winter and is associated with the emotion fear. Water people have a persistence and determination and will often excel in situations that others find too scary. Sometimes they may hide a deep sense of being frozen or washed away by their own fear.

WOOD

Wood is the element of Spring and is associated with the emotion anger. Wood people excel or have trouble in planning, decisions, and action.
The future and their ability to see it can be their strength. When out of balance they may procrastinate or have a sense of no hope.