Acupuncture is a healing technique developed by the Chinese who believed that the mind and the body of a person are one complete unit and a sickness cannot be treated in isolation. In fact, Chinese medicine has based the technique of acupuncture on five basic concepts. These are described briefly below:
1. THE YIN AND YANG
Yin and Yang are two opposites in nature. Both continuously flow in and out of each other and play an important role in the treatment of acupuncture. For instance:
Heat and Cold:
The acupuncturist must learn about the heat and cold in the body of a person. If a person feels too hot then his yang is too strong and he will be subjected to urinary problems, constipation and fever etc. If he feels cold then his yin is too strong, which means he will be subject to diarrhoea, a pale face and pale tongue
Dry and Wet:
When a patient has a dry cough or dry skin or any symptom of dryness in the body then there is too much of yang in the body. When there is too much of sweating, running nose, frequent urination then there is too much of ying. Thus the acupuncturist can understand the basic nature of the disease by categorizing it as predominantly Yang or Yin
It is when yin starts to dominate that yang suffers and vice versa. So it is up to the acupuncturist to bring the yang and the yin to a desirable balance.
2. THE FIVE ELEMENTS
The five elements of fire, wood, earth and water form an essential concept of Acupuncture. It is believed that these five elements make our whole physical and mental system. Any change or imbalance in our body can be related to a change in one of the five elements.
3. THE QI
'Qi' means energy and is the most basic concept over which acupuncture is based. When the flow of energy is disturbed imbalances of various kinds occur, making one prone to diseases. Thus, an acupuncturist first studies the Qi of a person. He studies the path of the energy, its nature, the changes in it and its rhythm and balance before embarking on a course of action.
4. THE 12 MERIDIANS
The 12 Meridians are the pathways of the Qi or energy. Each path is linked to some organ. The organs in acupuncture are not known by their name, location or the basic structure but by their functions. Imbalances in these meridians lead to different ailments and problems. Each meridian is linked to a particular organ that can be treated by treating the different points on that meridian. The liver, heart, spleen, lungs are amongst the 12 meridians.
5. THE POINTS
The Points in acupuncture are those pin points on the 12 meridians which when touched upon or treated, affect the whole meridian thus increasing the Qi and also treating the problem. There are a number of points on each meridian and a good acupuncturist is able to identify the right points that have to be touched so as to cure the disease.
So the next time your acupuncturist talks of the yin and yang or the meridians, don't look foxed! An understanding of these elements will help you grasp the intricacies of this ancient science.
Showing posts with label Acupuncture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acupuncture. Show all posts
Monday, October 6, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Acupuncture: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Your first visit to an acupuncturist may be full of apprehension, trepidation and many unanswered questions. You will probably wonder what the acupuncturist is going to do, is the treatment going to be painful, if it is going to bleed, how long the course is going to take and so on. Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions:
What is the practitioner going to ask me?
In your first visit the practitioner is going to ask you to list all the symptoms that you are experiencing. You need to let him know all the physiological and psychological effects. Your family history is going to be inquired. Next is going to be a physical examination.
What is the physical examination like?
The Chinese believe that the tongue and the pulse can signify all sickness. Thus he will examine the tongue, its colour and coating. Next will be the pulse. According to the Chinese, there are six pulse positions on our wrist and each of these positions represent two organs.
How long is the treatment going to take?
Each visit might take anything from 20 minutes to an hour or maybe even more if it is the first visit. The number of visits, however, is dependent on the ailment. If the sickness is chronic then it takes more visits (which could be weekly), and if the symptoms are severe then the visits required could be more frequent but stretched over a shorter period of time.
What if I am undergoing some other treatment too?
Usually it does not matter if you are undergoing some other treatment as acupuncture really does not affect their process. However, you must let the acupuncturist know whatever treatment you are taking.
Is the treatment going to be painful?
The thought of needles does make you apprehensive but the real truth is that the acupuncture needles are so thin that you will not feel any pain. In fact, the moment the needle reaches the right depth you will feel a dull ache or a tingling sensation. This sensation will hardly last a minute or two. So it's an all gain and no pain treatment!
Is it going to bleed?
The acupuncture needles are so thin that the question of blood oozing out does not arise. The needles are only supposed to prick the point and not draw out any blood.
Will I feel relieved immediately?
If you are suffering from something like a headache then you would feel some relief immediately but mostly you just feel a bit drowsy after the treatment. However, the acupuncturist can come to know if there has been some effect by feeling your pulse.
Is acupuncture safe for small children?
It is not really advisable to treat small children with acupuncture not because of the nature of treatment but because you need to be sure that the practitioner is experienced and really good. Children in fact are easy to treat because the sickness would not be chronic.
What if I am pregnant?
Acupuncture is definitely not advisable for pregnant women.
Can acupuncture help me lose weight?
Acupuncture can help you lose weight if excess weight is because of over-eating or a low BMR (basal metabolic rate). If it is due to overeating then acupuncture can help you by lessening the craving to eat. Excess weight due to a low BMR means that the body is not able to utilise all the food that it is receiving and is storing it away. In such a case, acupuncture can help increase your BMR thus help you shed weight!
These questions, though not exhaustive, will definitely help you in understanding this ancient science better.
What is the practitioner going to ask me?
In your first visit the practitioner is going to ask you to list all the symptoms that you are experiencing. You need to let him know all the physiological and psychological effects. Your family history is going to be inquired. Next is going to be a physical examination.
What is the physical examination like?
The Chinese believe that the tongue and the pulse can signify all sickness. Thus he will examine the tongue, its colour and coating. Next will be the pulse. According to the Chinese, there are six pulse positions on our wrist and each of these positions represent two organs.
How long is the treatment going to take?
Each visit might take anything from 20 minutes to an hour or maybe even more if it is the first visit. The number of visits, however, is dependent on the ailment. If the sickness is chronic then it takes more visits (which could be weekly), and if the symptoms are severe then the visits required could be more frequent but stretched over a shorter period of time.
What if I am undergoing some other treatment too?
Usually it does not matter if you are undergoing some other treatment as acupuncture really does not affect their process. However, you must let the acupuncturist know whatever treatment you are taking.
Is the treatment going to be painful?
The thought of needles does make you apprehensive but the real truth is that the acupuncture needles are so thin that you will not feel any pain. In fact, the moment the needle reaches the right depth you will feel a dull ache or a tingling sensation. This sensation will hardly last a minute or two. So it's an all gain and no pain treatment!
Is it going to bleed?
The acupuncture needles are so thin that the question of blood oozing out does not arise. The needles are only supposed to prick the point and not draw out any blood.
Will I feel relieved immediately?
If you are suffering from something like a headache then you would feel some relief immediately but mostly you just feel a bit drowsy after the treatment. However, the acupuncturist can come to know if there has been some effect by feeling your pulse.
Is acupuncture safe for small children?
It is not really advisable to treat small children with acupuncture not because of the nature of treatment but because you need to be sure that the practitioner is experienced and really good. Children in fact are easy to treat because the sickness would not be chronic.
What if I am pregnant?
Acupuncture is definitely not advisable for pregnant women.
Can acupuncture help me lose weight?
Acupuncture can help you lose weight if excess weight is because of over-eating or a low BMR (basal metabolic rate). If it is due to overeating then acupuncture can help you by lessening the craving to eat. Excess weight due to a low BMR means that the body is not able to utilise all the food that it is receiving and is storing it away. In such a case, acupuncture can help increase your BMR thus help you shed weight!
These questions, though not exhaustive, will definitely help you in understanding this ancient science better.
Acupuncture: The Art of Alternative Healing
It has been quite some time and you haven't been able to get rid of that nagging backache. It started as a small twitch near the shoulder but has now spread to the lower back. Popping painkillers has had no effect except giving you a stomach ache! Your doc says to cut down on your stress and strain, but he doesn't tell you how? Is there any help?
Yes, there is! There is something better than popping pills day in and day out. It has hardly any side effects compared to those painkillers and it is called - Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese method of treating different physiological and psychological problems.
The Chinese treated patients for different ailments by observing their pulse and their tongue. The whole treatment was undertaken on the basis of these two. They realized that the human body was basically made up of energy or Qi, which flowed through a specific path called the Meridians. Each meridian is connected to some organ in the body. Over each meridian lie specific points that have the ability to increase or decrease the quantity and quality of energy flowing through the meridians. Thus by treating these points, specific ailments are cured.
An often-asked question is: Is Acupuncture effective? Research has proved that acupuncture has provided physical as well as psychological relief to patients. Today, Acupuncture is recognized as a complete science in itself and is extremely popular worldwide as an alternative form of healing.
There are two techniques in acupuncture:
1. Insertion of needles
First the acupuncturist collects the patient's detailed medical as well as family history, gains knowledge of his/her eating habits and lifestyle. Then comes the physical examination. There is a very strong stress on pulse taking. The Chinese have identified six main pulse points: three on each wrist and use two kinds of pressures to gain an in depth knowledge of the cause of ailment. The second most important thing is examining the tongue. The acupuncturist watches out for the colour, shape, area and coating of the tongue. This gives him knowledge of the inner physical condition.
Next the meridians and the points are identified. In the actual treatment tiny needles are inserted at specific points identified on the body. In fact this is what acupuncture means --puncture by the needles. After insertion the needles are stimulated either by twirling them or by passing a mild electric current which results in a mild tingling sensation. The needles are inserted for a length of time that ranges from a few seconds to 30 minutes.
2. Use of Moxa
After going through the preliminary examinations the acupuncturist will embark on the actual treatment. In this a herb called Moxa is used. Small cones of the herb are burnt and then rested on the skin to warm and supply energy to the acupuncture points. This energy is then passed through the meridians to the whole system thus striving to overcome the problem
Treatment time
The treatment takes anything from 20 minutes to 1 hour. The first session might turn out to be a bit long but things soon even out.
Frequency of visit
The frequency of the visit is dependent on the nature of the ailment. In the beginning it might be a couple of times a week and then weekly or maybe even less till none is required.
Acupuncture is known to have treated many ailments such as headaches, stress, insomnia, arthritis and many others and that too successfully. It is safe, without any side effects and leads to an overall feeling of well being.
Yes, there is! There is something better than popping pills day in and day out. It has hardly any side effects compared to those painkillers and it is called - Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese method of treating different physiological and psychological problems.
The Chinese treated patients for different ailments by observing their pulse and their tongue. The whole treatment was undertaken on the basis of these two. They realized that the human body was basically made up of energy or Qi, which flowed through a specific path called the Meridians. Each meridian is connected to some organ in the body. Over each meridian lie specific points that have the ability to increase or decrease the quantity and quality of energy flowing through the meridians. Thus by treating these points, specific ailments are cured.
An often-asked question is: Is Acupuncture effective? Research has proved that acupuncture has provided physical as well as psychological relief to patients. Today, Acupuncture is recognized as a complete science in itself and is extremely popular worldwide as an alternative form of healing.
There are two techniques in acupuncture:
1. Insertion of needles
First the acupuncturist collects the patient's detailed medical as well as family history, gains knowledge of his/her eating habits and lifestyle. Then comes the physical examination. There is a very strong stress on pulse taking. The Chinese have identified six main pulse points: three on each wrist and use two kinds of pressures to gain an in depth knowledge of the cause of ailment. The second most important thing is examining the tongue. The acupuncturist watches out for the colour, shape, area and coating of the tongue. This gives him knowledge of the inner physical condition.
Next the meridians and the points are identified. In the actual treatment tiny needles are inserted at specific points identified on the body. In fact this is what acupuncture means --puncture by the needles. After insertion the needles are stimulated either by twirling them or by passing a mild electric current which results in a mild tingling sensation. The needles are inserted for a length of time that ranges from a few seconds to 30 minutes.
2. Use of Moxa
After going through the preliminary examinations the acupuncturist will embark on the actual treatment. In this a herb called Moxa is used. Small cones of the herb are burnt and then rested on the skin to warm and supply energy to the acupuncture points. This energy is then passed through the meridians to the whole system thus striving to overcome the problem
Treatment time
The treatment takes anything from 20 minutes to 1 hour. The first session might turn out to be a bit long but things soon even out.
Frequency of visit
The frequency of the visit is dependent on the nature of the ailment. In the beginning it might be a couple of times a week and then weekly or maybe even less till none is required.
Acupuncture is known to have treated many ailments such as headaches, stress, insomnia, arthritis and many others and that too successfully. It is safe, without any side effects and leads to an overall feeling of well being.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Needles for Chronic Pain Relief
Controlling chronic pain is a never-ending challenge for both pain sufferers and the medical community. Conservative remedies prove only mildly effective and short-term in their relief while extreme remedies, such as surgery and powerful medications, may cause adverse effects or offer only limited results. If you struggle with debilitating pain and feel that you have exhausted your treatment options, it may be time to take a closer look at a new medication-free approach to pain management: a complementary therapy called Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or, more simply, PENS.
A recent study examined the effectiveness of PENS on chronic low back pain. PENS involves inserting needles (similar to the needles used in acupuncture) into various locations on the body, and then sending an electric current through the needles to stimulate the nerves. In this study PENS was compared with Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (or TENS, which involves sending an electric current through electrode pads) and an exercise regimen (stretching the affected muscles).
Not only did study participants report that the most immediate decreases in pain occurred after each PENS session, but they also noticed that after three or four PENS sessions their day-to-day pain was largely reduced, their physical ability and sleep quality improved, and their need for pain-relieving medication lessened. Participants were so enthusiastic that 80% of them said they would pay out-of-pocket to continue with their PENS therapy.
The researchers noted that they view PENS as a complement, not alternative, to existing pain management programs. They are extending their study to PENS effects on diabetic neuropathy, cervical neck pain, and headaches, in addition to more research on low back pain. In the meantime, it is important to remember that although promising, PENS is a new therapy and more research is needed to clearly establish its effectiveness. If you think it might be for you, talk with your doctor about integrating PENS into your pain management plan.
Suggested Resources
White PF, Phillips J, Proctor TJ, Craig WF. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS): A Promising Alternative-Medicine Approach to Pain Management. American Pain Society Bulletin. 1999;9(2). Available at: www.ampainsoc.org/bulletin/mar99/pens.htm . Accessed on October 18, 1999.
To learn more about PENS and pain management, you can contact the American Pain Society at 847/375-4715 or visit their web site at www.ampainsoc.org.
References
Ghoname EA, Craig WR, White PF, et al. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for low back pain: a randomized crossover study. JAMA. 1999;281(9):818-823.
A recent study examined the effectiveness of PENS on chronic low back pain. PENS involves inserting needles (similar to the needles used in acupuncture) into various locations on the body, and then sending an electric current through the needles to stimulate the nerves. In this study PENS was compared with Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (or TENS, which involves sending an electric current through electrode pads) and an exercise regimen (stretching the affected muscles).
Not only did study participants report that the most immediate decreases in pain occurred after each PENS session, but they also noticed that after three or four PENS sessions their day-to-day pain was largely reduced, their physical ability and sleep quality improved, and their need for pain-relieving medication lessened. Participants were so enthusiastic that 80% of them said they would pay out-of-pocket to continue with their PENS therapy.
The researchers noted that they view PENS as a complement, not alternative, to existing pain management programs. They are extending their study to PENS effects on diabetic neuropathy, cervical neck pain, and headaches, in addition to more research on low back pain. In the meantime, it is important to remember that although promising, PENS is a new therapy and more research is needed to clearly establish its effectiveness. If you think it might be for you, talk with your doctor about integrating PENS into your pain management plan.
Suggested Resources
White PF, Phillips J, Proctor TJ, Craig WF. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS): A Promising Alternative-Medicine Approach to Pain Management. American Pain Society Bulletin. 1999;9(2). Available at: www.ampainsoc.org/bulletin/mar99/pens.htm . Accessed on October 18, 1999.
To learn more about PENS and pain management, you can contact the American Pain Society at 847/375-4715 or visit their web site at www.ampainsoc.org.
References
Ghoname EA, Craig WR, White PF, et al. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for low back pain: a randomized crossover study. JAMA. 1999;281(9):818-823.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Back To Basics: Ways to care for your back and relieve back pain.
Carol was moving. Being a recently divorced mother of three, Carol's new budget meant leaving her home for an apartment. Coordinating the move, packing belongings, and registering her children in new schools, were just a few of the extracurricular activities she hurdled when she wasn't working full-time as an office manager. After settling in, she began to experience excruciating pain and muscle spasms in her lower back. Thinking it was from lifting one too many boxes, she took some aspirin and rested for a couple of days. Although the pain did partially reside, it kept recurring, so she went to her family doctor for treatment.
Carol's story is not uncommon. Back pain is second only to the common cold as the leading cause of physician visits in the US, and ranks number one as the leading cause of disability in workers under the age of 45. At some point in our lives over 80 percent of us will suffer some form of back pain. Secretaries and truck drivers are susceptible due to inactivity and pressure on their spines; heavy industrial workers who do repetitive tasks, nurses who care for bedridden patients, and the stressed and overworked executive are all equal opportunity targets for back pain. But back pain isn't always job related, women with heavy purses and men with over-loaded briefcases or beer bellies are also prone to back problems.
Common Causes
Back pain is normally divided into two basic categories, acute and chronic. Acute pain comes on quickly, either immediately or over a period of several hours. It is often a result of a sudden motion or injury that may occur from something as simple as lifting a heavy object or falling. Chronic pain comes on slowly and remains for months or, sometimes, even years.
Experts believe most back pain is related to weakness in the lower back, where the bones or vertebrae in the lumbar region bear the brunt of the body's weight. However, back pain can also arise in other spinal vertebrae, such as the ligaments that lash these bones together or the muscles and tendons that hold the spinal column upright. Trouble can even stem from the shock absorbing spinal discs that cushion each vertebrae, the latticework of nerves that branch off from the spinal cord to all parts of the body, or the joints that enable us to bend our backs and twist and turn. The spine affects and is affected by every movement your body makes. The way you stand, sit, move, pick up, and carry objects-all these activities, though natural, have the potential to hurt your back. With so many physical movements and body parts involved, it is little wonder why the precise source of most back pain is tricky to diagnose.
Finding Relief
Back pain treatments are varied and particular to the type of physician you seek for treatment. Because it's your duty (and in your best interest) to be an informed patient, you may want to investigate some alternative therapies currently gaining popularity and credibility: osteopathy, bodywork, yoga, energy and mind/body medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine.
Research has shown that exercise can also be of benefit in the treatment of low back pain and injury, including aerobic exercises, stretches, and strengthening exercises such as sit-ups. These exercises help to stabilize the pelvis and progressively increase the free range of back movement. Most back pain can be avoided by taking the simple preventive step of staying in good physical condition. The theory that bed rest is the first step to recovery was disproved at several medical centers in Helsinki, Finland. It was found that allowing patients to pursue everyday activities, within the limits permitted by their pain, resulted in quicker results than the bedridden patients.
Due to extensive research and a resurgence of interest in alternative medicines, the National Institute of Health has opened a small center to study these alternative practices. The office will focus on treatments they consider most promising, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, meditation, and hands-on healing with the same kind of scrutiny that conventional medicine undergoes.
The following are methods and techniques designed for healing an aching back, as well as a variety of approaches designed to prevent future back pain problems.
TREATMENTS
Physical Manipulation Techniques
Physical Manipulation Techniques aim to physically manipulate various parts of the body-muscles, connective tissues, and vertebrae-into proper functional alignment. It can often correct serious problems relating to stress and physical pain. The technique uses thumb pressure on the tissues, sweeping through them in order to break up and release any tissue texture alterations that may be inhibiting muscle movement and contributing to back pain problems.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is the manipulation of joints and vertebrae in the back and neck. The professional practice objective of chiropractic is to correct nerve interference in a safe and effective manner. A misaligned vertebrae can press on a nerve and produce pain not only in the back area but in areas fed by the nerve. This "referred" pain can be felt in other parts of the body, such as the arm or leg, and can even affect the functioning of organs throughout the body.
Chiropractic treatment has been found to be more beneficial to patients with persistent back and neck complaints than other forms of manipulation. The clearing of the subluxation causing the back pain will also correct the nerve flow which restores normal function to all other affected areas of the body. Both insurance companies and medical doctors have acknowledged the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy incorporates methods from both traditional and alternative medicine by combining drug therapy with spinal manipulation, or traction, followed by physical therapy and exercise. The US government has recognized spinal manipulation by osteopaths and chiropractors as being highly effective in treating many back problems. Unique to osteopathy, are electrical stimulation and mechanical therapy that trigger muscle relaxation.
Bodywork
Bodywork includes all the various forms of massage and movement awareness therapies. Massage of the muscles along both sides of the spine helps relieve tension and restore movement, especially in areas that feel tight or hard. Movement awareness therapies, such as the Alexander technique, are useful for corrective whole body positioning to relieve chronic tension and stress. These methods use light touch, as well as visualization and suggestion, in order to reprogram the body's ingrained image of itself. The Alexander technique is an educational process that retrains the way we use our bodies. It helps us recognize habitual movement patterns, and teaches us to use our muscles with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. Shiatsu and reflexology are other hands-on energy healing techniques proven effective in certain back ailments.
Mind/Body Medicine
Mind/Body Medicine is the study of the interaction between emotions, the nervous system, and the immune system. To allow the healing process to succeed, Dr. Bresler, Ph.D., the former Director of the UCLA Pain Center, recommends guided imagery, relaxation, and biofeedback. Patients are encouraged to form an image about what's going on in their back, give the pain a voice, and ask it directly what it wants. Often the body responds with an answer. In this way, we honor the body's inner wisdom and intelligence.
Biofeedback therapy uses carefully monitored low-level electrical impulses. The special equipment translates muscle tension into audible signals. Patients learn to slow the signal and relax the muscle by controlling heartbeat, respiration, muscle tension, and brain waves.
Energy Medicine
Energy medicine techniques, such as ultrasound, help to break up local edema or fibrosis where there's been inflammation. The ultrasound breaks up scar tissue caused by an injury, reduces the nerve conduction velocities (the rate at which a pain impulse is conducted along a nerve pathway to the brain), and slows down the pathway enough to cause a pain-relieving effect. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) is used for back pain relief by the patient at home. It applies an electrical current to the affected nerves in the area of the back pain, causing conduction to be blocked, resulting in pain relief. TENS units are also used to stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's own natural painkillers.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice, is based on the principle that energy is channeled through the body along specific pathways. Long, thin needles are inserted into the body at specific points along these channels. There are over 1,000 puncture points believed to be responsible for healing and reducing pain. Acupuncture is effective for pain management because it releases painkilling chemicals in the brain and promotes deep muscle relaxation. It is believed that good health depends on the balanced function of the body's motivating energy, or Qi (pronounced chee).
Back pain resulting from nerve-pinching conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis can also be treated by acupuncture, which helps restore the flow of blood and energy that is needed to bring essential healing nutrients, such as calcium, to the injured back. Experts believe 90 percent of herniated disk cases should try acupuncture before resorting to surgery.
Dietary Supplements and Equipment
Vitamin supplements can offer nutritional support. Vitamin C and bio-flavonoids are important for strengthening the connective tissues. Calcium-magnesium supplements may ease muscle spasms and twitching.
Back care equipment such as slant boards, inversion boots, and back swings apply traction to back tissues and are often helpful.
Herbal medicine can only be prescribed after the cause of pain is identified. Typically, herbs may be recommended by naturopaths and doctors who use alternative techniques. Most of the botanicals they prescribe are very safe and virtually free of side effects.
If related to physical strain, drink an infusion of meadowsweet three times a day to reduce inflammation. Valerian, available in capsule form, is recommended as a muscle relaxant and sedative. Take one capsule, as needed, with 150 to 300 mg of standardized valerian root. For general pain relief, use a tincture of white willow. Herbalist, Kathi Keville, recommends one to two droppersful of white willow whenever you feel mild pain symptoms.
Yoga
Yoga breathing and posture exercises help keep the body limber and in shape. Yoga has the potential to reduce the tension and stress that contribute to back pain. A primary focus of yoga is therapeutic relaxation through gentle exercise and meditation. Yoga teachers believe that by focusing the mind inward, one is able to profoundly relax and revitalize the body, and achieve a greater sense of harmony and well-being. "When your attention is directed inward, your body receives messages that you are safe and secure and that it is appropriate to relax," explains Dr. Mary Schatz, M.D. of Nashville, TN. Muscles will relax, blood pressure drops, nerves are calmed, anxiety is decreased, immunity is heightened, and healing is enhanced. All of these efforts can greatly improve your ability to deal with both the symptoms and causes of most back pain.
Yoga provides physical fitness coupled with relaxation exercises to deter potential debilitating back pains as well as aide in the treatment of existing back problems.
Prevention is Your Best Bet
Prevention is the most effective solution for back pain. As most back pain is muscular in origin, the pain usually occurs as a result of the way a person uses or misuses his or her body. Faulty habits push and pull the spine out of alignment and cause weakness, spasms, and strains in tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The end result is pain, which can be felt either in the back or referred through the nervous system to other parts of the body. Through self-awareness, you can learn to use your body more efficiently, and maintain these new habits and postures for a healthier back.
Immediate Care for Back Pain
A standard treatment for back pain is to apply ice for ten minutes, heat for five minutes, then reapply ice, heat, and ice once more for the same amount of time. This can be repeated as needed throughout the day. The ice allows the blood to reabsorb the fluids and chemicals that surround the injured area. If swelling and pain continues, consult a doctor immediately.
Carol's story is not uncommon. Back pain is second only to the common cold as the leading cause of physician visits in the US, and ranks number one as the leading cause of disability in workers under the age of 45. At some point in our lives over 80 percent of us will suffer some form of back pain. Secretaries and truck drivers are susceptible due to inactivity and pressure on their spines; heavy industrial workers who do repetitive tasks, nurses who care for bedridden patients, and the stressed and overworked executive are all equal opportunity targets for back pain. But back pain isn't always job related, women with heavy purses and men with over-loaded briefcases or beer bellies are also prone to back problems.
Common Causes
Back pain is normally divided into two basic categories, acute and chronic. Acute pain comes on quickly, either immediately or over a period of several hours. It is often a result of a sudden motion or injury that may occur from something as simple as lifting a heavy object or falling. Chronic pain comes on slowly and remains for months or, sometimes, even years.
Experts believe most back pain is related to weakness in the lower back, where the bones or vertebrae in the lumbar region bear the brunt of the body's weight. However, back pain can also arise in other spinal vertebrae, such as the ligaments that lash these bones together or the muscles and tendons that hold the spinal column upright. Trouble can even stem from the shock absorbing spinal discs that cushion each vertebrae, the latticework of nerves that branch off from the spinal cord to all parts of the body, or the joints that enable us to bend our backs and twist and turn. The spine affects and is affected by every movement your body makes. The way you stand, sit, move, pick up, and carry objects-all these activities, though natural, have the potential to hurt your back. With so many physical movements and body parts involved, it is little wonder why the precise source of most back pain is tricky to diagnose.
Finding Relief
Back pain treatments are varied and particular to the type of physician you seek for treatment. Because it's your duty (and in your best interest) to be an informed patient, you may want to investigate some alternative therapies currently gaining popularity and credibility: osteopathy, bodywork, yoga, energy and mind/body medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine.
Research has shown that exercise can also be of benefit in the treatment of low back pain and injury, including aerobic exercises, stretches, and strengthening exercises such as sit-ups. These exercises help to stabilize the pelvis and progressively increase the free range of back movement. Most back pain can be avoided by taking the simple preventive step of staying in good physical condition. The theory that bed rest is the first step to recovery was disproved at several medical centers in Helsinki, Finland. It was found that allowing patients to pursue everyday activities, within the limits permitted by their pain, resulted in quicker results than the bedridden patients.
Due to extensive research and a resurgence of interest in alternative medicines, the National Institute of Health has opened a small center to study these alternative practices. The office will focus on treatments they consider most promising, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, meditation, and hands-on healing with the same kind of scrutiny that conventional medicine undergoes.
The following are methods and techniques designed for healing an aching back, as well as a variety of approaches designed to prevent future back pain problems.
TREATMENTS
Physical Manipulation Techniques
Physical Manipulation Techniques aim to physically manipulate various parts of the body-muscles, connective tissues, and vertebrae-into proper functional alignment. It can often correct serious problems relating to stress and physical pain. The technique uses thumb pressure on the tissues, sweeping through them in order to break up and release any tissue texture alterations that may be inhibiting muscle movement and contributing to back pain problems.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is the manipulation of joints and vertebrae in the back and neck. The professional practice objective of chiropractic is to correct nerve interference in a safe and effective manner. A misaligned vertebrae can press on a nerve and produce pain not only in the back area but in areas fed by the nerve. This "referred" pain can be felt in other parts of the body, such as the arm or leg, and can even affect the functioning of organs throughout the body.
Chiropractic treatment has been found to be more beneficial to patients with persistent back and neck complaints than other forms of manipulation. The clearing of the subluxation causing the back pain will also correct the nerve flow which restores normal function to all other affected areas of the body. Both insurance companies and medical doctors have acknowledged the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy incorporates methods from both traditional and alternative medicine by combining drug therapy with spinal manipulation, or traction, followed by physical therapy and exercise. The US government has recognized spinal manipulation by osteopaths and chiropractors as being highly effective in treating many back problems. Unique to osteopathy, are electrical stimulation and mechanical therapy that trigger muscle relaxation.
Bodywork
Bodywork includes all the various forms of massage and movement awareness therapies. Massage of the muscles along both sides of the spine helps relieve tension and restore movement, especially in areas that feel tight or hard. Movement awareness therapies, such as the Alexander technique, are useful for corrective whole body positioning to relieve chronic tension and stress. These methods use light touch, as well as visualization and suggestion, in order to reprogram the body's ingrained image of itself. The Alexander technique is an educational process that retrains the way we use our bodies. It helps us recognize habitual movement patterns, and teaches us to use our muscles with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. Shiatsu and reflexology are other hands-on energy healing techniques proven effective in certain back ailments.
Mind/Body Medicine
Mind/Body Medicine is the study of the interaction between emotions, the nervous system, and the immune system. To allow the healing process to succeed, Dr. Bresler, Ph.D., the former Director of the UCLA Pain Center, recommends guided imagery, relaxation, and biofeedback. Patients are encouraged to form an image about what's going on in their back, give the pain a voice, and ask it directly what it wants. Often the body responds with an answer. In this way, we honor the body's inner wisdom and intelligence.
Biofeedback therapy uses carefully monitored low-level electrical impulses. The special equipment translates muscle tension into audible signals. Patients learn to slow the signal and relax the muscle by controlling heartbeat, respiration, muscle tension, and brain waves.
Energy Medicine
Energy medicine techniques, such as ultrasound, help to break up local edema or fibrosis where there's been inflammation. The ultrasound breaks up scar tissue caused by an injury, reduces the nerve conduction velocities (the rate at which a pain impulse is conducted along a nerve pathway to the brain), and slows down the pathway enough to cause a pain-relieving effect. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) is used for back pain relief by the patient at home. It applies an electrical current to the affected nerves in the area of the back pain, causing conduction to be blocked, resulting in pain relief. TENS units are also used to stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's own natural painkillers.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice, is based on the principle that energy is channeled through the body along specific pathways. Long, thin needles are inserted into the body at specific points along these channels. There are over 1,000 puncture points believed to be responsible for healing and reducing pain. Acupuncture is effective for pain management because it releases painkilling chemicals in the brain and promotes deep muscle relaxation. It is believed that good health depends on the balanced function of the body's motivating energy, or Qi (pronounced chee).
Back pain resulting from nerve-pinching conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis can also be treated by acupuncture, which helps restore the flow of blood and energy that is needed to bring essential healing nutrients, such as calcium, to the injured back. Experts believe 90 percent of herniated disk cases should try acupuncture before resorting to surgery.
Dietary Supplements and Equipment
Vitamin supplements can offer nutritional support. Vitamin C and bio-flavonoids are important for strengthening the connective tissues. Calcium-magnesium supplements may ease muscle spasms and twitching.
Back care equipment such as slant boards, inversion boots, and back swings apply traction to back tissues and are often helpful.
Herbal medicine can only be prescribed after the cause of pain is identified. Typically, herbs may be recommended by naturopaths and doctors who use alternative techniques. Most of the botanicals they prescribe are very safe and virtually free of side effects.
If related to physical strain, drink an infusion of meadowsweet three times a day to reduce inflammation. Valerian, available in capsule form, is recommended as a muscle relaxant and sedative. Take one capsule, as needed, with 150 to 300 mg of standardized valerian root. For general pain relief, use a tincture of white willow. Herbalist, Kathi Keville, recommends one to two droppersful of white willow whenever you feel mild pain symptoms.
Yoga
Yoga breathing and posture exercises help keep the body limber and in shape. Yoga has the potential to reduce the tension and stress that contribute to back pain. A primary focus of yoga is therapeutic relaxation through gentle exercise and meditation. Yoga teachers believe that by focusing the mind inward, one is able to profoundly relax and revitalize the body, and achieve a greater sense of harmony and well-being. "When your attention is directed inward, your body receives messages that you are safe and secure and that it is appropriate to relax," explains Dr. Mary Schatz, M.D. of Nashville, TN. Muscles will relax, blood pressure drops, nerves are calmed, anxiety is decreased, immunity is heightened, and healing is enhanced. All of these efforts can greatly improve your ability to deal with both the symptoms and causes of most back pain.
Yoga provides physical fitness coupled with relaxation exercises to deter potential debilitating back pains as well as aide in the treatment of existing back problems.
Prevention is Your Best Bet
Prevention is the most effective solution for back pain. As most back pain is muscular in origin, the pain usually occurs as a result of the way a person uses or misuses his or her body. Faulty habits push and pull the spine out of alignment and cause weakness, spasms, and strains in tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The end result is pain, which can be felt either in the back or referred through the nervous system to other parts of the body. Through self-awareness, you can learn to use your body more efficiently, and maintain these new habits and postures for a healthier back.
Immediate Care for Back Pain
A standard treatment for back pain is to apply ice for ten minutes, heat for five minutes, then reapply ice, heat, and ice once more for the same amount of time. This can be repeated as needed throughout the day. The ice allows the blood to reabsorb the fluids and chemicals that surround the injured area. If swelling and pain continues, consult a doctor immediately.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Need for Needles ... What Is Acupuncture all About?
While acupuncture is considered an "alternative" treatment in the United States, it has been used in mainstream medicine in China for thousands of years. The treatment is based on the philosophy that there is a life force or energy called qi (pronounced "chee") that flows through channels in our bodies. Each channel connects to one or several organs that govern bodily functions. It is believed that illness results when the normal flow of qi is disturbed. In acupuncture, thin stainless steel needles are inserted at various points in the body in order to unblock or rebalance the flow of qi.
Qi is clearly not a concept rooted in Western science; however, acupuncture has been clinically shown to be effective for pain relief and for easing the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or post-surgery. It has also shown potential benefits as part of a treatment plan for a variety of other conditions, including:
A typical visit to an acupuncturist involves answering questions about your health. The acupuncturist will also want to check your pulse (possibly at several points) and have a close look at your tongue. He or she may note your skin's color and texture, your posture, and other physical characteristics that offer clues to your health. You will then be asked to lie still on a padded examining table while the acupuncturist inserts needles into various points of your body. You may not feel anything—at most you will feel a twitch or a twinge of pain that will quickly subside. Once the needles are in place, the acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles or will leave you to rest for 30 to 60 minutes. You will probably feel very relaxed, and may even nod off for a bit (this is fine as long as you don't roll over). At the end of the session, the practitioner will quickly and painlessly remove the needles.
To treat certain health conditions, acupuncture may be more effective if the needles are warm. The acupuncturist achieves this by lighting a small bunch of dried mugwort herb and holding it above the needles (the burning herb never touches the body). This technique is called moxibustion. Another way to heat the needles involves attaching electrical wires to the needles and running a weak current through them. You may feel a mild tingling sensation with this method.
The number of acupuncture treatments recommended by your acupuncturist will depend on the nature of your illness and your overall health. For example, you may need just one treatment for a sprained ankle but weekly or bi-weekly treatments over several months for a chronic illness. The first visit usually costs between $60 and $110; follow-up visits run $30 to $80. An increasing number of insurance companies now cover some level of acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture can be safely combined with prescription drugs and other conventional treatments. It's important, however, for your primary healthcare provider to know about the acupuncture you are receiving in order to monitor the treatment. Some acupuncturists may decline to treat women who are pregnant.
For a list of certified acupuncture practitioners, look on the Web at www.nccaom.org (or send $3 check or money order to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314). You can also get a list of physicians in your area who perform acupuncture by calling the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture at 1-800-521-2262.
Qi is clearly not a concept rooted in Western science; however, acupuncture has been clinically shown to be effective for pain relief and for easing the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or post-surgery. It has also shown potential benefits as part of a treatment plan for a variety of other conditions, including:
- gastrointestinal disturbances, such as constipation, diarrhea, and spastic colon
- muscular ailments, such as facial tics and tennis elbow
- nerve ailments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica
- bone and joint ailments, such as osteoarthritis and tendinitis
- respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis
- female reproductive system ailments, such as irregular periods, menstrual cramps, and menopausal symptoms
- other conditions, such as addiction, headaches, sinusitis, stroke rehabilitation, and urinary problems
A typical visit to an acupuncturist involves answering questions about your health. The acupuncturist will also want to check your pulse (possibly at several points) and have a close look at your tongue. He or she may note your skin's color and texture, your posture, and other physical characteristics that offer clues to your health. You will then be asked to lie still on a padded examining table while the acupuncturist inserts needles into various points of your body. You may not feel anything—at most you will feel a twitch or a twinge of pain that will quickly subside. Once the needles are in place, the acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles or will leave you to rest for 30 to 60 minutes. You will probably feel very relaxed, and may even nod off for a bit (this is fine as long as you don't roll over). At the end of the session, the practitioner will quickly and painlessly remove the needles.
To treat certain health conditions, acupuncture may be more effective if the needles are warm. The acupuncturist achieves this by lighting a small bunch of dried mugwort herb and holding it above the needles (the burning herb never touches the body). This technique is called moxibustion. Another way to heat the needles involves attaching electrical wires to the needles and running a weak current through them. You may feel a mild tingling sensation with this method.
The number of acupuncture treatments recommended by your acupuncturist will depend on the nature of your illness and your overall health. For example, you may need just one treatment for a sprained ankle but weekly or bi-weekly treatments over several months for a chronic illness. The first visit usually costs between $60 and $110; follow-up visits run $30 to $80. An increasing number of insurance companies now cover some level of acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture can be safely combined with prescription drugs and other conventional treatments. It's important, however, for your primary healthcare provider to know about the acupuncture you are receiving in order to monitor the treatment. Some acupuncturists may decline to treat women who are pregnant.
For a list of certified acupuncture practitioners, look on the Web at www.nccaom.org (or send $3 check or money order to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314). You can also get a list of physicians in your area who perform acupuncture by calling the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture at 1-800-521-2262.
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