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Using Acupuncture to Treat Ulcers

by | May 15, 2016 | Acupuncture

Ulcer Treatment

Until quite recently ulcers were thought to be one of the crosses hard-working executives had to bear. They were the mark of a striving go-getter, who strode from power lunch to stock-market take-over bid, pausing only to swallow a packet of antacid tablets. Normally, so the theory went, the stomach doesn’t digest itself because a coating of mucus protects it from the hydrochloric acid which, together with an enzyme called pepsin, breaks down the food. But stress and anger can increase the amount of acid in the stomach while aspirin and other drugs can reduce the protective mucus and so the acids begin to eat away at the walls of the stomach or duodenum, creating crater-like sores which can be very swollen and tender. Classic symptoms include burning, intense pain in the mid-upper abdomen, and waking in the early morning, often with a sensation of abnormal hunger.

Peptic ulcers are the most common type of ulcer in the gastrointestinal system and can cause stomach acid and severe pain. Other symptoms can include weight loss, decreased appetite and nausea. Aspirin and NSAIDS are commonly used to treat pain conditions but then easily cause peptic ulcers. Another major cause of peptic ulcers is the helicobacter pylori bacteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) endorses and recommends acupuncture in the treatment of peptic ulcers.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that acupuncture for peptic ulcer helps. Chinese herbs can also be used to treat peptic ulcers.

Most Common Ulcer Signs & Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain – H. pylori can cause painful inflammation of the stomach and small intestine lining. Pain can also be caused by a build up of gases, and constipation.
  • Heartburn – Also called acid reflux, or GERD. When acid is low, digestion of food becomes slow and difficult. The result is that food sits in the stomach too long and gives off gases which can cause burning sensations in the stomach and throat.
  • Anemia – Or iron deficiency – this is closely linked with an H. pylori infection. When an H. pylori infection has caused low stomach acid, it becomes particularly difficult to digest protein (which contains iron).
  • Mild Abdominal Discomfort – Typically felt 2 – 4 hours before or after meals
  • Bad Breath – H pylori organisms present in stomach acid create ammonia, which results in bad breath.
  • Chest Pain – When H. pylori infection causes an inflammation in the stomach, the pain signals from the stomach can reflex into the chest, shoulder blade and stomach areas
  • Constipation – When H. pylori causes low stomach acid, food is not processed properly causing undigested food to be released into the intestine.
  • Diarrhea – The diarrhea may only happen infrequently, or it may happen almost daily, depending on how chronic the infection of H. pylori is.
  • Gastritis – Gastritis is characterized by an inflammation of the stomach lining. H. pylori uses it’s corkscrew shape to burrow into, and injure the stomach lining, which results in inflammation.
  • Nausea & Vomiting – H pylori causes nausea, but the reason for this is not clear. It is thought that as the body attempts to rid itself of the infection, the ejection happens through the process of vomiting. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for morning sickness in pregnant women.

What causes peptic ulcer according the Chinese medicine?

According to Chinese medicine, there can be a number of causes of peptic ulcers. Sometimes the liver is the cause of the problem and it is mainly stress and irritability that that upset the liver. Traditional Chinese medicine theory views that when the liver is over worked from excess emotional turmoil such as anger and irritability, the pressure in the liver builds up. This pressure is eventually released and then attacks sideways and affects the stomach. The stomach is affected by the heat of the liver and this extra heat from the liver burns away at the stomach.

This is why patients find it strange that their acupuncturist has put in needles into acupuncture points on the liver meridian to treat their burning stomach pain.

Research has also shown that certain aspects of the tongue can change during the course of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. One such example, is the observance of purple veins underneath the tongue that became reduced as treatment progressed and the helicobacter pylori infections resolved.

Results for Ulcer Treatment with Acupuncture

Tests on patients who have undergone acupuncture treatment for stomach ulcers show that acupuncture procedures can normalize certain processes of the gastro intestinal tract. There is not much evidence available to show exactly how effective acupuncture is as a treatment for stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori. Acupuncture is a painless treatment with thin metal needles being inserted to varying depths, and at specific acupuncture points. The needles are usually left inserted for 15 – 30 minutes. Treatment normally involves multiple sessions over a period of weeks or months.

For more information about how acupuncture and other treatments can help you, please contact Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, Steve Drugan,B.S., L.Ac., at 614.218.6287 or click here. Taking new patients in and around Columbus, Ohio.

 

Illustration By BruceBlaus  [CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Using Acupuncture to Treat Fibromyalgia

by | May 11, 2016 | Acupuncture

What is Fibromyalgia (fy-bro-my-AL-ja)?

Fibromyalgia is a common and complex chronic pain disorder that causes widespread pain and tenderness to touch that may occur body wide or migrate over the body. Along with other symptoms, pain and tenderness wax and wane over time. Fibromyalgia (FM) affects people physically, mentally and socially. Approximately 10 million Americans (2-4%) have FM with a ratio of about 8 to 2, women over men. It occurs in people of all ages, including children. The literal translation of the word fibromyalgia is pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. But FM is much more than pain and presents with many other symptoms that vary from person to person.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Chronic widespread body pain which can wax and wane is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Both men and women with fibromyalgia often experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome,TMJD, lupus and arthritis. Stress often increases symptoms of fibromyalgia.

  • Pain – The pain of fibromyalgia is profound, chronic and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and vary in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing and shooting pain, with deep muscular aching, throbbing, and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the person with fibromyalgia. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.
  • Fatigue – In today’s world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired after a particularly busy day or after a sleepless night. The fatigue of FM is an all-encompassing exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Symptoms include profound exhaustion and poor stamina.
  • Sleep problems – Many people with fibromyalgia have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from achieving deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.
  • Other signs, symptoms, and overlapping conditions – Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, Raynaud’s Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and impaired coordination.

Fibromylagia Treatment

An estimated 3% – 6% of the American population suffers from the chronic disorder known as fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain, fatigue, and even anxiety. The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, and its duration and intensity varies for each patient. For those living with it, it can be a life-altering condition, leaving them unable to enjoy activities that others take for granted. While there are many variations in the treatment of fibromyalgia, acupuncture provides a safe method which has been shown to greatly reduce the associated symptoms.

Although there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, a multidisciplinary team effort using combined treatment approaches, including patient education, aerobic exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacologic therapies have been shown to improve symptoms and function in patients with fibromyalgia. Helping patients to identify which combination of these therapies makes the most impact on their quality of life can be part of a successful symptom self-management system. Education is paramount to the success of this kind of protocol, both for healthcare professionals as well as the patient.

Among the benefits fibromyalgia sufferers stand to gain from acupuncture are:

  • Reduced Pain
  • Relaxation
  • Improved Sleeping Habits
  • Boosted Immune System

Additionally, other treatment methods may be applied to work in conjunction with acupuncture therapy. A well-rounded treatment plan is key to successfully treating the disorder. Rather than relying on medications such as pain relievers or antidepressants which alter brain chemistry, relief may be found in combining acupuncture with some or all of the following:

  • Chiropractic Care – Fibromyalgia causes muscle tightness, discomfort, and a loss in mobility over time. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help the muscles regain their pliability without causing damage.
  • Cold Laser Therapy – Muscle tissue has been shown to have reduced healing capabilities in fibromyalgia patients. Cold laser therapy not only stimulates tissue healing, but decreases pain sensations as well.
  • Exercise – Staying physically active is crucial for patients, allowing them to retain higher levels of comfort and flexibility. Aerobic exercise seems to be particularly helpful.
  • Diet – Fresh and organically grown foods have less stress on the body, helping it function at its maximum capacity. A diet consisting of foods such as soy, nuts and berries, brown rice, and hormone-free chicken and turkey will be beneficial.

Fibromyalgia can be a frustrating and debilitating illness for the millions of individuals who struggle with it each day. It often leads to multiple doctors, different treatment plans, and a dependency on a range of pharmaceutical drugs. Thankfully, acupuncture can be a highly effective option, resulting in drastically reduced pain and fatigue for months at a time. Furthermore, when combined with complimentary therapies and appropriate lifestyle changes, it can mean a radical change in the quality of life for fibromyalgia patients.

Contact Us For More Information

For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488    |    Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or  click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.