by urban-acupuncture | Apr 1, 2023 | Acupuncture, Treatments
An insight into BMD
Bipolar disorder is often characterized by the sudden onset of manic and depressive episodes on a rhythmic basis. While myriad root causes are contributing to this disorder, brain chemistry plays a pivotal role. The lack of production of endorphins is one such example.
Patients struggling with this disorder often find it difficult to regain control over routine activities, owing to the sudden shift in the chemical composition of their brains. Symptoms may often present themselves in very short time frames.
While there exist avenues to bring more stability to such patients, there is no one-stop solution yet to address all aspects of this disorder. Any constructive treatment plan requires a sustainable change in lifestyle choices.
Acupuncture – Revolutionizing modern medicine
Acupuncture is evolving as a much sought-after treatment plan for a bipolar mood disorder. The principle that it functions on is to bring the body of the patient back into a state of homeostasis.
Through an analytical mapping framework, practitioners of acupuncture identify the blockages in the patient’s body. This knowledge is then deployed to stimulate such key points to and in turn, the central nervous system. It focuses on tapping into the unreleased endorphins, which help reduce depressive episodes.
At the core of this methodology, is the concept of the interaction of electrical impulses within the body. It acts as a targeting system, facilitating a relay of messages between the nervous and endocrine systems. By stimulating an excitation in the nervous system, it creates a subsequent chemical response in the endocrine pathways of the body.
The entire process culminates in the excitation of the neural framework – starting with the muscles, then the internal organs, and finally, the brain. Consistent acupuncture stabilizes the flow of regulatory energy within the body, thereby alleviating the common symptoms of bipolar mood disorder.
What do studies say?
A study conducted at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, led by Dr. Tricia Tuppes, was undertaken to categorically examine the effect of acupuncture on the treatment of the bipolar disorder. This study served as a follow-up on a prior research study that examined a similar effect on the unipolar disorder.
As per the findings of this study, the results proved that deploying acupuncture to specifically stimulate points associated with depression over 2 months, had a better effect than generalized acupuncture treatment. Members of the former group were even able to reduce the intake of their bipolar medication.
Such studies prove that acupuncture can serve as a complementary treatment for bipolar disorder. Such results are even leading to a growing acceptance of this form of therapy in Western mainstream medicine.
By organically stimulating the circulation of bio-energy in the body, reducing muscle tension, and alleviating the sympathetic nervous system, acupuncture poses a world of new opportunities when treating disorders such as this.
While a complete shift may not be possible immediately, this treatment can help regulate extreme symptoms. Long-term consistency and proper consultation with expert practitioners of acupuncture are non-negotiable in terms of effectively managing bipolar mood disorder.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH 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, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Mar 5, 2023 | Acupuncture
Mood Disorder Treatment
Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of several diseases affecting the body and mind. The method of acupuncture may have antecedents in early Chinese medicine, but the relevance of it, today, has scientific effects. In a holistic way, Western and Eastern medicine combine to bring balance to the body’s function in terms of the circulatory and nervous systems. Apart from this, medication may rightly be used to treat various ailments, but acupuncture can mitigate the side effects of medication. In terms of mood disorders, medication may have some relevant side effects. Acupuncture can alleviate these while simultaneously treating the crux of the problem itself.
Understanding Mood Disorders
Mood disorders broadly refer to those mental disorders that affect mood. These consist of mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and clinical depression. It is important to have a basic understanding of mood disorders to know how acupuncture can help to treat these. The common mood disorders are highlighted below:
- Major Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Dysthymia
- Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS
- Postpartum Depression
The Advantages of Acupuncture in Treating Mood Disorders
Acupuncture, once considered as an ancient technique to treat many physical and mental ailments, is now recognized as an effective way to manage several disorders. In fact, studies report that the technique is as effective as Prozac (a medication popular for the treatment of mood disorders). What acupuncture does, by way of the insertion of delicate needles at strategic body points, is corrects imbalances in the body. Here are some ways acupuncture helps in treating mood disorders:
- Triggering endorphin (happy hormone) release, so that mood is boosted positively
- Improves sleep patterns and the quality of sleep itself
- Places the body in a state of “rest” as well as “digest” to promote calmness
- Leads to clarity of thought when the body is restful
- Relieves digestive issues and problems related to appetite
- Gets rid of headaches and migraines
People with mood disorders are known to exhibit several symptoms of which those mentioned above are crucial ones.
Get Started with Acupuncture
Acupuncture, known to relieve and even prevent several negative symptoms related to physical and mental illness, is gaining steam as a cure. In fact, your practitioner may recommend a blend of acupuncture therapy along with traditional drug treatment for mood disorders.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH 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, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Mar 1, 2023 | Light Therapy, Massage, Treatments
The concept that specific foot, hand, and ear regions have a link with other body organs and tissues is gaining traction among medical practitioners
Reflexology is a massage therapy involving the application of pressure to feet, hands, and ears. The theory behind it stems from the idea of functional interconnection between the nerves of the skin and internal organs. Reflexologists believe that putting different amounts of pressure on the specific foot, hand, and ear regions can have many positive health outcomes.
Reflexology – Working Principle
British medical researchers found out in the 1890s that skin and internal organs share the same nerve pathways. They also saw that depending on external factors e.g. touch – the whole nervous system can make certain modifications.
By focusing pressure and stimulating specific nerves, a reflexologist may help soothe the nerves. This can bring about feelings of relaxation and several other health benefits. Another popular theory – the Zone Theory, states that our body has 10 vertical zones. Each zone shares a functional pathway involving an organ system and a specific finger and toe.
Potential Benefits of Reflexology
Also known as Acupressure therapy, Reflexology can have a multitude of health benefits. Some of these benefits have been replicated in research studies. Reports from many people state that it can have the following health benefits:
- Pain Relief – It could effectively treat a variety of pains and aches, including neck pain, migraines, back pain (lower and upper back), etc.
- Better Nerve Function – With the negative effects of aging, nerve endings become weaker. Reflexology can improve nerve reactivity and clear out neural pathways by stimulating them.
- Promotes Hormone Balance – By stimulating certain nerve endings, we can improve the function of brain neurons that release reward hormones like Serotonin.
- Better Blood Flow – It can also improve blood circulation, increasing the efficiency of natural healing processes and growth.
- Keep Blood Pressure in Check – It has been shown to help patients with chronic kidney ailments, hypertension, and diabetes to keep their systolic blood pressure in check.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH 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, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Feb 5, 2023 | Acupuncture
Many people are now familiar with the term acupuncture as a form of treatment and healing for many conditions but there is still skepticism and misinformation! Specifically, when it comes to what acupuncture helps with, many people don’t know how beneficial this unique healing style is. Specifically, when it comes to relieving pain, acupuncture is an excellent yet underrated solution to many types of pain.
How Acupuncture Relieves Pain
Acupuncture uses thin needles which are inserted into the skin at specific points in the body. These needles, when inserted correctly, cause little to no pain themselves and are believed to promote a release of endorphins in the body. As endorphins are released, the body goes through multiple internal changes such as feeling less pain, an increase in blood flow, and more.
Specifically, with endorphins being considered a natural painkiller, a reduction in pain is one of the most important benefits of acupuncture. Moreover, while inserting needles into your body may seem like a limited treatment, acupuncture can actually be used for pain throughout the body. Let’s look at what pain acupuncture can is best for.
What Types of Pain can Accupuntrue Relieve?
While the list is often considered to be endless, here are some of the most common types of pain acupuncture are prescribed for:
Lower Back Pain
Often the most standard and popularized type of pain acupuncture is used for, lower back pain has been known to provide months of relief from even intense pain. While it doesn’t match up to other types of conventional treatments in the short term, long-term results show promise for chronic lower back pain.
Headaches
With some finely placed thin needles into the upper facial region, acupuncture specialists can also reduce pain from headaches. If done correctly, many reports suggest that it can reduce the intensity of migraines or headaches as a whole.
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel is one of the more unique conditions which causes pain in the fingers and hands. Surprisingly, recent acupuncture tests have shown that there is a link which can lead to a noticeable reduction in pain from the syndrome. That being said, this is still under heavy speculation.
Should You Get It?
With acupuncture being so effective for various types of pain, the question arises, should you get it? Well, the answer to this is based on the type of pain you are in and if you are willing to try out something new. For example, a one-time headache is often not the best reason to get acupuncture done, however, repeated or chronic pain definitely is. Whatever the case, acupuncture is still going to be a relaxing experience that can reduce the stress in your mind and body!
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH 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, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Feb 1, 2023 | Acupuncture
Relieve Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Pain
The use of massage therapy and acupuncture has become popular in recent times. These therapies are now a part of Western medicine system and have proved to be effective in treating many conditions. Tennis elbow is one such painful condition that can be resolved through acupuncture and massage therapy.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a condition that occurs in the elbow. It happens due to repetitive movements of the arm and wrist, like while playing tennis or using the hand for any similar purpose. Overloading of the tendons in the elbow can cause this condition. Rest, ice packs, and OTC medicines can treat this condition. But in some cases, it persists for a long time and massage/acupuncture is needed.
How acupuncture can help with tennis elbow?
When acupuncture is used, it helps in regulating the working of the nervous system. The pain and problem in the elbow is related to issues with the nerves. When needles are inserted in the right area, they stimulate the nervous system to release neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters help in reducing pain.
Acupuncture is a simple and safe treatment for tennis elbow and many other such conditions. While medications may provide instant relief, it comes with many side effects. Acupuncture is free from all such side effects while being equally effective.
Massage therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow
Massage is one of the best ways to get relief from pain. A study found that getting a deep tissue massage was equivalent to taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). When massage is done by a professional, it helps in providing quick relief from pain. The relief can be long-lasting since it addresses the root of the problem.
Massage can help reduce pressure on the nerves. The pain usually occurs due to pressure on the nerves. It also occurs due to tension in the muscles. Massage can help reduce the tension while stretching and relaxing the muscles. It takes away pressure on the nerves. The combined effect of these would help in experiencing pain relief. Further, massage helps to release endorphins that act as a natural pain killer helping you feel good and relaxed.
Whether you would like to get acupuncture done or massage therapy, you need to get it done from a professional. You can work with a licensed massage therapist in Columbus, Clintonville, Ohio to get your tennis elbow treated in a safe and effective way.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH 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, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
