by urban-acupuncture | Jan 10, 2018 | Acupuncture
Treating Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that tends to last for more than 3 months. Any pain can be really terrible to handle but pain that lasts that long should be something entirely different. Chronic pain tends to get worse and reoccur when you’re least expecting it. There are even different types of chronic pain. There are usually two types – Nociceptive pain, which can be caused because of damage that might have happened to the body tissue and neuropathic pain, which is pain that shows up when there is nerve damage.
Chronic pain is usually hard to diagnose and almost impossible to treat. But luckily, there is a traditional, more natural alternative to the more expensive option of western medicine and hundreds of pain pills – acupuncture.
What is acupuncture and how can it help?
Acupuncture is a practice that relieves pain with the insertion of needles into different parts of a person’s body called the pressure points. The idea is to restore the energy flow in the body by releasing endorphins which are known to relieve pain. It originates from China, where it has been practiced with success for centuries. Acupuncture is more commonly used for treating back pain, neck pain, knee pain or osteoarthritis, migraines, and headaches.
The chi or the natural energy flow in the body is something that is very important for our health. It has been often said that the restrictions or blockages of chi in the body is what causes diseases and illnesses. The goal of acupuncture is to unblock the flow of chi in the body so that the energy flow is restored and the body can function properly again.
Does it work?
This is a commonly asked question that has also been debated over many times over the years. However, acupuncture has been practiced since 6000 BCE! If it didn’t work, why would people keep practicing it? Acupuncture works best for chronic pain that’s located in the back and neck areas. It also helps with knee pain, headaches, and migraines. In fact, it has been known to prevent migraines. If you’re someone who is suffering from chronic pain, acupuncture is definitely an option that you should consider.
Remember that as with all treatments, acupuncture also takes a few treatments before manifesting results. Acupuncture is a non-invasive and gentle treatment for pain relief as well as overall well-being. Most patients see their acupuncturists on a daily basis to keep up that feeling of well-being they get after a treatment session. It is of utmost importance that you find someone who knows what they’re doing. Find a qualified acupuncturist with qualifications and adequate experience. It is only effective when done right.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a method of pain relief. It is successful in relieving chronic pain so it is something you should definitely be looking into if you’re a person who has chronic pain. It is cost-effective and efficient. Get to Columbus, OH for a more detailed solution to the issue and go to the website Acupuncture of Columbus http://acupunctureofcolumbus.com.
For more information about how acupuncture and other 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.
by urban-acupuncture | Jan 2, 2018 | Acupuncture
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatments
Acupuncture is defined as, “a system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along what are considered to be lines of energy (meridians), used in the treatment of various physical and mental conditions.” And that’s exactly what this practice that originates from ancient China does. It not only relieves pain, but it also promotes healing of both the brain and the body.
While the subject of acupuncture is a rather controversial one, over the years, it has been proven again and again to be effective and efficient. The study of using acupuncture to treat symptoms of PTSD is a widely successful one.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a widely misunderstood mental condition that a lot of people struggle with. It can originate from a variety of causes that range from disasters to violence or aggression. A situation that causes physical, mental, or even emotional trauma can lead to PTSD.
Acupuncture in Treating PTSD
Acupuncture is one of the best natural therapies in treating PTSD because it has shown a significant decrease in anxiety levels as well as stress in patients who are suffering from PTSD. Acupuncture and other natural therapies can help people who experience PTSD or other symptoms related to traumatic experiences.
Acupuncture can be used to harmonize the energetic imbalances that might be rooted in a person’s physical self, causing PTSD. Acupuncture sees and treats PTSD as a shock that is reluctant to leave the patient’s body and nervous system. Shock is something that often stays behind years after a traumatic event, still causing problems. There are a few acupuncture strategies that can help in releasing a patient from this ‘shock’ that they’re phasing in their day to day lives.
People suffering from PTSD also often have unusual and unstable pulses. Their pulses may show significant deviation in rhythm, rate, amplitude, or intensity. Acupuncture stabilizes the pulse that people experience due to the shock caused by PTSD.
Acupuncture regulates the life force or the Qi in the body. While someone is going through PTSD, their Qi or life force appears to be erratic and chaotic. Acupuncture is a good therapy to balance out the Qi and return calm to the body.
Other Natural Therapies In Treating PTSD
There are a few Chinese herbs that help by giving off a deep level of support for people who experience PTSD. Sheng mai san and Yunnan paiyao are herbal formulas that are known to relieve the shock experienced after a traumatic event as well as stabilize the pulse. Upon one month of consumption, the patient will experience a significant decrease in her PTSD episodes. It is important that while consuming these Chinese herbal formulas, you also keep to the following strategies:
- Refrain from taking caffeine, alcohol, as well as refined sugar.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- Eat a lot of organic vegetables and fruits daily.
- Take supplements with B complex, flax and fish oil, and phosphatidyl serine.
For more information about how acupuncture and other 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.
by urban-acupuncture | Dec 5, 2017 | Acupuncture
Insomnia Treatment with Acupuncture
When you cannot get the right amount of rest, everything can turn topsy-turvy. We try everything from pills to hypnosis, relaxation techniques, counting sheep, but sleep is elusive and insomnia does not take a hike. In many parts of the Asian continent, people have been going back to their roots in the treatment of physiological and mental issues. Acupuncture has proven to be advantageous as it looks into the minutest of problems associated with the body and mind. In the context of insomnia, strategically placed sterilized needles in various points of the body helps to balance the yin and yang. Through the structured method, used by licensed practitioners, energy flows through specific pathways of the body. During the treatment that deals with symptomatic causes, the health of the body of the individual is effectively balanced. Any flow of energy that is blocked for some reason or the other, causes a disruption resulting in the mind and the body rebelling unable to function as a whole. This ancient Chinese science ensures that negative energy that blocks the natural pathways causing one not to be able to sleep at all is effectively removed. Through the release of these blockages, a stimulus is evoked, healing the negative chi that is the cause of myriad physiological issues.
Treatment for insomnia
The science used by acupuncturists improves the body’s functions which get the natural self-healing process going. Needles placed in certain medians of the body increases the blood flow. It also improves the nervous system, cardiovascular, immune, and endocrine and digestive systems. Using it as a medium to curb stress from within to treat insomnia is a great way to get the rest one deserves. It can get quite unnerving when there are needles involved that need to be positioned on the acupoints in the body. The needles are very thin, and while they can cause you to break out in a sweat, the tiny prick does not even cause any pain, unlike an injection! The execution must be proper to ensure that the patient is free of the triggers that bind her/him resulting in sleep apnea. During the session, many patients may even fall asleep as a feeling of relaxation takes over. In medical terms, the methodology stimulates melatonin production, as there is a reduction of anxiety in favor of relaxation.
Mixing it up with mainstream and alternative treatment
The ancient science has crossed over to mainstream medication where doctors have also taken note that acupuncture works effectively. One must ensure that s/he approaches the right practitioner. A fly by night operator may insert the needles too deep, which can cause serious injury to the nerves adding additional issues. The big picture, therefore, lets on that whilst other forms of treatment are available to treat insomnia, acupuncture is the proven solution for sleepless nights. To put it in a nutshell, the magic is in the needles, provided it is used by a licensed practitioner, period. Head out to the clinic in Columbus, OH and get rid of your insomnia once and for all.
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.
by urban-acupuncture | Dec 1, 2017 | Acupuncture
Cancer Pain Treatment with Acupuncture
Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the cruelest blows ever to hit anyone, at any age, any time. Science has evolved through the years and controlling the malady is possible with treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, the side effects of both the treatments are not very pleasant. Damage to the peripheral nerves because of the use of certain drugs can cause CIPN or chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The damage to nerve fibers gives rise to a series of symptoms like tingling, weakness of the muscles, acute pain, sensitivity to the cold and heat, tremendous weakness, dysesthesia, inability to balance, and paresthesia. Cancer patients with preexisting medical conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, alcoholism or drug dependence, dehydration, and severe undernourishment face a greater risk. Patients who have gone through chemo in the past may also be susceptible to the condition. Based on the severity of the condition, there are treatments available that do not interfere or cause the tumor to metastasize.
Acupuncture to the rescue
Treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is possible with pain relievers, an anti-seizure medication, and even antidepressants. It is not wise, however, to rely on these for a long-term basis as there can be adverse effects. That is precisely where acupuncture comes into play as an effective and alternative treatment plan. Given the fact that the licensed acupuncturist treats the problem without causing any pain, but induces extreme relaxation is a wonder in itself. The technique used is by inserting sterilized needles into specific points in the body to ensure that the results are effective. Any imbalance noticed by the acupuncturist, as evident with the negative chi in the body is slowly eased away through a structured process. The flow of energy is vital to human nature and when the yin and yan are not in balance, it proves that there is an underlying reason that has caused cancer to spiral out of control.
An accepted alternate
Across the world, people have noticed the advantages that this ancient Chinese science has brought. Given the fact that cancer is a worrisome illness that can result in death, it is of absolute importance to seek the expertise of a qualified expert. Irrespective of pills, many cancer patients suffer acute pain. The complementary therapy, like so with acupuncture, eases the suffering without invasive procedures. The methods can be split into two groups – general and specific. As an alternative source of generating positive energy to the body and the mind, the science works as a preventive mechanism also in dealing with physiological issues. The needles strategically placed, removes the negative flow of energy, making room for the positive.
The takeaway
It has been clinically proven that this alternative source of energy boosting technique is a way forward in the treatment of cancer pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Living with pain is not only a nuisance but living with pain accompanied by a series of additional physiological problems is worse. Head to Columbus, OH for a detailed solution to the problem and visit the website Acupuncture of Columbus.
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.
by urban-acupuncture | Nov 7, 2017 | Acupuncture
Headache Treatment with Acupuncture
Any kind of a headache is a nuisance and can practically drive you up the wall. Tension headaches are no better. They are considered one of the common types of headaches where stress, limited sleep, and skipping meals are the causes but cannot be confused with migraines. A person suffering from a tension headache may feel this for a short burst. Rare cases, however, can go on for days – this is referred to as a chronic tension headache. The pain radiates through the entire head and occurs on the top of the eyebrows or the back of the head.
One may also experience a tension headache as muscular tension in the shoulder and neck region. The usual treatments are over the counter medication or prescription relievers, hypnosis, stress management, relaxation techniques along with alternative treatments.
Best Treatment Options
Acupuncture is the best alternative as it provides a long lasting remedy and relief without any side effects whatsoever. The ancient Chinese science works on three methods. Symptoms are taken into account along with the cause and the effect resulting in a tension headache. Here are the three methods used by licensed acupuncturists.
- Sterilized needles are strategically placed at certain points of the body that ensures the release of natural painkillers. The small thin needles trigger responses from the nervous system, which transmits the message to the brain and empowers the release of endorphins. Hence, the body acts as a natural pain reliever.
- An increased blood flow to the inflamed areas primarily the neck and the head and the muscles are relaxed. The systemic flow occurs as the needles signal the brain, through the nervous system, to ensure that blood circulation is on point. Relaxation of muscular tension through channelized blood flow addresses the physical issues that cause a tension headache.
- An elimination of stress is of paramount importance. This ensures that the individual is free from negativity. Needles regulate the body’s natural responses that tackle stress by keeping the central and autonomous nervous in order. Pumping of blood improves the heart and does not put the onus on other parts of the body. In fact, the executive functioning of the brain helps the mind and the body work in tandem. The objective is to regulate any untoward condition in the body without taxing the nervous system.
To treat the condition, the licensed acupuncturist locates certain medians/points and gets to the root cause of the problem – the triggers. The method works in calming the sympathetic nervous system and regulates the flow of blood along with relaxing the tense muscles located on the upper back and the neck. Research has proven that people who have opted for the alternative form of treatment (acupuncture) have felt the positive effects almost immediately. The frequency of tension headaches are done away with and the need to pop a pill to reduce pain or inflammation is reduced completely.
The pain relieving properties that acupuncture brings to the fore is that it is not invasive and lasts long. Head across to Columbus, OH for a dose of the real deal. Alternatively, visit the website http://acupunctureofcolumbus.com/acupuncture-works-for-anxiety-relief/ for more information about the ancient Chinese science.
For more information about how acupuncture and other 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.
by urban-acupuncture | Nov 1, 2017 | Acupuncture
Elbow Pain Relief Treatment with Acupuncture
Medically referred to as lateral epicondylitis or a repetitive stress injury, tennis elbow occurs because of the overuse of certain muscles in the region. Playing the backhand during a tennis session can cause irreparable damage and stress to the forearm muscles. A repeat of contractions while hitting the ball causes the pain to manifest. Since the game is associated with repeated strokes in the game of tennis, chances of getting tennis elbow is a constant.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfers elbow or medial epicondylitis is also the result of a repeated stress related disorder, which occurs in the tendons that connect the elbow and the forearm. Pain occurs primarily in the central region of the bony bulge located inside the elbow. The avid golfer uses the forearm to rotate the arm, grip, and flex the wrist. The repetitive movement pulls at the tendons causing small tears to manifest. While both the conditions may be asymptomatic to the games that people play (tennis and golf), they are not always the cause.
Conventional methods to treat the conditions involve physiotherapy, some painkillers, and if required, limited doses of steroids to the affected area. While physiotherapy helps, constant medication can create an addiction of sorts. Acupuncture, the ancient science, is a natural and alternative treatment for the condition. The professional determines the cause of the pain through a series of examination techniques. Carry your scan and x-rays for the consult.
The acupuncturist examines the area for pain, redness, and swelling and conducts a series of motion tests of their own. Once the cause and symptoms are factored, the professional uses sterilized needles on mirror points. Mirror points are the areas that are not affected by pain but located near the region. There is pain relief almost immediately as one feels an improvement of blood circulation, considerable reduction of the swelling, and the muscles relax.
Endorphin Release
The physiological remedy that is propagated by ‘western’ medicine of using natural relievers like ice is not advocated by this ancient Chinese science. The belief is that it does not provide any solution but is counterproductive as it hinders blood circulation in the affected region. However, a resource like herbal ice in the form of plasters along with the sterilized needles promotes the circulation of blood thereby reducing inflammation and the reduction of pain. The age-old practice applies pressure to certain points lying close to an underlying nerve. By pricking certain medians on the skin, endorphins are released. The methodology blocks any transference of pain and even boosts the immune system considerably while booting stress out the door.
Plenty of professionals in the ancient Chinese science has been around spreading the message of acupuncture and its advantages in healing health problems. It is imperative to find the right one who has the license to practice the method. It is not only a good way to rid your body of the pain from either tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, but it keeps you physically charged as well.
For more information about how acupuncture and other 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.
Photo by Rob Chandler (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/5314774452/) [CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
