As Seen On MedicineNet Health News: Coronavirus Alternative Treatments – Can Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbs Help?

by urban-acupuncture | May 1, 2020 | Acupuncture Columbus

Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Work?

While some practices from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have shown some benefit in symptom relief for a variety of conditions, much of the evidence for the popular practice’s effectiveness is inconclusive, the NIH says. Even studies that show concrete benefits describe improvements on the margins – a shorter-duration cough, a less-runny nose. And these improvements can’t be ascribed wholly to TCM practices; most studies show only a positive correlation.

TCM, in general, is certainly important for symptom relief in the patients who experience positive effects from Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and other practices. When it comes to attacking the organism that causes disease, however, no evidence exists that any combination of herbs will cure COVID-19, or even lessen symptoms.

One paper submitted to the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine this year was speculative about the ability of TCM to prevent or treat COVID-19. The paper was based on other TCM studies from the 2003 SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak and studies of its effectiveness against H1N1 influenza.

A different analysis – one not using so many Chinese government data sources – of 90 different studies of the SARS epidemic showed some symptom relief on the margins for SARS patients who used TCM as an add-on to evidence-based protocols. These results were inconclusive, however.

“Positive effects using … herbal therapy included better control of fever, quicker clearance of chest infection, lesser consumption of steroids and other symptom relief,” states the paper in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine. “In a few reports, some evidence of immunological (boosting) was also found. More caution is required on the allegation about the efficacy of herbal medicine for the treatment or prevention of viral infection affecting the respiratory tract.”

Read More: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=228775

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.

UAC Class – Soul Sessions: The Coaching Circle

by urban-acupuncture | Feb 10, 2020 | Acupuncture Columbus

About Organizer and Life Coach Sarah Moore:

Sarah Moore, founder of Moore Soul Sessions, is a Certified Professional Life Coach based out of Philadelphia. With a focus on honest, authentic, and deep connection, Sarah works to connect with her clients on a level that allows them to rediscover themselves and realize their full potential.

I have spent 11+ years coaching women at every level of an organization from Senior Executives to Emerging Leaders, from start-ups to global brands. Previous clients include Facebook, LinkedIn and Salesforce. My varied background in industries such as retail, newspaper, and oil and gas, and extensive years living abroad, all have one thing in common; every decision was born out of passion and purpose. With that in mind, the bottom line is, I’m coaching people to know what they want, have the courage to say it, and pursue it. I want you to feel even more confident than you do now, to speak up with your loved ones, in meetings and board rooms, to communicate effectively across all levels of your organization, and to be at peace with who you are.

What skin conditions is acupuncture used to treat?

by urban-acupuncture | Feb 1, 2020 | Acupuncture Columbus

Can Acupuncture Treat Skin Conditions?*

The skin is the body’s largest organ, serving both to protect us from the environment around us and to provide clues to what we can’t see underneath. In other words, the health of our skin can often be a reflection of our overall health and thus, skin disorders, whether chronic or acute, may be symptomatic of an underlying imbalance in the body. This holistic approach underpins the success of acupuncture in treating many difficult skin conditions. By identifying and focusing on the root cause of the problem, acupuncture can treat the visible symptom: an uncomfortable, itchy, unpleasant skin problem.

Acupuncture works by addressing systemic imbalances and weakness deep within the body. When treating skin conditions, acupuncture stimulates specific points along the body in order to simultaneously activate both the immune system and the endocrine systems. This simple action increases blood flow to key systems throughout the body and regulates proper hormonal balances. Put more simply, acupuncture stimulates and strengthens the body’s own natural defenses, enabling it to more effectively heal itself!

As with any medical approach, the first step is to identify the root of the problem. The acupuncturist will conduct a thorough evaluation, looking at and feeling your skin and tongue while asking many wide-ranging questions about your skin condition, your overall health, and your diet, exercise, and lifestyle routines. Once a course of treatment has been developed—every treatment is uniquely developed to address the specific needs of each individual patient—the acupuncturist will place sterile, high-grade needles at key points around the body to activate specific acupuncture points. In some cases, heat may be directly or, more commonly, indirectly applied to the acupuncture points for increased stimulation (moxibustion therapy).

What Skin Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture has been used successful to treat a wide variety of different skin conditions*, both acute and chronic, including:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Psoriasis
• Perioral Dermatitis
• Herpes (zoster [shingles] and simplex)
• Eczema (including pomphlyx)
• Lichen Planus
• Viral Warts
• Chronic Hives
• and more

Whether acute or chronic, we understand that many patients have been suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment of problematic skin for a long time and want instant relief. It’s important to note that acupuncture is not magic! Addressing the underlying imbalances at the root of many of these difficult skin problems can take time, persistence, and patience. Moreover, acupuncture may be only one part of a comprehensive, holistic treatment approach.

The goal of acupuncture is to enable the body to heal itself by ensuring inner strength and wellness. Improving stress management, improving sleep problems, and addressing digestive issues can help promote overall wellness, thus contributing to a successful resolution of a difficult skin condition. Changes in diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits may play a vital role in your treatment plan, as may Chinese herbal medicine and also, in some cases, modern medicine like prescription medications and/or topical ointments.

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.

*Disclaimer: Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed. Before starting treatment, including acupuncture, for any skin condition, patients should see a dermatologist and/or a primary care physician.

Dermatological Disorder Treatment with Acupuncture

by urban-acupuncture | Jan 1, 2020 | Acupuncture Columbus

Acupuncture for Clearer, Healthier Skin!

Our skin is the body’s largest, most visible organ, so it should come as no surprise that there are literally hundreds of ailments that can potentially undermine the health and appearance of our skin. Skin disorders can range from mild to severe, from embarrassing to physically disabling, and everything in between. Some, like acne, are pretty common and can affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives; others are extremely uncommon and can be very difficult to diagnose. Some skin ailments are acute, appearing suddenly and unexpectedly, while others are chronic, developing and persisting over a long period of time. Yet any skin condition can dramatically undermine our appearance, our health, and our wellbeing.

Skin conditions can be exceedingly tricky to treat successfully. Often, patients repeatedly cycle through a variety of different treatments, including (but of course not limited to) topical creams and ointments, prescription medications, steroid injections, antibiotics, and even laser therapy. Yet all too often, these treatment approaches are either entirely ineffective or provide only temporary relief. Many individuals suffer for years with pain, discomfort, itchiness, dry and scaly skin, and other difficult symptoms, unable to find lasting relief.

For patients who have been unsuccessfully struggling with a skin ailment, acupuncture may provide a potential solution!* Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that involves stimulating key trigger points across the body to activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. The fact is, our body has the incredible ability to identify and resolve many health problems; unfortunately, critical imbalances within the body can block or hinder this self-healing capability. Thus, the goal of acupuncture is to enable the body to heal itself by addressing systemic imbalances and promoting inner strength and wellness. For individuals coping with skin ailments, acupuncture may help provide some relief from painful and embarrassing symptoms.

How Does Acupuncture Work to Treat Skin Conditions?

Unfortunately, modern medicine tends to view every problem in isolation, with the underlying assumption that a skin problem is caused by a problem within the skin alone. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, embraces a more holistic view of the body: that a problem in one area is likely connected to and caused by underlying problems across the body as a whole. A problematic skin condition may be only the most visible symptom of a systemic imbalance deep within the body. Thus, treating the skin condition requires identifying and treating the underlying imbalance!

In the treatment of skin conditions (broadly speaking), acupuncture is designed to stimulate specific trigger points along the body that regulate the immune and the endocrine systems. As acupuncture needles trigger “micro-traumas” in key areas, the body reacts by increasing blood flow throughout the body, as well as simulating a hormonal response. In addition, acupuncture improves the body’s natural immune system responses, thus reducing inflammation and clearing toxins that may be inhibiting the body’s ability to heal. Thus, by restoring the body’s natural homeostasis, it may be possible to resolve the visible symptoms on the skin caused by the original imbalance!

It is important to note that acupuncture is not a magic solution, nor does it work instantaneously. Restoring the body’s natural homeostasis causing a problematic skin condition may take time and persistence, and involve a variety of techniques integrated into a comprehensive treatment program. Acupuncture can also help promote overall wellness by focusing on stress management, sleep issues, and digestive concerns that may be undermining your health and contributing to skin ailments. Yet as part of a holistic treatment plan, acupuncture may help contribute to healthier skin, improve your energy levels, and stimulate your overall wellbeing!*

*Disclaimer: Results may vary and cannot be guaranteed. Before starting treatment, including acupuncture, for any skin condition, patients should see a dermatologist and/or a primary care physician.

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.

Increase IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine insemination/ Artificial Insemination) Success with Acupuncture

by urban-acupuncture | Dec 1, 2019 | Acupuncture Columbus

Increase IVF and IUI Success with Acupuncture

Coping with infertility can be both physically and emotionally challenging. For some couples, modern medicine in the form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) can offer the chance of a successful pregnancy. And at the same time, ancient medicine can work in conjunction with modern techniques to improve the chances that ART results in a successful pregnancy. If you have been struggling with infertility and are utilizing ART or are thinking about utilizing ART, we encourage you to talk to your fertility doctor about whether the ancient art of acupuncture can help promote your chances of getting pregnant.*

The two most common types of Assisted Reproductive Technology are:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Also called donor insemination, alternative insemination, or artificial insemination, IUI involves placing sperm cells directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. This procedure increases the chance of a successful pregnancy by stimulating and regulating ovulation and minimizing the time and distance the sperm has to travel in order to facilitate fertilization.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF utilizes a combination of medication and surgical procedures to help promote fertilization and successful implantation in the uterus. IVF involves removing eggs from the ovaries and mixing them with sperm cells in a lab to promote fertilization. One or more fertilized eggs are then placed inside the uterus; if the eggs successfully implant into the lining of the uterus, pregnancy occurs. IVF is more invasive than IUI and usually requires several months to complete one round.

Benefits of Acupuncture During IUI/IVF Cycles

The goal of incorporating acupuncture into either IUI or IVF cycles is to more effectively prepare the body for pregnancy by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, specifically the ovaries and uterus. Improved blood flow can help ensure that these organs are functioning optimally to promote ovulation and successful implantation of a fertilized egg. Specifically, by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, acupuncture can improve oxygenation, which is always critical for healthy cells and organs, as well as improve delivery of higher-quality nutrition, anti-oxidants, and necessary hormones. Moreover, improved blood flow can help thicken the uterine lining, which is especially critical for successful implantation.

Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood flow to the reproductive organs over the short term. Thus, it may be appropriate to begin acupuncture treatments at the beginning of an IUI or IVF cycle and still experience the potential benefits. However, acupuncture may provide some additional benefits if begun well in advance of ART treatments. For instance, acupuncture has been shown to help normalize imbalances in the body by promoting better sleep, improving digestive function, reducing areas of inflammation, and improving circulation in general. In other words, preparing your body in advance for a successful pregnancy by improving overall health and wellbeing, reducing stress, improving circulation, and correcting any natural imbalances can help promote the success of ART treatments.*

If you are coping with infertility and considering ART treatments, we encourage you to speak with your fertility doctor about whether acupuncture treatments before or during IUI and/or IVF cycles may be appropriate for you. While no one can guarantee the success of any specific type of fertility treatment, the addition of acupuncture into your ART cycles may improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

*Disclaimer:  Specific results are not guaranteed. Results may vary from person to person.

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.

Acupuncture Helps to Treat Cold and Flu Symptoms Before They Happen

by urban-acupuncture | Nov 1, 2019 | Acupuncture Columbus

Acupuncture: Your Best Defense Against Colds and Flu!

As the days grow shorter, the leaves turn brilliant colors, and the air grows steadily colder, we know that winter…and cold and flu season…are right around the corner. Of course we all know now that being cold, leaving the house with wet hair, and other “old wives tales” don’t really make you sick. It is true, however, that cold- and flu-causing viruses thrive in the cold, dry winter air and that our exposure to those viruses increases as we spend more time inside. So, as cold and flu season approaches, it’s time to take some proactive steps—like regular acupuncture treatments—to help ensure that you stay healthy!

While colds and flu are both caused by viruses and can be mistaken for each other, they are, in fact, two different illnesses. What we call a “cold” is an illness of the upper respiratory system that generally impacts the nose, sinuses, and larynx. Symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion (a runny nose), sneezing, coughing, sinus pressure and headaches, a sore, scratchy throat, and mild fatigue. Although uncomfortable, colds are usually mild and generally harmless. The flu, or influenza, is a much more serious viral infection that can be quite dangerous and may require medical intervention. While the symptoms of the flu may be similar to those of the common cold, they are usually more intense. Additional symptoms of the flu may include fever, body aches, weakness, and extreme exhaustion.

How Does Acupuncture Prevent Colds and Flu?

The human body has the amazing ability to protect and heal itself! It is constantly checking and re-checking our internal systems for signs of trouble; when a threat is detected, such as the presence of a foreign body like a virus, the immune system goes into overdrive to kick the invader out before it can cause any damage. Therefore, one of the best ways to keep yourself from getting sick is to ensure that your body’s natural immune system is strong, healthy, and well-balanced.

The goal of acupuncture is to do just that: restore and enhance your body’s natural self-healing mechanisms. When our internal systems are weak and/or out of balance, our ability to self-heal is reduced and we become vulnerable to the illness-causing effects of foreign invaders like viruses. Acupuncture strengthens and restores the body’s natural homeostasis, or balance, boosting its ability to fight off germs and other foreign invaders. In other words, acupuncture treatments before the onset of cold and flu symptoms ensure that your body’s natural defense systems are strong, balanced, and ready to help you stay healthy.

Benefits of Acupuncture During Cold and Flu Season

Regular acupuncture treatments throughout cold and flu season can help you stay healthy and if you begin to feel the onset of cold and flu symptoms, an immediate acupuncture treatment may help prevent the illness from getting worse. Acupuncture can:

• Boost the immune system for up to three days
• Stimulate hormonal homeostasis (balance) for maximum self-healing
• Relieve nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and sinus headaches
• Relieve discomfort caused by a “sore throat”
• Facilitate faster elimination of viruses and toxins
• Reduce fatigue and exhaustion
• Reduce body aches

It is important to note, however, that acupuncture is most effective before the onset of serious flu symptoms. If you have a fever or an active cough, acupuncture is not appropriate and we ask that you not come in for treatment. Lots of bed rest and fluids are important at this stage, and if symptoms persist or become serious, it is important to see a doctor right away.

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.