Left Hand Community Acupuncture: pain

Showing posts with label pain. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Modern bodies, modern acupuncture

I'm Coming Around

As many of you know, I'm in the process of completing my Acupuncture Sports Medicine Apprenticeship Program with Whit Reaves, L. Ac.. Acupuncture sports medicine is the synthesis of principles of traditional Chinese Medicine with Western sports medicine. It pairs ancient needling techniques with knowledge of anatomically significant tissues such as motor points, trigger points, muscle bellies, tendon sheaths, joint spaces, muscle tendon junctions, ligaments, tendons, and other structures. Often Electrical stimulation (estim) is a machine somewhat similar to a TENS unit (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Like a TENS unit, estim uses a very low level of electric current. Needles are placed into hyper or hypo-functioning tissue and Estim leads are attached to the needles to provide a low level of current through the tissue. Estim spurs the body to profuse injured, weakened or inflamed areas with Qi and blood. The theory is electrical stimulation interrupts pain signals and causes the body to release endorphins, it’s natural painkillers.

When I was fresh out of school, Acupuncture sports medicine didn't appeal to me much at all. After all, it's pretty obvious that I'm not a jock. Using an Estim machine used to seem to me like cheating. I wanted to be the acupuncturist who put in a few magic needles in seemingly random places and make all the pain go away. I’m drawn by the mystical, but I’m too pragmatic not to be practical. As I've practiced over the years, I've discovered that there are many for whom this works and there are many for whom it doesn't work at all. Buy why?

Sitting and Hunching

Whit Reaves has a hypothesis, and I have to say, I like it. If you look at classical acupuncture points taut bands of muscle are overlooked in favor of points located in hollows, spaces between muscles. These were paired with distal points on the same acupuncture channel for maximum efficacy. According to Whit, in the early 80's classical techniques were effective on the majority of patients. So what changed? Technology. Or rather, technology changed us.

I can remember a bright spring morning in 1978, my father brought in a big box and set it on our old teacher's desk. He unpacked and tinkered a while. Then the neighbors were invited over and we all gathered round the wonder of the first 8086 IBM PC on the block. Desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones have changed us. No longer are we swinging scythes out in the fields or toting laundry down to the stream. Instead we sit, hunkered over staring into our marvelous devices for hours at a time. Then we get up, hop into our cars and sit, hunched over our steering wheels. Prolonged inactivity paired with lousy posture has lead to our muscles becoming more shortened, contracted and fibrous than they were before. Thus, the techniques that have been effective for centuries, are not always effective on our modern bodies. That being said, there are plenty of bodies that seem to respond better to traditional techniques than sports medicine acupuncture. These people can be more sensitive foods and medications than other people. For them, traditional acupuncture techniques make more sense.

Everyone is an Athlete

We are all athletes. We may not be running marathons, but we're all likely to sprain an ankle on the curb or aggravate a shoulder by shoveling snow. Everyone has a body and at times the body gets broken or stressed. The same knowledge can be applied to a 25 year old softball player as can be applied to a 75 year old who has pain lifting her arm. Even if I'm not going to treat a problem with acupuncture sports medicine, it makes sense to know how the body works from an allopathic medical perspective. I have many colleagues who turn their noses up at learning anything remotely related to Western medicine. It didn't take long for me to understand that patients expect acupuncturists to know what they're talking about when they mention spondylosis, Grave's disease or a torn medial meniscus. I feel the Western medical training I got during my Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Asian Medicine was sorely lacking. I’m excited for the opportunity to delve deeper into orthopedic medicine from both the Western and Eastern sides using the tools of acupuncture sports medicine.

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board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com

720-248-8626

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Daith piercings for migraines?

Lately there's been a lot of buzz on the internet regarding Daith piercings as a cure for migraines.1 A "Daith" piercing bores a hole through the ear's innermost cartilage fold.2

Why would a piercing in the ear affect migraines? The man who pioneered auricular (ear) acupuncture, Paul Nogier, was a French neurologist. A lot of his patients were coming to him with a scar on their ears in a particular place. When asked they told him they had visited a lay healer who burned that point on their ears to cure them of sciatica. In an "ah ha" moment, he realized the entire body was connected to the ear.

Anyone who's had acupuncture at our clinic knows we use acupuncture points in the ears a lot. I call the ears the "keyboard to the brain". Using them, I can affect hormones, the nervous system, and the way the body processes pain. Ear acupuncture is one way among many that I, as an acupuncturist, have of encouraging your body to use its resources differently.

There are no recognized acupuncture points at the exit and entry points of the Daith piercing. It's actually closest to the "External Genitals" point. (Yes, I know, "eek!") My only theory for why this affects pain in the head is that a piercing here would redirect excess Qi from the top of the head to the root of the pelvis. Contrary to what you might have read on the internet, it's at least 1 cm away from "Point Zero" that regulates homeostasis in the body.

My opinion on the Daith piercing is that it might very well help some people. I'm willing to bet, however, that it doesn't help everyone. It's likely not a permanent solution and comes with some significant risks.

This piercing is very painful and takes between 3-6 months to heal. Extra care must be taken to avoid infection in the cartilage. If nickel allergies or sensitivities are an issue for you, a Daith piercing may cause more problems than it solves. A proper Daith piercing requires knowledge of advanced techniques by the practitioner. I would insist upon implant grade material for any piercing of this type.

A Daith piercing could theoretically stimulate the points so strongly and actively, the nervous system would be re-trained to accept a new pattern. For some people this new pattern might stick and they'll be "cured". For some folks, I suspect as soon as the piercing heals, their migraines will return. I'm sure there are migraine sufferers who have noticed no improvement or just feel it's so uncomfortable it keeps them from focusing on their other pains.

My concern with using piercings for relief is that they probably become "background noise". Just like repeatedly telling my kids to "pick up your socks!", the body eventually tunes this stimulus out. Any point that's overused will lose its effect. I have a piercing at the "eye" point in my ears, but I don't notice that I have any greater visual acuity because of it. An additional concern is that a piercing of this magnitude could well destroy the acupuncture points that we're trying to effect.

When I treat you with acupuncture, I start out with a hypothesis of what's causing your problem. Migraines have a number of different causes from a Chinese Medical perspective. You might have Liver Yang Rising, Yin Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Phlegm Turbidity, or Fire rising in the Gallbladder Channel to name a few. I usually select points on the ears and the body to set a new pattern for your body to follow. I use points in the ears to calm down the parts of the brain that process pain. I use body points to set a strategy for reversing the negative pattern.

Sometimes I can't find any reactive points in the ears, so I have to rethink my strategy. For whatever reason, some folks are just not good candidates for ear acupuncture. There's no harm in putting needles there, but we're not going to have a powerful effect. Other patients have fantastic results with ear acupuncture. For these folks, I send them home with retention needles that are very much like a mini-piercing.

So, in short: do your research and try acupuncture first!

1 -Could a daith piercing solve your migraine problem ...
-Daith Piercing: Migraine Cure?

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daith_piercing

Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette
at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding
scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is
fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes
an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed
Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health
issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches,
fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com

720-248-8626

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Pain is Like a Puppy

I'm sure a lot of you have heard me repeat the phrase "Pain is like a puppy". What do I mean by that? Pain is like a puppy that's gotten into a bad habit, say jumping up on the couch. You correct a bad behavior by holding it by the scruff and saying "down!". Using acupuncture, we correct your body's bad habits by introducing a new pattern that we want to establish.

So, then what? Probably, the very first thing the puppy's going to do is try to jump back up on the couch! Obviously, we need to give the same message over and over for our message to be accepted.

The key to acupuncture and dog training is to be consistent. You wouldn't correct the puppy once and then despair that it's still jumping on the couch, would you? If you really want to change a habit, you might have to correct the behavior five or ten or twenty times. A lot depends on the character of the puppy and how long the pattern has existed.

Folks drive me crazy when they say: "I tried acupuncture for my back pain, but it didn't work."
I ask: "How many times did you go?"
They reply: "Twice."
I ask: "How long have you had it?"
They say: "Seven years."
To me that's the same as taking one dose of an antibiotic and then throwing the rest out because you still have your earache half an hour later!

Each puppy is different. I have friends with two puppies a Golden Retriever, Daisy, and a Springer Spaniel, Lindy. Daisy is incorrigible; she continues to jump up on the couch all day long. Yet Lindy is so eager to please, that she learned to stay off the couch right away. Some of your symptoms may be more like Daisy than Lindy. Similarly, some symptoms can vanish after just one treatment, others take a few treatments to start dissolving. So keep at it and good luck with your "puppies".

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http://lefthandacu.com

720-248-8626

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Sinus Infections & What You Can Do About Them

I've only had two of these in my life, but they were very memorable occasions. Who can forget a feeling like being stabbed in the eye socket with an ice pick? The Chinese Medical diagnosis for this condition is "Phlegm Damp Heat Brewing and Binding in the Orifices". Sounds delightful... NOT! Sinus infections can linger for weeks making us feel vaguely run down and yucky, or they can fester and create intense pain and discomfort. Either way they need attention. Why? First, it's an infection and second, the sinuses are right next to your brain. We don't want it moving from one to the other.

Western Medicine always treats sinus infections with antibiotics regardless of whether or not they are bacterial or viral. The drawback to this approach are many. Quite a few people experience loose stools and poor digestion for weeks after antibiotics due to the disruption of their gut flora. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics has been creating new and more virulent strains of bacteria. Finally, if the infection is viral, antibiotics only serve to disrupt your system.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

Thick yellow or green nasal discharge that smells foul
No nasal discharge, but a sense of congestion
Post-nasal drip
Pain or pressure behind the eyes, in the forehead, or beneath the cheek bones. Sometimes they will manifest as what feels like tooth pain.
Sharp, episodic pain especially with position or pressure changes (like bending over or changing altitude)
Slight dizziness or vertigo when changing position
A cold that won't go away
Lingering fatigue after a cold
Bad breath

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

Acupuncture See your acupuncturist for treatments. I know a lot of you aren't a fan of the "kitty whisker" needles I put in your cheeks, but trust me, these babies are magical! Many times they cause instant opening of the nasal passages. We will use other points on your body to stimulate the immune system, drain phlegm, and boost energy.
Chinese Herbs See your Chinese herbalist for remedies: I (Caroline) have a new favorite way to treat sinus infections. I'm excited because it's a blend of two ready made tablets that I carry in the office, so they are convenient and easy for you to use. Bi Yan Pian addresses the sinus congestion, the "Phlegm Dampness" mentioned above. Pu Ju Xiao Du Yin clears away the "Heat Toxins". It's an herbal formula known for it's antibiotic and antiviral properties. Together, they combine to make a one/two punch that usually has patients feeling better right away. These aren't appropriate for folks taking certain medications or those with weak digestive systems. Please check with your practitioner first.

Neti pot

Nasal aspirator

Self Care

Absolutely NO sugar, wheat or dairy! If you know me at all, you know that I'm usually rather gentle with my diet advice, but this is an exception. Eating these substances just perpetuates your problem and makes it harder for your body to clear the infection.
Irrigate your sinuses Use a neti pot or nasal aspirator to irrigate your sinuses.

Sterilize your neti pot or nasal aspirator with boiling water, set aside. Neti pots can be sterilized in the dishwasher.
Boil 1 cup of water, allow it to cool. (Very important)
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Turn your head sideways over a sink, hold the lower nostril closed with your finger.
Use the your neti pot/aspirator to slowly dribble the saline solution into your nose. Do not force the saline up your nose or pour it too quickly: this will hurt.
Roll your head slowly backwards and "swish" the saline around.
Allow the saline to run out the nostril you previously held closed.
Repeat on the other side.
*Gently* blow your nose to remove nasal discharge
Tips:

Always use fresh saline and a clean pot/aspirator
if you experience greater pressure or pain, stop
if nothing comes out of your nose after doing this for a couple of days, stop.

Get plenty of rest. You may not feel very sick. Pushing yourself will only make the duration of the illness longer.

=====================================================

Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches,

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Why are you putting that needle there?

A very good question! The short answer for me boils down to a few main factors: what systems need help, what systems need to calm down, where are the blockages in the body and does the brain need some attention?

The needles on the insides of the arms and legs tend to be associated with the organ systems that need some encouragement to do their jobs better (Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Heart, Pericardium and Lungs). The needles on the outside of the arms and legs tend to be associated with the organ systems that hold stagnation and heat (Gallbladder, Urinary Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and San Jiao). These guys need to “snap out of it!” and relax.

A lot of the pain theory of acupuncture is based on using microsystems. This is the idea that every part of the body mirrors and affects another part of the body. For instance, I can use points on your elbows (a hinge joint) to affect pain in your knee (another hinge joint). I can use points near the back of your skull to affect the pain in your heel. Sometimes we just put a needle in where it hurts, too! Sometimes, it's a combination of both.

Finally, I assess for every patient if their brain needs attention. For us, fine tuning the nervous system is done predominantly by using points on the head and in the ear. A French neurologist, Dr. Paul Nogier, pioneered the work of mapping the correspondences of the brain to the ear. Studies have shown that measurements of microsweating in the ear correlate to increased activity in certain parts of the brain as measured on a functional MRI. We use needles in the ear to promote relaxation, encourage better sleep, and to decrease feelings of depression or anger. We can also use the ear to increase concentration and improve memory. Finally it can also be used to calm pain in the body.

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http://lefthandacu.com

720-248-8626