All articles tagged with #acupuncture
A NIH-funded clinical trial found that acupuncture significantly improves physical function and reduces pain in older adults with chronic low back pain, offering a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments, with benefits sustained over 12 months.
A 65-year-old woman in South Korea with osteoarthritis had gold threads inserted during acupuncture, which were visible on X-ray and posed potential health risks, highlighting concerns about the safety and efficacy of gold-thread acupuncture.
A 2,200-year-old Chinese silk manuscript from the Han Dynasty, known as the Mawangdui medical manuscripts, may be the world's oldest anatomical chart, revealing detailed descriptions of human meridians and blood vessels, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of anatomical knowledge and highlighting the scientific basis of ancient Chinese medicine.
A discussion thread on kottke.org revolves around a list of "Things That Don’t Work," with some commenters expressing skepticism about the author's opinions and others sharing their positive experiences, particularly with acupuncture for pain relief and therapy. The conversation also touches on the efficacy of non-fiction books and the potential benefits of acupuncture for various conditions.
Research suggests that acupuncture may reduce the risk of stroke in people with rheumatoid arthritis by 43%. Rheumatoid arthritis patients are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes, due to chronic inflammation. Acupuncture, an alternative treatment, has shown potential in providing cardiovascular health benefits for this patient population. However, further research is needed to establish a definitive link between acupuncture and reduced stroke risk in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
A 74-year-old man in China who sought medical help for what he thought was an aneurysm was found to have an acupuncture needle lodged in his brain, causing memory problems and internal bleeding. The needle, likely present for two decades, was removed through surgery, but the man later died from a lung infection. This case is the first recorded instance of a pseudoaneurysm caused by an acupuncture needle, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention in such rare medical occurrences.
A significant shift in healthcare is occurring as more than one-third of American adults are now incorporating or substituting mainstream medical care with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga. This change is driven by factors such as increased insurance reimbursement, growing evidence of effectiveness, and greater patient acceptance. The use of these therapies for pain management has notably increased, with yoga usage rising to 29% in 2022 from 11% in 2002. While these alternative therapies are gaining prominence, it's important for individuals to assess their long-term benefits and consider them as a trial.
More than one-third of American adults are now using alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga to supplement or substitute mainstream medical care, with 37 percent of adult pain patients using nontraditional medical care in 2022, up from 19 percent in 2002. This shift has been driven by factors such as growing insurance reimbursement, increased scientific evidence of effectiveness, and greater acceptance among patients, impacting medical practitioners and leading to the integration of mind-body therapies and nonpharmaceutical tools in traditional clinics.
King Charles has appointed Dr. Michael Dixon, an advocate for alternative medicine, as his health overseer, sparking discussion on the efficacy of such treatments. Experts like Dr. Abrar Ibrahim acknowledge potential benefits in stress relief and pain management but caution against using them as substitutes for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Professor Edzard Ernst criticizes the lack of scientific evidence supporting many alternative therapies, including homeopathy, reiki, cupping, colonic irrigation, vitamin drips, and placentophagy. Celebrities may endorse these methods, but medical professionals advise seeking treatments that are safe, regulated, and evidence-based.
W72 Wellness, located on 72nd Street in the Upper West Side of NYC, offers a range of health and wellness services including acupuncture, herbal remedies, and massage therapy. Led by experienced practitioners such as Dr. Peter Caron, the clinic provides personalized treatments and custom herbal formulas to address physical, mental, and emotional ailments. With plans to expand its staff in 2024, W72 Wellness aims to bring health and vitality to the neighborhood.
Ear seeds, tiny metal beads placed on specific points on the outer ear, are gaining popularity as a DIY form of acupuncture for weight loss, pain relief, and other health benefits. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, ear seeds can stimulate meridians and restore balance in the body, leading to weight loss. Studies have shown that ear seeds can reduce food cravings, improve mood, alleviate chronic pain, and reduce stress. While they can be applied by an acupuncturist, kits are available for self-application at home. However, experts recommend using ear seeds alongside other lifestyle changes for optimal results.
Ear seeds, tiny metal beads placed on specific points on the outer ear, are gaining popularity as a DIY form of acupuncture for weight loss, pain relief, and other health benefits. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, ear seeds can influence various body systems and processes, including hormones and neurotransmitters, by stimulating specific meridians in the ear. Studies have shown that ear seeds can help reduce food cravings, leading to weight loss, and provide relief from migraines, depression, chronic pain, and stress. While ear seeds can be applied by an acupuncturist, they can also be self-applied at home using kits available online. However, experts recommend using ear seeds alongside other diet or lifestyle changes for optimal results.
Acupuncture is a traditional Eastern medicine practice that involves inserting tiny needles into the skin to balance the flow of energy in the body. It has been used for over 3,000 years and is appreciated as both a holistic treatment option and conventional medicine. Acupuncture has been extensively researched and has proven benefits for pain management, allergy relief, and reducing inflammation. It can also help with menopause symptoms, lower back pain, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, addiction, neuropathy, and tinnitus. Acupuncture works by stimulating acupoints to promote relaxation, improve pain or stress, and release natural chemicals. While the effects of acupuncture may not be immediate, they can last up to a year after treatment. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and there are some potential side effects to consider.
Research has shown that acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment for certain conditions, including chronic pain. Clinical trials have found it to be superior to sham acupuncture and no acupuncture for back or neck pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and shoulder pain. Acupuncture has been found to change brain activity and activate receptors that bind opioids, helping to control pain. While more research is needed to fully understand how acupuncture works, the evidence suggests that it is more than just a placebo effect. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a well-trained practitioner, and it is recommended by doctors based on compelling data.
Acupuncture on the outer ear using small metal beads attached with surgical tape has been shown to aid weight loss, reduce food cravings, and lower body mass index, according to a study presented at the 2023 European Congress on Obesity meeting in Dublin. The study followed 81 overweight or obese men for three months who had acupuncture beads placed on both ears and were asked to cut their food intake in half. After three months, the men lost an average of 4 inches off their waist and reduced their body fat percentage by 4%. The technique is based on the belief that health is regulated by the flow of energy throughout the body, and ear acupuncture may help to balance the endocrine system, reduce food cravings, and moderate the body’s rate of metabolism.