Top Men's Health Concerns and How Acupuncture Can Help

Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter June 2013
Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC 3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com
Top Men's Health Concerns and How Acupuncture                                                   Can Help Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been used to treat men's                               health concerns for thousands of years and are growing in popularity.                                                                 The reason for this growth in popularity is that many health issues that                                                               men face, such as high blood pressure, prostate problems and                                                              depression, respond extremely well to acupuncture treatments. Primary health issues that affect men include: Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease is the leading men’s health threat,                                                                                   with heart disease and stroke topping the list of the first and                                                                                  second leading causes of death worldwide. By integrating                                                                       acupuncture and Oriental medicine into a heart healthy                                                                                    lifestyle, you can dramatically reduce your risk of cardiovascular                                                                                   disease. Taking even small steps to improve your health can reduce                                                                                   your risk for cardiovascular disease by as much as 80 percent.                                                                              Steps to prevention include managing high blood pressure,                                                                             quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress                                                                           and getting better sleep. All of these issues can be helped with                                                                   acupuncture and Oriental medicine Acupuncture has been found to be particularly helpful in lowering                                                                        blood pressure. By applying acupuncture needles at specific sites                                                                       along the wrist, inside the forearm or in the leg, researchers have                                                                       been able to stimulate the release of natural opioids in the body,                                                                              which decreases the heart’s activity and reduces its need for                                                                                 excess oxygen. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure. Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in men. Tobacco smoke                                                                               causes 90 percent of all lung cancer, so you should make every                                                                           effort to quit smoking for improved health and longevity. If you are                                                                          ready to quit smoking, acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help. Shown to be an effective treatment for smoking and other addictions,                                                         acupuncture and Oriental medicine treatments for these issues focus                                                                  on jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness; symptoms that people                                                           commonly complain about when they try to quit. Treatments also aid in                                                          relaxation and detoxification. In one study on substance addiction, a team from Yale University                                                                successfully used auricular (ear) acupuncture to treat cocaine addiction.                                                      Results showed that 55 percent of participants tested free of cocaine                                                              during the last week of treatment, compared to 24 percent and 9                                                                            percent in the two control groups. Those who completed acupuncture                                                                  treatment also had longer periods of sustained abstinence compared to                                                     participants in the control groups. Depression and Mental Health Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, reports                                                                       the Men's Health Network, which attributes part of the problem to under-                                                               diagnosed depression in men. According to the National Institute of                                                                      Mental Health, more than 6 million men have depression each year in                                                               America alone. It is now believed that the male tendency to hide feelings                                                                   of depression and to not seek professional help has skewed previously                                                                reported numbers. Depression in men does not present solely as extreme                                                    sadness. Depression in men may present as anger, aggression, burnout,                                                       risk-taking behavior, mid-life crisis or alcohol and substance abuse. When people are suffering from depression, brain chemicals and stress                                                         hormones are out of balance. Sleep, appetite, and energy levels are all                                                          disturbed. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can alleviate symptoms                                                           associated with depression and mental health issues by helping to re-                                                             balance the body’s internal systems. The growing body of research supporting the positive effects of acupuncture                                                           on depression, anxiety, and insomnia is so strong that the military now                                                                      uses acupuncture to treat troops with post-traumatic stress disorder                                                                          (PTSD) and combat stress syndrome. Prostate Health The prostate is prone to enlargement and inflammation as men age,                                                                     affecting about half of men in their sixties and up to 90 percent of men                                                                      as they approach their seventies and eighties. If left untreated, benign                                                                    prostate gland enlargement, which presents with symptoms such as                                                                 frequent nighttime urination, painful or difficult urination, can lead to                                                                           more serious conditions such as prostate cancer, urinary tract infections,                                                          bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be used to treat prostate problems                                                            by relieving related urinary symptoms and preventing the more serious                                                                 conditions from occurring. The few studies completed on acupuncture and                                                    prostatitis show positive results, with participants noticing a marked                                                        improvement in their quality of life, a decrease in urinary difficulties,                                                                            and an increase in urinary function. Reproductive Health While reproductive health concerns may not be life threatening, they can                                                                   still signal significant health problems. Two-thirds of men older than                                                                   seventy and up to 39 percent of men around the age of forty report having                                                             problems with their reproductive health. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are well known for improving                                                                             male performance; in fact, there have been medical textbooks devoted                                                                   to the subject. Chinese Emperors took their performance quite seriously                                                           and would consult with a team of physicians if they experienced any                                                                       difficulties in the bedroom. Acupuncture can be used for a variety of reproductive health concerns                                                                 including low sperm count, diminished sperm motility, diminished                                                                             libido and male menopause (also known as male climacteric or andropause). In This Issue Top Men's Health Concerns and How Acupuncture Can Help Foods Men Should Eat Every Day Foods Men Should Eat Every Day Adding nutrient-rich super foods to the diet can give men a healthy  boost. Here are just a few foods that can help maintain muscle mass, prevent prostate cancer, and more. Avocados Avocados are a good source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C,  folate and copper. Rich in potassium, avocados contain more of this nutrient  than bananas. Potassium is needed to regulate nerves, heartbeat and,  especially, blood pressure. An added bonus for men: Avocados  inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Blackberries Blackberries are packed with Vitamin C, calcium and magnesium,  with more than double the amounts than their popular cousin, the  blueberry. Vitamin C is a powerful stress reducer that can lower  blood pressure and return cortisol levels to normal faster when taken  during periods of stress. Magnesium and calcium act together to help  regulate the nerves and muscle tone. Too little magnesium in your diet can cause nerve cells to become over  activated and can trigger muscular tension, soreness, spasms, cramps,  and fatigue. Blackberries also score high on the oxygen radical  absorbance capacity (ORAC) scale assesses the antioxidant content of  food: the higher the score, the better the food’s ability to neutralize cell- damaging free radicals that lead to cancer. Spinach Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. Spinach  can help protect against prostate cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease  and stroke, lower blood pressure and strengthen muscles. Walnuts When it comes to their health benefits, walnuts are the king of nuts. Richer  in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-oxidants than  red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken,  walnuts are one of the all time super foods. Yogurt Eating yogurt that contains live bacterial cultures every day improves  digestive health, boosts the immune system, provides protection against  cancer and may help you live longer. Not all yogurts are probiotic though,  so make sure the label says “live and active cultures.” Call (904) 448-0046now to see how acupuncture and Oriental                                        medicine can improve your health and well being!

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for Fibromyalgia

Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter May 2013

Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC 3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) affects an estimated two percent of  the population. It is diagnosed when there is a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months, and pain when pressure is applied to at least 11 of 18 designated tender points on the body. In addition  to musculoskeletal pain, patients with fibromyalgia can suffer fatigue, sleep disturbance, memory loss, mood swings, and digestive  problems. What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome? From the perspective of western medicine, fibromyalgia is a medically  unexplained syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, a  heightened and painful response to pressure, insomnia, fatigue, and  depression. While not all affected persons experience all associated symptoms, the following symptoms commonly occur together: • chronic pain • debilitating fatigue • difficulty sleeping • anxiety • depression • joint stiffness • chronic headaches • dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes • hypersensitivity • inability to concentrate (called "fibro fog") • incontinence • irritable bowel syndrome • numbness, tingling or poor circulation in the hands and feet • painful menstrual cramps • restless legs syndrome On its own fibromyalgia does not result in any physical damage  to the body or its tissues and there are no laboratory tests which  can confirm this diagnosis. Symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there appears to be no  triggering event. Women are more prone to develop the disorder than  are men, and the risk of fibromyalgia increases with age. Research shows that up to 90 percent of people with fibromyalgia  have turned to complementary or alternative medicine to manage their symptoms. Acupuncture, in particular, has become a popular treatment choice and has been shown to be an effective treatment for FMS. An Oriental Medicine Perspective Oriental medicine does not recognize fibromyalgia as one particular disease pattern. Instead, it aims to treat the symptoms unique to each  individual depending on their constitution, emotional state, the intensity and location of their pain, digestive health, sleeping patterns and an array of other signs and symptoms. Since symptoms of fibromyalgia vary greatly from one person to another,  a wide array of traditional and alternative treatments have been shown to  be the most effective way of treating this difficult syndrome. Therefore, if 10 people are treated with Oriental medicine for fibromyalgia, each of these  10 people will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs and different lifestyle and dietary recommendations. A treatment program may include a combination of psychological or  behavioral therapies, medications, exercise, acupuncture, herbal medicine and bodywork. Since pain is a hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia, an Oriental medicine  approach will incorporate treatment for pain, though this may differ from western "pain management" therapies. The Oriental medicine theory of  pain is expressed in this famous Chinese saying: "Bu tong ze tong,  tong ze bu tong" which means "free flow: no pain, no free flow: pain." Pain is seen as a disruption of the flow of Qi within the body. The disruption  of Qi that results in fibromyalgia is usually associated with disharmonies of the Liver, Spleen, Kidney and Heart systems. If you have fibromyalgia, acupuncture and Oriental medicine may be what  you’ve been looking for to ease your symptoms and reclaim your health  and vitality. Please call for a consultation today. Find Fibromyalgia Symptom Relief Although fibromyalgia is a disorder that can be disabling for many due to chronic widespread pain and fatigue there are some things you can do  to alleviate the symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Learn and Practice Stress Reduction Techniques Chronic stress can lead to fatigue, depression, a weakened immune system, and a host of serious physical and psychological ailments. When under stress your muscles contract and tense affecting nerves, blood vessels, organs, skin  and bones. Chronically tense muscles can result in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and disorders including muscle spasms and pain. While it isn't always possible to remove the external forces causing stress the ability to effectively deal with stress is a choice. Take time for yourself and cultivate the energy you need to handle your stress more effectively. Eat a Well Balanced Diet Managing your diet may seem time-consuming but the benefits it offers make  it worthwhile. Many fibromyalgia sufferers find relief through a properly managed diet. A list of basic nutrients to combat nerve sensitivities, improve cognition,  boost the immune system, and reduce swelling is included in this newsletter. Exercise While even basic movements may be painful, exercise helps restore strength and endurance. Tai Chi, Qi Gong or Yoga are great for easy stretches, careful strengthening, deep breathing, along with relaxation techniques. Gentle stretching will clear tension that builds when muscles tighten, and will  improve overall circulation. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Meditate The practice of meditation is a proven stress reducer that helps the body  create a sense of calm and a continuing sense of well being. While 15 minutes daily is recommended, even 5 or 10 minutes can have a powerful effect on your day. Restorative Sleep Get at least 8 hours of restorative sleep. Maintain a routine sleep schedule and make your bedroom a sanctuary from every day stress. Practicing good  sleep hygiene will give your body an opportunity to get stronger and heal.         Fight Fibromyalgia with Nutrient Dense Foods The National Fibromyalgia Association recommends a balanced diet containing nutrient dense foods free of artificial additives and sweeteners to help your body fight fibromyalgia syndrome. Some key nutrients to include are: B-Complex Found in whole grains, beans, nuts, chicken, fish and eggs; B complex vitamins directly influence the nervous system's proper functioning and combat nerve problems such as tingling and tenderness. Magnesium Found in nuts, grains, beans, fish, meat and dark green vegetables magnesium is needed for muscle flexibility and bone, protein and fatty acid formation. Magnesium is also integral in making new cells, relaxing muscles, clotting blood, aiding in calcium absorption and activating B vitamins. Omega 3 Directly affecting cellular function, this fatty acid found in fish minimizes nerve sensitivity and improves cognition. Vitamin C Helps combat stress, builds the immune system, and reduces swelling. Vitamin C is found in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables including citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes and berries. Water Increases circulation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and helps to eliminate waste. Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia Study A study from the Mayo Clinic found acupuncture helpful in treating the fatigue and anxiety commonly experienced by fibromyalgia patients. In the trial, patients who received acupuncture to counter their fibromyalgia symptoms reported improvement in fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms. Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal side effects. Those who received acupuncture treatments reported less fatigue and anxiety one month following treatment than did the group who did not. According to David Martin, M.D., Ph.D., lead author and a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist, the study "affirms a lot of clinical impressions that this complementary medical technique is helpful for patients." Dr. Martin performed the study with co-authors Ines Berger, M.D.; Christopher Sletten, Ph.D.; and Brent Williams. The study only examined patients who reported more severe symptoms, offering better experimental control. Still, Mayo Clinic doctors urge further studies to see how acupuncture can best be used in treating fibromyalgia patients.

Acupuncture & Infertility

Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter May 2013

Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC 3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com

Oriental Medicine for Fertility   According to the American Fertility Society, fertility issues                                                                                   affect at least one in six couples in the United States. Reproductive                                                                 health, like all health, is about balance. Acupuncture and Chinese                                                                  medicine have been used for thousands of years to successfully                                                                       address infertility by restoring optimal hormonal balance, increasing                                                    circulation through the reproductive organs, and creating an overall                                                              environment where new life may flourish. Using Chinese medicine,                                                                   we can assess the underlying imbalances and detect stress and/or                                                    weakness throughout the body. A good evaluation by a well-trained                                                            practitioner allows for a clear understanding of each individual case.                                                           Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors including: advanced age,                                                             genetic disposition, poor diet, overwork, insufficient rest & exercise,                                                                 illness, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and high                                                        mental/emotional stress. Maintaining and restoring balance is at the                                                                    heart of diagnosis and treatment in Chinese Medicine. Common                                                                   treatment prescriptions include acupuncture, herbs, diet, lifestyle changes,                                                          or a combination of all four to bring your system back to its proper functioning. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine may enhance fertility by:  Females - Regulating the menstrual cycle Regulating FSH & hormone levels to produce a larger -     number of follicles Increasing blood flow to the uterus and increase the-     thickness of the uterine lining Improving the function of the ovaries to produce better-     quality eggs Increasing libido Correcting blocked fallopian tubes Enhancing response to IVF – lessening side effects-     of IVF on the body Relaxing the mind & body Preventing miscarriage Males Improving sperm count and motility Increasing libido Correcting erectile dysfunction Increasing semen quantity Good candidates for acupuncture and herbal medicine are people who have a functional, rather than structural reason for infertility. Infertility due to hormonal problems, immune disorders, amenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, stress and age related factors all fall into the category of functional infertility. Stress can dramatically decrease fertility in both men and women. Acupuncture increase fertility by reducing stress. Targeted Fertility Treatment Treatment for infertility is usually over a course of 3-6 months.  While some patients get pregnant in as little as 6 weeks others may take much longer. Each person's condition is unique and each person responds differently to treatment. Acupuncture and in-vitro fertilization Women undergoing IVF were 65 percent more likely to                                                                               become pregnant when they combined the procedure with acupuncture,                                                          a recent study has shown. The remarkable success rate occurred across                                                seven acupuncture trials involving 1,366 women in a systematic review and                                                meta-analysis published in a February, 2008 issue of the British Medical Journal. Acupuncture was delivered either just before or just after embryo transfer                                                            – the moment when the embryo fertilized in the laboratory must attach itself to                                                      the wall of the womb to establish a pregnancy. The research was carried out by scientists from the University of Maryland in                                          America and the VU University Amsterdam in Holland. Researchers claim                                                           that because acupuncture costs only about $75 per session compared to                                                    $6000 to $10,000 per cycle for IVF, it would be a cost effective, safe and efficient                                                   way of boosting success rates in fertility treatment. It is thought that acupuncture                               stimulates the neurotransmitters that trigger the production of gonadotrophin-                                          releasing hormone, which controls the menstrual cycle and a woman's ovulation. Combining IVF treatment with acupuncture has shown to dramatically increase                                                   the chances for conception by as much as 60%. It is highly recommended that                                             treatment begin prior to retrieval and continue through the implantation procedure. On the day the embryos are implanted, receiving a special acupuncture                                                     procedure before and after implantation will further increase the chances                                                              of a successful implantation. Special arrangements will be made around                                                              this appointment as these are the most important acupuncture treatments                                                         of the series. Call us at (904) 448-0046 to arrange a free consultation to see how  acupuncture and Oriental medicine can assist you with your fertility goals! Lifestyle Tips during Fertility Diet Suggestions In general for men and women, eat organic foods when possible and avoid meats that have been treated with hormones or fish that contains mercury. Women need to eat food with essential fatty acids, e.g., soy products and wild caught salmon. Essential fatty acids are also found in non-hydrogenated cold pressed oils like flaxseed, winter vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, and all dark green vegetables.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine. A Yale University School of Medicine study found that the risk of infertility was 55% higher for women drinking 1 cup of coffee per day, 100% higher for women drinking 1 and 1 ½ - 3 cups, and 176% higher for those drinking more than 3 cups of coffee per day. Chinese medicine takes an energetic view of our bodies and our organs, meaning that bodily energy needs to move freely and stagnation causes problems. The energy of the kidney system is very important for reproduction. For men and women, foods that nourish their kidney essence include: chicken or duck and eggs from both; seeds and nuts; oysters; seaweed and algae. For women, certain foods help nourish your bodies during the different phases of your cycle. Foods that nourish Yin include: fruits such as raspberries, pineapples and grapes; vegetables such as asparagus and beans; adequate proteins, especially tofu and fish; and organ meats such as kidneys, brains and hearts. Avoid spicy, pungent foods. Foods that nourish Yang include warming foods: ginger; ginger tea; beans; grains; and vegetables such as mustard greens, winter squash, cabbage and kale. Avoid ice cold drinks, ice cream and foods that are very cold. In general, it is a good idea to avoid ice water and ice cream during pregnancy attempts. Foods that nourish blood include: fruits such as blackberries, raspberries and grapes; organic meats and poultry; soup stock made from the bones of the meat and poultry; and vegetables such as turnips, spinach and dark, leafy greens. Lifestyle Tips For both men and women, try to get good amounts of sleep and limit stress. Of course, difficulties with fertility send stress skyrocketing but that makes it even more important to find ways to relieve stress. Meditation, yoga, relaxing with friends and any other calming activities that work for you are encouraged. For men, skip saunas, hot tubs and tight clothes, all of which heat up sperm. For women, enjoy the foods noted above, exercise as a stress reliever and to maintain health but don’t overdo it. Excessive exercise depletes Yin.  Call us at (904) 448-0046 to arrange a free consultation to see how  acupuncture and Oriental medicine can assist you with your fertility goals!

Acupuncture for Acid Reflux Disease

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver (2005) indicates that stimulation of certain acupuncture points inhibits esophageal sphincter relaxations by as much as 40 percent.

Although the cause of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is still unknown, there are treatments available on the market to help with the symptoms. However, many of the existing treatments come with side effects and their effectiveness can be limited.

The American Physiological Society opened eyes by pointing to the effectiveness of electrical acupuncture point stimulation in reducing the key mechanism of GERD, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs). This important muscle allows food to pass into the stomach when working normally. In people who have GERD, the muscle relaxes at the wrong times, allowing stomach acid to churn up into the esophagus and cause heartburn symptoms.

By applying only mild stimulation to an acupuncture point on the wrist known as Neiguan (Pericardium 6), researchers were able to reduce the frequency of TLESRs from six to 3.5 an hour in research subjects. Sham stimulation of a hip point produced no comparable change.

Article from March 2013, Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Acupuncture

A common disorder affecting 10 to 20 percent of adults at some point in their lives, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was once called “spastic colon” and has a combination of symptoms that may include constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, fatigue and headaches that can be worsened by certain foods, stress and other irritants. IBS results from nervous interference with the normal function of the lower digestive tract. The symptoms are variable and change over time.

While other patterns may be present, IBS is typically considered a disharmony between the liver and the spleen meridians in Oriental medicine. The liver meridian is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. This flow can be upset by emotions or stress, causing stagnation of Qi or blood. Oriental medicine views the spleen meridian as being associated with the function of digestion and transforming food into energy (Qi and blood). This can be weakened by a number of factors including overeating unhealthy foods, overwork, stress, fatigue, and lack of exercise. When the spleen meridian is weak and the liver meridian is not moving smoothly, the liver overacts on the spleen and can manifest as symptoms of IBS. Symptoms can be managed by avoiding overeating, exercise, identifying trigger foods and reducing stress.

Do you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Call today to see how Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can improve your quality of life!

Article from March 2013, Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter.

Strengthen Your Digestive Health with Acupuncture

More than 95 million Americans suffer from digestive disorders ranging from constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome to more serious conditions such as acid reflux (GERD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In fact, more than 35 million physician office visits a year are due to gastrointestinal complaints. Reports confirm that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can offer relief from even the most complex digestive problems.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Disorders

Evidence that Oriental medicine has been used for digestive disorders can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3 AD, where specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas for borborygmus (rumbling or gurgling in the intestines), abdominal pain and diarrhea with pain are discussed.

According to Oriental medical theory, most digestive disorders are due to disharmony in the spleen and stomach. The spleen plays a central part in the health and vitality of the body, taking a lead role in the assimilation of nutrients and maintenance of physical strength. It turns digested food from the stomach into usable nutrients and Qi (energy). Many schools of thought have been formed around this organ; the premise being that the proper functioning of the"'middle" is the key to all aspects of vitality.

By taking into account a person's constitution and varied symptoms, a treatment plan is designed specifically for the individual to bring their "middle" back into harmony and optimize the proper functioning of the digestive system. A variety of techniques can be used during treatment including acupuncture, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore digestive health.

Is your digestive system functioning as well as it could? Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are extremely effective at treating a wide array of digestive disorders. Call today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Article from March 2013, Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter.

Strengthen Your Digestive Health with Acupuncture

Qi Mail™ The Acupuncture Newsletter March 2013

Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC 3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305 Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com

Strengthen Your Digestive Health with Acupuncture More than 95 million Americans suffer from digestive disorders ranging from constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome to more serious conditions such as acid reflux (GERD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In fact, more than 35 million physician office visits a year are due to gastrointestinal complaints. Reports confirm that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can offer relief from even the most complex digestive problems. Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Disorders Evidence that Oriental medicine has been used for digestive disorders can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3 AD, where specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas for borborygmus (rumbling or gurgling in the intestines), abdominal pain and diarrhea with pain are discussed. According to Oriental medical theory, most digestive disorders are due to disharmony in the spleen and stomach. The spleen plays a central part in the health and vitality of the body, taking a lead role in the assimilation of nutrients and maintenance of physical strength. It turns digested food from the stomach into usable nutrients and Qi (energy). Many schools of thought have been formed around this organ; the premise being that the proper functioning of the"'middle" is the key to all aspects of vitality. By taking into account a person's constitution and varied symptoms, a treatment plan is designed specifically for the individual to bring their "middle" back into harmony and optimize the proper functioning of the digestive system. A variety of techniques can be used during treatment including acupuncture, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore digestive health. Is your digestive system functioning as well as it could? Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are extremely effective at treating a wide array of digestive disorders. Call (904) 448-0046 today for more information or to schedule an appointment. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Acupuncture A common disorder affecting 10 to 20 percent of adults at some point in their lives, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was once called “spastic colon” and has a combination of symptoms that may include constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, fatigue and headaches that can be worsened by certain foods, stress and other irritants. IBS results from nervous interference with the normal function of the lower digestive tract. The symptoms are variable and change over time. While other patterns may be present, IBS is typically considered a disharmony between the liver and the spleen meridians in Oriental medicine. The liver meridian is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. This flow can be upset by emotions or stress, causing stagnation of Qi or blood. Oriental medicine views the spleen meridian as being associated with the function of digestion and transforming food into energy (Qi and blood). This can be weakened by a number of factors including overeating unhealthy foods, overwork, stress, fatigue, and lack of exercise. When the spleen meridian is weak and the liver meridian is not moving smoothly, the liver overacts on the spleen and can manifest as symptoms of IBS. Symptoms can be managed by avoiding overeating, exercise, identifying trigger foods and reducing stress. Do you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Call (904) 448-0046today to see how Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can improve your quality of life! Acupuncture for Acid Reflux Disease A study published in the American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver (2005) indicates that stimulation of certain acupuncture points inhibits esophageal sphincter relaxations by as much as 40 percent. Although the cause of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is still unknown, there are treatments available on the market to help with the symptoms. However, many of the existing treatments come with side effects and their effectiveness can be limited. The American Physiological Society opened eyes by pointing to the effectiveness of electrical acupuncture point stimulation in reducing the key mechanism of GERD, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs). This important muscle allows food to pass into the stomach when working normally. In people who have GERD, the muscle relaxes at the wrong times, allowing stomach acid to churn up into the esophagus and cause heartburn symptoms. By applying only mild stimulation to an acupuncture point on the wrist known as Neiguan (Pericardium 6), researchers were able to reduce the frequency of TLESRs from six to 3.5 an hour in research subjects. Sham stimulation of a hip point produced no comparable change. Acupuncture Treats Food Poisoning Food poisoning arises from eating contaminated foods containing a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites and is also known as food-borne illness, infectious diarrhea, or gastroenteritis. The most common bacteria to cause food poisoning are salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and shigella. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can relieve symptoms, hasten recovery and strengthen the digestive system to prevent future incidents of food poisoning, avert development of chronic immune deficiencies and increase energy levels. Food poisoning is marked by severe diarrhea, fever, cramping, abdominal pain, flu-like symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea. Most cases of food poisoning clear up on their own within a week without any medical assistance; however, it can take several months before bowel habits return to normal. Often the digestive system is severely weakened after a bout of food poisoning, making the infected person more susceptible to food poisoning in the future. A small number of persons with food poisoning develop an autoimmune disease called Reiter's syndrome. It can last for months or years and can lead to chronic arthritis. Treatment of food poisoning is rest and hydration to prevent fluid and electrolyte loss due to vomiting and diarrhea. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be used to relieve nausea and vomiting, hasten recovery by assisting the body to eliminate the pathogen faster, and strengthen the digestive system to prevent any re-occurrences or development of a chronic immune disorder. After acute symptoms subside, acupuncture treatments focus on strengthening the digestive system and improving energy levels to bring about a full recovery Reduce Your Risk of Getting Food Poisoning Four simple steps to reducing the risk of food poisoning are to clean, separate, cook and chill. Clean: Wash hands, surfaces, utensils and platters often. Rinse all produce in cold running water before peeling, cutting or eating. Separate: Keep foods that won't be cooked separate from raw meat and poultry. Don't use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meats and poultry. Cook: Cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. Chill: Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in shallow containers. If you are ill with diarrhea or vomiting, do not prepare food for others, especially infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems since they are more vulnerable to infection. Ginger for Intestinal Upset Ginger has been found to increase the secretion of gastric juice. In fact, ginger can be used for most digestive upsets that involve nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, indigestion or diarrhea. This means that food is digested more quickly, creating an unfriendly environment for bacteria that could wreak havoc with your stomach and intestines. In a study published in the October 2007 issue of the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers in Taiwan looked at the role of a ginger extract in blocking the toxin that causes 210 million cases of diarrhea worldwide. The toxin is produced by enterotoxigenic E. coli, which accounts for 380,000 worldwide deaths annually. The study found that zingerone, a compound in ginger, was the likely compound responsible for blocking the toxin. Whether your digestive problem is due to eating contaminated food, stomach flu, pregnancy or motion sickness, ginger is one of the most effective agents around!