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| Sacred Mountain Acupuncture Clinic |
Articles of Interest
(please scoll down to the article you wish to view)
Acupuncture Helps Chronic Headaches According to Largest Study
The ABCs of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Back Pain
Treating Hives with Acupuncture
(please scoll down to the article you wish to view)
Acupuncture Helps Chronic Headaches According to Largest Study
The ABCs of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Back Pain
Treating Hives with Acupuncture
Acupuncture Helps Chronic Headaches According to Largest Study
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM
A German study published in the September, 2008 issue of Cephalalgia shows that people who suffer
from chronic migraines may benefit from acupuncture to reduce the severity and frequency of their
headaches.
The study is one of the largest to date on using acupuncture to ease headaches. Researchers from
Charité University Medical Centre in Berlin followed more than 15,000 adults who had been suffering
from either migraine or tension-type headaches at least twice a month for a year or more.
Of these patients, 1613 were assigned to receive acupuncture in 15 sessions over 3 months in
addition to usual care, while 1569 continued with usual care alone.
After 6 months, acupuncture patients reported significantly greater reductions in headache pain than
those who continued with usual care.
Headache frequency fell significantly in patients assigned to acupuncture, from 8.4 headache days
over 3 months at the start of the study to 4.7 headache days over 3 months at the end.
In contrast, headache frequency remained almost constant, at nearly 8 headache days every 3
months, in patients assigned to usual care alone.
"Our study has shown that treating patients with headache in routine primary care in Germany with
additional acupuncture resulted in a clinically relevant and persistent benefit." Lead researcher, Dr.
Stefan Willich concluded. "Therefore, acupuncture should be considered a viable option for patients
with headache."
Source: Cephalalgia, Volume 28 Issue 9, Pages 911 - 913
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM
A German study published in the September, 2008 issue of Cephalalgia shows that people who suffer
from chronic migraines may benefit from acupuncture to reduce the severity and frequency of their
headaches.
The study is one of the largest to date on using acupuncture to ease headaches. Researchers from
Charité University Medical Centre in Berlin followed more than 15,000 adults who had been suffering
from either migraine or tension-type headaches at least twice a month for a year or more.
Of these patients, 1613 were assigned to receive acupuncture in 15 sessions over 3 months in
addition to usual care, while 1569 continued with usual care alone.
After 6 months, acupuncture patients reported significantly greater reductions in headache pain than
those who continued with usual care.
Headache frequency fell significantly in patients assigned to acupuncture, from 8.4 headache days
over 3 months at the start of the study to 4.7 headache days over 3 months at the end.
In contrast, headache frequency remained almost constant, at nearly 8 headache days every 3
months, in patients assigned to usual care alone.
"Our study has shown that treating patients with headache in routine primary care in Germany with
additional acupuncture resulted in a clinically relevant and persistent benefit." Lead researcher, Dr.
Stefan Willich concluded. "Therefore, acupuncture should be considered a viable option for patients
with headache."
Source: Cephalalgia, Volume 28 Issue 9, Pages 911 - 913
The ABCs of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, with
recorded instances dating as far back as two thousand years before the birth of Christ. This is in sharp
contrast to the American or Western forms of health care, which have been in existence for a much
shorter time span (the American Medical Association, the largest health care member association in the
United States, was formed in 1847, some 3,800 years after the first mention of traditional Chinese
medicine).
Chinese medicine is quite complex and can be difficult for some people to comprehend. This is because
TCM is based, at least in part, on the Daoist belief that we live in a universe in which everything is
interconnected. What happens to one part of the body affects every other part of the body. The mind
and body are not viewed separately, but as part of an energetic system. Similarly, organs and organ
systems are viewed as interconnected structures that work together to keep the body functioning.
Many of the concepts emphasized in traditional Chinese medicine have no true counterpart in Western
medicine. One of these concepts is qi (pronounced "chi"), which is considered a vital force or energy
responsible for controlling the workings of the human mind and body. Qi flows through the body via
channels, or pathways, which are called meridians. There are a total of 20 meridians: 12 primary
meridians, which correspond to specific organs, organ systems or functions, and eight secondary
meridians. Imbalances in the flow of qi cause illness; correction of this flow restores the body to balance.
Other concepts (such as the Yin/Yang and Five Element Theories) are equally important in order to
have a true grasp of traditional Chinese medicine, and will be discussed at length elsewhere on this site.
Many people often equate the practice of acupuncture with the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
This is not entirely true. While acupuncture is the most often practiced component of traditional Chinese
medicine, it is simply that – a component, an important piece of a much larger puzzle. Traditional
Chinese medicine encompasses several methods designed to help patients achieve and maintain
health. Along with acupuncture, TCM incorporates adjunctive techniques such as acupressure and
moxibustion; manipulative and massage techniques such as tuina and gua sha; herbal medicine; diet
and lifestyle changes; meditation; and exercise (often in the form of qigong or tai chi).
Traditional Chinese medicine should not also be confused with "Oriental medicine." Whereas traditional
Chinese medicine is considered a standardized version of the type of Chinese medicine practice before
the Chinese Revolution, Oriental medicine is a catch-all phrase for the styles of acupuncture, herbal
medicine, massage and exercise that have been developed and practice not only in Asia, but world-wide.
Although the principles of traditional Chinese medicine may be difficult for some to comprehend, there is
little doubt of TCM's effectiveness. Several studies have reported on traditional Chinese medicine's
success in treating a wide range of conditions, from nausea and vomiting to skin disorders, tennis elbow
and back pain. Many Western-trained physicians have begun to see the benefits traditional Chinese
medicine has to offer patients and now include acupuncture — at least on a limited basis -- as part of
their practice. More Americans are also using acupuncture, herbal remedies and other components of
traditional Chinese medicine than ever before. The reasons for this vary, but the increasing interest in,
and use of, TCM is due in large part to its effectiveness, affordability and lack of adverse side-effects
compared to Western medicine.
Listed below are some of the most well-known concepts in traditional Chinese medicine, along with
information on TCM and acupuncture schools, titles and organizations. Clicking on a term will direct you
to a new page with information on that particular subject.
More terms will be added in the coming months to present a complete view of all that traditional Chinese
medicine has to offer. If there is a term or concept that you think should be included here, please
contact us at editorial@acupuncturetoday.com .
Common Traditional Chinese Medicine Terms and Theories
Acupressure Qigong
Acupuncture Reiki
Asian Bodywork Therapy Shiatsu
Cupping Tai Chi
Electroacupuncture Tuina
Five Element Theory Yin and Yang Theory
Moxibustion Acupuncture Organizations
NADA Protocol Acupuncture Regulatory Agencies
Pulse Diagnosis Acupuncture/TCM Schools
Qi, Jing and Shen Acupuncture Titles and Abbreviations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition Center
Since its introduction to the West, acupuncture has been used to treat or cure a wide range of ailments.
In the late 1970s, the World Health Organization recognized the ability of acupuncture and Oriental
medicine to treat nearly four dozen common ailments, including neuromusculoskeletal conditions (such
as arthritis, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, and neck/shoulder pain); emotional and psychological
disorders (such as depression and anxiety); circulatory disorders (such as hypertension, angina
pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia); addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs; respiratory
disorders (such as emphysema, sinusitis, allergies and bronchitis); and gastrointestinal conditions (such
as food allergies, ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, intestinal weakness, anorexia and
gastritis).
In 1997, a consensus statement released by the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture
could be useful by itself or in combination with other therapies to treat addiction, headaches, menstrual
cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel
syndrome and asthma. Other studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may help in the rehabilitation
of stroke patients and can relieve nausea in patients recovering from surgery.
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, with
recorded instances dating as far back as two thousand years before the birth of Christ. This is in sharp
contrast to the American or Western forms of health care, which have been in existence for a much
shorter time span (the American Medical Association, the largest health care member association in the
United States, was formed in 1847, some 3,800 years after the first mention of traditional Chinese
medicine).
Chinese medicine is quite complex and can be difficult for some people to comprehend. This is because
TCM is based, at least in part, on the Daoist belief that we live in a universe in which everything is
interconnected. What happens to one part of the body affects every other part of the body. The mind
and body are not viewed separately, but as part of an energetic system. Similarly, organs and organ
systems are viewed as interconnected structures that work together to keep the body functioning.
Many of the concepts emphasized in traditional Chinese medicine have no true counterpart in Western
medicine. One of these concepts is qi (pronounced "chi"), which is considered a vital force or energy
responsible for controlling the workings of the human mind and body. Qi flows through the body via
channels, or pathways, which are called meridians. There are a total of 20 meridians: 12 primary
meridians, which correspond to specific organs, organ systems or functions, and eight secondary
meridians. Imbalances in the flow of qi cause illness; correction of this flow restores the body to balance.
Other concepts (such as the Yin/Yang and Five Element Theories) are equally important in order to
have a true grasp of traditional Chinese medicine, and will be discussed at length elsewhere on this site.
Many people often equate the practice of acupuncture with the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
This is not entirely true. While acupuncture is the most often practiced component of traditional Chinese
medicine, it is simply that – a component, an important piece of a much larger puzzle. Traditional
Chinese medicine encompasses several methods designed to help patients achieve and maintain
health. Along with acupuncture, TCM incorporates adjunctive techniques such as acupressure and
moxibustion; manipulative and massage techniques such as tuina and gua sha; herbal medicine; diet
and lifestyle changes; meditation; and exercise (often in the form of qigong or tai chi).
Traditional Chinese medicine should not also be confused with "Oriental medicine." Whereas traditional
Chinese medicine is considered a standardized version of the type of Chinese medicine practice before
the Chinese Revolution, Oriental medicine is a catch-all phrase for the styles of acupuncture, herbal
medicine, massage and exercise that have been developed and practice not only in Asia, but world-wide.
Although the principles of traditional Chinese medicine may be difficult for some to comprehend, there is
little doubt of TCM's effectiveness. Several studies have reported on traditional Chinese medicine's
success in treating a wide range of conditions, from nausea and vomiting to skin disorders, tennis elbow
and back pain. Many Western-trained physicians have begun to see the benefits traditional Chinese
medicine has to offer patients and now include acupuncture — at least on a limited basis -- as part of
their practice. More Americans are also using acupuncture, herbal remedies and other components of
traditional Chinese medicine than ever before. The reasons for this vary, but the increasing interest in,
and use of, TCM is due in large part to its effectiveness, affordability and lack of adverse side-effects
compared to Western medicine.
Listed below are some of the most well-known concepts in traditional Chinese medicine, along with
information on TCM and acupuncture schools, titles and organizations. Clicking on a term will direct you
to a new page with information on that particular subject.
More terms will be added in the coming months to present a complete view of all that traditional Chinese
medicine has to offer. If there is a term or concept that you think should be included here, please
contact us at editorial@acupuncturetoday.com .
Common Traditional Chinese Medicine Terms and Theories
Acupressure Qigong
Acupuncture Reiki
Asian Bodywork Therapy Shiatsu
Cupping Tai Chi
Electroacupuncture Tuina
Five Element Theory Yin and Yang Theory
Moxibustion Acupuncture Organizations
NADA Protocol Acupuncture Regulatory Agencies
Pulse Diagnosis Acupuncture/TCM Schools
Qi, Jing and Shen Acupuncture Titles and Abbreviations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition Center
Since its introduction to the West, acupuncture has been used to treat or cure a wide range of ailments.
In the late 1970s, the World Health Organization recognized the ability of acupuncture and Oriental
medicine to treat nearly four dozen common ailments, including neuromusculoskeletal conditions (such
as arthritis, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, and neck/shoulder pain); emotional and psychological
disorders (such as depression and anxiety); circulatory disorders (such as hypertension, angina
pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia); addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs; respiratory
disorders (such as emphysema, sinusitis, allergies and bronchitis); and gastrointestinal conditions (such
as food allergies, ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, intestinal weakness, anorexia and
gastritis).
In 1997, a consensus statement released by the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture
could be useful by itself or in combination with other therapies to treat addiction, headaches, menstrual
cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel
syndrome and asthma. Other studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may help in the rehabilitation
of stroke patients and can relieve nausea in patients recovering from surgery.
Acupuncture and Back Pain
What is back pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is one of the most
frequent causes of missed workdays and one of the most expensive conditions in the United States;
according to a recent government report, in 1999, nearly one million people in the U.S. took time away
from work to treat and recover from some sort of back pain.
Back problems can be caused by an inordinately wide range of problems. It can exist alone, or it can be
caused by a condition that occurs elsewhere in the body, with the pain being transmitted (referred) to
areas of the back by the nervous system. The majority of backache sufferers complain of pain in the
lower back; the second most common site of discomfort is the base of the neck.
Who suffers from back pain?
Half of all adults will experience some form of low back pain during their lifetime. The fact that humans
walk upright puts great pressure on the spine and the muscles that support it. Over time, factors such as
disease, accidents, poor posture and overexertion can lead to immediate and/or long-term back
problems.
Most back pain is muscular in nature. Muscle pain perpetuates what is known as the pain cycle, a
phenomenon of which the back is particularly susceptible. In the pain cycle, pain causes a muscle to
spasm, which may distort the discs, joints and nerves of the spine. This spasm leads to further pain,
leading to further spasm, which compounds the original problem. If the nerves are irritated enough, it
may cause pain to radiate down into the leg, similar to pain experienced via a herniated disc.
In most cases, people who experience an episode of acute back pain will recover in 3-12 weeks. For
those who don't recover, however, chronic back pain can be a significant source of inconvenience and
suffering.
What can acupuncture do?
Acupuncture can play an important role in the reduction or elimination of back pain by reducing recovery
time and preventing a chronic condition from developing.
Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the
production of natural endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by
the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.
By reducing acute back pain, acupuncture may also reduce the chances of chronic back pain from
occurring. It can help avoid the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back
pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other
medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient's condition.
Many styles of acupuncture may help ease back pain. Some practitioners may advocate very few
needles at particular acupoints on the hand; other practitioners may employ electroacupuncture at
several points on the body simultaneously. In general, the longer the pain has been present, the longer
it will take for acupuncture to produce a response.
As with any other form of care, however, remember that not all patients will respond to acupuncture.
Make sure to discuss the situation thoroughly with your acupuncturist before undergoing treatment for
back pain (or any other condition).
References
Coan RM, et al. The acupuncture treatment of neck pain: a randomized controlled study. Amer J Chin
Med 1980;8:181-189.
Ernst E, White AR. Acupuncture for back pain: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Arch
Intern Med 1998;158:2235-2241.
Lee A. Back pain and the role of acupuncture in management. Available online at
www.barefootdoctors.com/backpain.html.
Patel M, Gutzwiller F, Paccaud F, Marazzi A. A meta-analysis of acupuncture for chronic pain. Inter J
Epidem 1989;18:900-906.
Thomas M, Lundberg T. Importance of modes of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic nociceptive low
back pain. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1994;38:63-69.
Yi-Kai L, et al. Silver needle therapy for intractable low-back pain at tender point after removal of
nucleus pulposus. JMPT June 2000;23(5):320-3.
What is back pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is one of the most
frequent causes of missed workdays and one of the most expensive conditions in the United States;
according to a recent government report, in 1999, nearly one million people in the U.S. took time away
from work to treat and recover from some sort of back pain.
Back problems can be caused by an inordinately wide range of problems. It can exist alone, or it can be
caused by a condition that occurs elsewhere in the body, with the pain being transmitted (referred) to
areas of the back by the nervous system. The majority of backache sufferers complain of pain in the
lower back; the second most common site of discomfort is the base of the neck.
Who suffers from back pain?
Half of all adults will experience some form of low back pain during their lifetime. The fact that humans
walk upright puts great pressure on the spine and the muscles that support it. Over time, factors such as
disease, accidents, poor posture and overexertion can lead to immediate and/or long-term back
problems.
Most back pain is muscular in nature. Muscle pain perpetuates what is known as the pain cycle, a
phenomenon of which the back is particularly susceptible. In the pain cycle, pain causes a muscle to
spasm, which may distort the discs, joints and nerves of the spine. This spasm leads to further pain,
leading to further spasm, which compounds the original problem. If the nerves are irritated enough, it
may cause pain to radiate down into the leg, similar to pain experienced via a herniated disc.
In most cases, people who experience an episode of acute back pain will recover in 3-12 weeks. For
those who don't recover, however, chronic back pain can be a significant source of inconvenience and
suffering.
What can acupuncture do?
Acupuncture can play an important role in the reduction or elimination of back pain by reducing recovery
time and preventing a chronic condition from developing.
Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the
production of natural endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by
the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.
By reducing acute back pain, acupuncture may also reduce the chances of chronic back pain from
occurring. It can help avoid the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back
pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other
medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient's condition.
Many styles of acupuncture may help ease back pain. Some practitioners may advocate very few
needles at particular acupoints on the hand; other practitioners may employ electroacupuncture at
several points on the body simultaneously. In general, the longer the pain has been present, the longer
it will take for acupuncture to produce a response.
As with any other form of care, however, remember that not all patients will respond to acupuncture.
Make sure to discuss the situation thoroughly with your acupuncturist before undergoing treatment for
back pain (or any other condition).
References
Coan RM, et al. The acupuncture treatment of neck pain: a randomized controlled study. Amer J Chin
Med 1980;8:181-189.
Ernst E, White AR. Acupuncture for back pain: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Arch
Intern Med 1998;158:2235-2241.
Lee A. Back pain and the role of acupuncture in management. Available online at
www.barefootdoctors.com/backpain.html.
Patel M, Gutzwiller F, Paccaud F, Marazzi A. A meta-analysis of acupuncture for chronic pain. Inter J
Epidem 1989;18:900-906.
Thomas M, Lundberg T. Importance of modes of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic nociceptive low
back pain. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1994;38:63-69.
Yi-Kai L, et al. Silver needle therapy for intractable low-back pain at tender point after removal of
nucleus pulposus. JMPT June 2000;23(5):320-3.
Treating Hives with Acupuncture
About 20 percent of people will experience urticaria or hives at some point in their lives.
While standard treatment for hives is directed toward relieving the unpleasant symptoms
with antihistamines or a corticosteroid drug, many people are turning to acupuncture and
Oriental medicine to address underlying imbalances that cause this condition and to stop
recurrent outbreaks once and for all.
What is Urticaria?
Hives (medically known as urticaria) are swollen, red, bumps, patches or welts on the skin
that appear suddenly. Itching is the most common symptom associated with hives, although
some people report that hives cause a stinging or burning sensation. Hives can occur
anywhere on the body including the hands, face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears.
Hives are a sign that the whole body is experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction and an
outbreak can occur due to a wide array of stimuli. While intolerance to certain foods,
additives, intense emotions, sunlight exposure, and medications can all cause hives, in the
majority of outbreaks (70-75%), the exact cause of hives remains unknown.
Hives can last for just a few minutes, a few hours, or they can persist for several weeks.
Hives are rarely a medical emergency, but in some cases they can be accompanied by shock
and difficulty breathing and can be life threatening. Treatment of hives is directed toward
relieving the unpleasant symptoms, primarily itching. Over-the-counter or prescription
antihistamines are most often used. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral
corticosteroids may be prescribed. In addition to medications, applying cool compresses to
the affected area and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing can help ease the discomfort of
hives.
Urticaria and Oriental Medicine
Evidence that Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine have been used for skin disorders, such as
hives, can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3AD. Medicinal plants and stone
needles were utilized to relieve and cure discomforts of the external areas of the body.
In Oriental medicine, an outbreak of hives is described as wind invading the skin and the
meridians, causing itching and swelling. When the eruptions are red it is an indication that
wind and heat are involved. When the eruptions are a pale pink or white, it is likely that the
diagnoses will be wind-cold invading the skin...Read Article
If you suffer from a skin condition, please call an acupuncturist near you to find out more
about how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you.
reating Other Skin Conditions
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be very effective at treating skin conditions.
Treatments can provide quick relief for acute symptoms and can provide significant and
lasting relief from recurrent or chronic skin conditions.
The skin reflects imbalances within the body's internal landscape and the effects of the
environment. Internal disharmonies caused by strong emotions, diet, and your constitution
as well as environmental influences, such as wind, dryness, dampness, and heat can all
contribute to the development of a skin disorder.
Oriental Medicine does not recognize skin problems as one particular syndrome. Instead, it
aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of
techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary
recommendations and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body.
Therefore, if 10 patients are treated with Oriental medicine for eczema, each of these 10
patients will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points,
different herbs and different lifestyle and dietary recommendations.
Here are a few general skin conditions that can be treated with acupuncture and Oriental
medicine:
• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Pruritus
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Shingles
• Urticaria (Hives)
Source: Acufinder.Com; Acupuncture in the News, Sep 2008
About 20 percent of people will experience urticaria or hives at some point in their lives.
While standard treatment for hives is directed toward relieving the unpleasant symptoms
with antihistamines or a corticosteroid drug, many people are turning to acupuncture and
Oriental medicine to address underlying imbalances that cause this condition and to stop
recurrent outbreaks once and for all.
What is Urticaria?
Hives (medically known as urticaria) are swollen, red, bumps, patches or welts on the skin
that appear suddenly. Itching is the most common symptom associated with hives, although
some people report that hives cause a stinging or burning sensation. Hives can occur
anywhere on the body including the hands, face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears.
Hives are a sign that the whole body is experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction and an
outbreak can occur due to a wide array of stimuli. While intolerance to certain foods,
additives, intense emotions, sunlight exposure, and medications can all cause hives, in the
majority of outbreaks (70-75%), the exact cause of hives remains unknown.
Hives can last for just a few minutes, a few hours, or they can persist for several weeks.
Hives are rarely a medical emergency, but in some cases they can be accompanied by shock
and difficulty breathing and can be life threatening. Treatment of hives is directed toward
relieving the unpleasant symptoms, primarily itching. Over-the-counter or prescription
antihistamines are most often used. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral
corticosteroids may be prescribed. In addition to medications, applying cool compresses to
the affected area and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing can help ease the discomfort of
hives.
Urticaria and Oriental Medicine
Evidence that Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine have been used for skin disorders, such as
hives, can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3AD. Medicinal plants and stone
needles were utilized to relieve and cure discomforts of the external areas of the body.
In Oriental medicine, an outbreak of hives is described as wind invading the skin and the
meridians, causing itching and swelling. When the eruptions are red it is an indication that
wind and heat are involved. When the eruptions are a pale pink or white, it is likely that the
diagnoses will be wind-cold invading the skin...Read Article
If you suffer from a skin condition, please call an acupuncturist near you to find out more
about how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you.
reating Other Skin Conditions
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be very effective at treating skin conditions.
Treatments can provide quick relief for acute symptoms and can provide significant and
lasting relief from recurrent or chronic skin conditions.
The skin reflects imbalances within the body's internal landscape and the effects of the
environment. Internal disharmonies caused by strong emotions, diet, and your constitution
as well as environmental influences, such as wind, dryness, dampness, and heat can all
contribute to the development of a skin disorder.
Oriental Medicine does not recognize skin problems as one particular syndrome. Instead, it
aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of
techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary
recommendations and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body.
Therefore, if 10 patients are treated with Oriental medicine for eczema, each of these 10
patients will receive a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points,
different herbs and different lifestyle and dietary recommendations.
Here are a few general skin conditions that can be treated with acupuncture and Oriental
medicine:
• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Pruritus
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Shingles
• Urticaria (Hives)
Source: Acufinder.Com; Acupuncture in the News, Sep 2008