Technorati Profile Navigating Natural Health for Women: Abdominal Pain
Showing posts with label Abdominal Pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abdominal Pain. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Acupuncture Beats Drugs for Endometriosis: One Leading Cause of Infertility

At Eagle Acupuncture one of the most common diagnosis is endometriosis. Many women suffer tremendous pain and the condition can cause infertility. Many patients are recommended to try birth control bills to reduce their symptoms related to endometriosis but this obviously poses a challenge for couples who want to conceive. Other patients are referred out to a fertility center or a reproductive endocrinologists office for IVF (in-vitro fertilization) consultation . However, most patients aren't told about a non-invasive, safe and more effective treatment: Acupuncture. This study proves yet again, acupuncture and TCM treat endometriosis effectively and reduces a woman's level of pain and lowers her bio-markers for cancer. Read on for intriguing and impressive results.

In an astounding discovery: researchers prove acupuncture more effective than hormone drug therapy for the treatment of endometriosis. Acupuncture relieves menstrual pain caused by endometriosis, reduced the size of pelvic masses, lowers CA125 levels, and reduces the recurrence rate of endometriosis. CA125 a one bio-marker for several types of cancer and benign conditions including:  endometriosis and menstrual disorders.

Researchers at Tongji University hospital compared acupuncture with standard drug therapy. Patients receiving acupuncture achieved a 92.0% total effective rate. Patients receiving the drug mifepristone achieved merely a 52.0% total effective rate.

Mifepristone, also known by its trademarked name RU-486, is a synthetic steroid that inhibits progesterone action and is used for the treatment endometriosis and also for inducing abortions.

Acupuncture reduced pain levels more than the medication mifepristone. Endometriosis relapse rates were less in the acupuncture group than compared to the drug group. At the one year follow-up exams found that the recurrence rate for the group receiving drug therapy was 36%. By comparison, the group that had received acupuncture had an endometriosis recurrence rate of only  20%.

In addition, pelvic mass sizes and growth lessened more significantly in the acupuncture group than in the drug group. The findings were detected and verified with B-scan ultrasound.

Inclusion criteria for this study included Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) differential diagnostic pattern differentiation of blood stasis. In TCM, endometriosis is related to the dysfunction of the Kidneys, Spleen, and the Liver organs. In addition, cold may create coagulation of blood and obstruction in the uterus. This deleterious pattern impedes qi and blood circulation in the uterus, leading to menstrual pain due to a lack of delivery of vital energy,  nutrients  and proper blood flow to uterine tissues. Endometriosis treatment in TCM typically focuses on invigorating blood circulation, dissolving blood stasis, and regulation of the kidneys, spleen, and liver organs.

The patients in mifepristone group, patients received 12.5 mg tablets one time daily for six months. Patients in the acupuncture treatment group were treated with the following acupuncture points:
  • CV6 (Qihai)
  • CV4 (Guanyuan)
  • CV3 (Zhongji)
  • Zigong (Extra)
  • SP10 (Xuehai)
  • SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
  • LV2 (Xingjian)
  • LV3 (Taichong)
Treatment commenced with patients in a supine position. After disinfection of the acupoint sites, a 0.30 mm × 40 mm disposable filiform needle was inserted into each acupoint with a high needle entry speed. Xuehai, Sanyinjiao, Xingjian, and Taichong were perpendicularly needled to achieve a deqi sensation. Qihai, Guanyuan, Zhongji, and Zigong acupoints were obliquely (in a downward direction, 45°) needled to a standard depth. Needles were rotated, lifted, and thrust rapidly after insertion to achieve a deqi sensation in the pelvic region. Subsequently, the needles were retained and moxibustion was applied to acupoints (Qihai, Guanyuan, Zhongji, Zigong). Moxabustion, each 2 cm long, were attached to each needle handle and lit for warmth. Moxa was left in place to self-extinguish. Moxibustion was applied three times per 30 minute needle retention time. One acupuncture and moxibustion session was applied every other day, and omitted during menstruation. The treatment was applied for a grand total of 6 months.
The treatment effective rate for all patients in the study was evaluated based on the VAS rating scale and categorized into 1 of 3 tiers:
  • Significantly effective: Rating reduction of at least 50%. Significant improvement of menstrual pain.
  • Effective: Rating reduction of at least 25%. Improvement of menstrual pain.
  • Ineffective: Rating reduction of less than 25%. No improvement of menstrual pain.
All patients underwent Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) assessments before and after their treatments. VAS is an instrument that measures pain intensity levels experienced by patients. B-scan ultrasonography was conducted to calculate the size of pelvic masses. A CA125 test was also conducted to measure the amount of CA125 (cancer antigen 125) in the blood. CA125 is used clinically in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.
Prior research (Chang et al.) documents that patients with endometriosis have higher levels of CA125 than women without endometriosis. Chang et al. note that the value of CA125 reflects the invasiveness of endometrial tissue beyond a normal locus. Additionally, the Tongji University researchers cite investigations demonstrating that the value of CA125 is related to the severity of dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramping and pain).
Compared with the drug group, the acupuncture treatment group displayed a significant improvement in VAS scores. Patients in the acupuncture treatment group had smaller pelvic masses caused by endometriosis and had lower levels of CA125. There is a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The researchers also conducted a follow-up survey after treatment completion. They found that the recurrence incident rate of endometriosis in the treatment group was 20%. The recurrence incident rate of endometriosis in the control treatment group was 36%.
The research demonstrates that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for the alleviation endometriosis. Subjective and objective data supports the conclusions of the researchers in the controlled clinical trial. Based on the data, acupuncture is found effective for the treatment of endometriosis and lowers relapse rates.
The study design was as follows. The study involved the selection of 50 patients at the acupuncture and gynecology departments at the affiliated Tongji hospital of Tongji University. All patients were diagnosed with endometriosis between January 2010 and December 2015. They were randomly divided into an acupuncture treatment group and a drug control group, with 25 patients in each group. The treatment group underwent Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture therapy and the control group received mifepristone tablets.
The statistical breakdown for each randomized group was as follows. The average age in the acupuncture treatment group was 36 (±3) years. The average course of disease in the acupuncture treatment group was 2.49 (±2.11) years. The average age in the drug control group was 34 (±4) years. The average course of disease in the drug control group was 2.87 (±1.89) years. For both groups, there were no significant differences in terms of their gender, age, and course of disease prior to the beginning of the study.
The primary acupoints selected for the treatment of endometriosis were the following: Qihai, Guanyuan, Zhongji, Zigong, Xuehai, Sanyinjiao. The researchers provided the TCM basis for the acupuncture point selection. Qihai is located on the Ren meridian. Needling Qihai regulates source qi and blood circulation. Guanyuan is a meeting point of the Chong meridian and the Ren meridian. Needling Guanyuan regulates both the Chong and Ren meridians, promotes qi and blood circulation, and relieves menstrual pain. Zhongji is a meeting point of the three foot yin meridians and the Ren meridian. Needling this point is indicated for benefiting qi and blood circulation and relieving menstrual pain. In a clinical setting, Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji are used as a combination for relieving menstrual pain. Zigong is an extra acupoint and is traditionally indicated for lower abdominal pain due to obstruction of qi and blood. Xuehai is an acupoint on the foot Taiyin spleen meridian. Needling this acupoint regulates qi and blood circulation. Sanyinjiao is a meeting point of the three foot yin meridians. Needling this point fortifies the liver, spleen, and kidneys, which is also helpful for regulating qi and blood circulation and relieving menstrual pain.
The focus of this study was to scientifically verify that traditionally indicated acupoints for the treatment of endometriosis are effective. Objective examinations and subjective data confirm that the TCM treatment protocol is both safe and effective for the treatment of endometriosis. Less pain, smaller masses, and improved CA125 levels were documented. Moreover, acupuncture outperformed  drug therapy.

 Quelle (July 2017): http://www.healthcmi.com
Source: https://ogka.at/acupuncture-better-than-drugs-for-endometriosis-pain-relief/

References:
Shen Q, Lu J. Clinical Observation of Acupuncture-moxibustion for Endometriosis [J]. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2017, 36 (6).
Narvekar, Nitish, Sharon Cameron, Hilary OD Critchley, Suiqing Lin, Linan Cheng, and David T. Baird. “Low-dose mifepristone inhibits endometrial proliferation and up-regulates androgen receptor.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 89, no. 5 (2004): 2491-2497.







Blog Authored By USA Industry Leader in the Infertility Field: Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. known by her patients as "The Baby Maker". She has practiced nearly 20 years treating the most difficult infertility cases throughout the U.S. She offers local treatments and herbal medicine consultations throughout the U.S that have resulted in over 500 births in: Idaho, California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Oklahoma, Virginia, New York and New Jersey. 

Monday, January 31, 2011

Traveling with Fibromyalgia

As an Acupuncturist I know how to treat pain and my fibromyalgia patients can attest to that. Unfortunately they can't take me on the road with them so here are my top 3 tips to help my patients cope with travel and pain.




1. Buy ThermaCare Heat Wraps- These are a saving grace and can be applied topically to any area on your body. Better than homemade rice packs because they deliver heat for up to 8 hours



2. Sip Ginger Tea all day- Buy organic ginger tea to warm your muscles, joints and soothe an upset tummy for those who must take NSAIDS.



3. Rub clove oil all over your sensitive areas. Clove oil is so potent at relieving pain that dentist still use it to pack your dental work. Clove oil is warming and naturally pain relieving.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Duke University Proves Migraine Relief With Acupuncture

The prestigious Duke University found that Acupuncture is more effective than medication in reducing the frequency and severity in the treatment of migraines and chronic headaches. We concur that the findings at Duke University are proven to be true in our practice as well. Patients seek our expertise because they are desperate and cannot function from the debilitating pain inflicted by migraines.




Researchers analyzed over 30 studies involving almost 4,000 people compiling data published in the December issue of Anesthesia and Analgesia proving the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of migraines, tension headaches and chronic headaches. The results were dramatically in favor of acupuncture proving that 62% of the patients being treated with acupuncture had significant relief as apposed to only 45% of patients being treated with drugs.



In our practice men, women and even children seek our care for the debilitating pain inflicted by migraines. A large percentage of our patients suffer from migraines and chronic headaches. All of them have found their medication prescribed is not effective in managing their migraines. Acupuncture and herbal medicine is tremendously effective in reducing not only the level of pain experienced by the patient but also how frequently the suffer from migraines. During their first treatment the majority of our patients have a reduction in pain from 50-100% resolved. Follow-up treatments are necessary to prevent future attacks. We treat patients using acupuncture, herbal medicine and analysing their diet eliminating the obvious and sometimes not so apparent things that can aggravate their symptoms.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Cooling the Bowels and Clearing the Blood: Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

Tragically, very little is often talked about Acupuncture and herbal medicine as viable treatment for ulcerative colitis. Specifically prescribed herbs can: reduce swelling and inflammation of the bowels, deliver anti-biotic effect to treat potential infection, promote normal digestion and absorption of nutrients, relieve diarrhea, alleviate abdominal spasms and cramping, and eliminate irritating toxins.




Within 3 months of treatment patients can expect to see a reduction in diarrhea, pus, blood, pain and cramping. Acupuncture points along the Small Intestine and Large Intestine meridians can calm an over active digestive system that is inflamed. This form of medicine has been in use for over 2,000 years and should be considered as a conjunctive treatment to western medicine.



Sources include: Journal of New Medicine and Herbology, 1973; 7:6

Recent Study and Clinical Application of Common Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1995; 679:680

New Chinese Medicine, 1989; 21 (3): 51

Jilin Chinese Medicine and Herbology, 1985: 3:28

Journal of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, 1989; 9 (8): 494)



www.AmericanAcu.com Kristen Lohman Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac. Voted “Top Doc 2010” and is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in Parenting Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR) and KUSI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: digestive problems, women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, and pain. Ms. Burris has also taught acupuncture to graduate students at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.









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Kristen Burris L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M.

Voted Top Doc of Eagle 2010

American Acupuncture Center

128 S. Eagle Road

Eagle, Id 83616

(208) 938-1277

www.AmericanAcu.com

http://FertilityFound.blogspot.com/

http://idahoacupuncture.blogspot.com/

Join Us Every FIRST FRIDAY of the month for Free Acupuncture and Massage discover the Art of Healing 4:30-8:30 pm

Friday, November 20, 2009

Irritable Bowel: Explosive Results with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

The good news is: You have viable options that improve your quality of life and restore proper function of your digestive system in it's entirety. An increasing number of studies have been conducted on treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Traditional Chinese medicine including Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, with promising results. These studies prove that Acupuncture and Herbal medicine can effectively treat IBS safely and with drug-free medicine.


What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Not every person presents with identical symptomology but each patient must present with at least three aggravating symptoms listed below. Irritable bowel syndrome is described from a western medical perspective as spastic colon or mucus colitis affecting irregular bowel movement 25% of the time. Symptoms vary for each individual who is affected by this devastating syndrome. It is a motility disorder (involving abnormal movement) of the small and large intestines often accompanied by pain, mucus and blood.

Symptoms of IBS include:

Constipation

Diarrhea

Abdominal Cramping

Abdominal Pain

Gas

Bloating

Nausea

Straining or Urgency

Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation

Mucus and or Blood with Bowel Movement

Altered Stool Frequency

Altered Stool Formation (Hard or Soft)
Stress always exacerbates the symptoms and often triggers an episode. A significant number of women are affected more often by IBS than men and it's estimated that 10-20 percent of all Americans are affected by symptoms of IBS. Very few know their options using Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and all patients are amazed at how quickly they heal. 
IBS in Traditional Chinese Medicine Terms:

In Chinese Medical terms we refer to organ systems we are familiar with from western bio-medical sciences. However, when we see patterns affecting these organs we do not need for patients to see doctors about the imabalances. If we are concerned about your liver or large instestine or any other organ we wil refer you to your doctor immediately. Irritable Bowel is most effectively treated with Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Dietary Changes. IBS is frequently diagnosed as a disharmony between the liver and the spleen. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy, motility and blood throughout the body. This flow can be disrupted by emotions or stress, causing stagnation causing colicy pain in the abdominal area.
Traditional Chinese medicine perceives the spleen as having a more complex function in the body than that of a western bio-medical perspective. The spleen is responsible for proper digestion and transforming food into energy. It is also responsible for holding things appropriately including emotions (particularly worry), bowels and blood. As we see in the patient with IBS they tend to worry or stress, they often cannot hold their bowels and get diarrhea which is often laced with blood.
How Does One Get IBS?

The spleen can be weakened by a number of factors including:

Worrying

Bleeding Excessively

Genetic Inheritance

Overeating

Lack of Exercise

Chronic Fatigue

Over-working

Over Thinking or Obsessing
When the spleen is weaken by the above culprits and the liver is stressed, the liver overacts on the spleen manifesting as symptoms of IBS wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting person.
A liver and spleen disharmony is reflected by the short-term loss of appetite and/or a bout of constipation or diarrhea that occurs during an emotional upset. In patients with IBS the disharmony occurs over time. The emotional traumas take place over a long period of time weakening the Spleen, aggravating the Liver thus negatively affecting the digestive system creating chronic symptoms of IBS for years, even decades.



What To Do If I Suspect I Have IBS?


1. Get Acupuncture & A Personalized Herbal Prescription to:

Strengthen the Spleen

Smooth the Liver

Calm the Large & Small Intestines

Arrest Diarrhea

Move Constipation

Alleviate Stress

2. Take Tai Chi or Meditation Class to Reduce Stres and Increase Exercise

3. Nutritional Consult from An Herbalist to Eliminate Triggers like: Fried Foods, Alchohol and Chocolate

4. Take a Pharmaceutical Grade Pro-Biotic from Metagenics for Irritable Bowel

5. Increase Time Doing Things That Relax You:
Intercourse, Exercise, Dates, Tea with a Friend, Reading, Massages

Acupuncturists and Herbalists use a variety of modalities to treat a liver and spleen disharmony. We always use acupuncture, prescribe indivdualized Chinese herbal formula, with dietary and lifestyle changes to facilitate healing.




Irritable Bowel is very easily treated with Acupuncture and Herbal medicine. Infants, children and adults benefit from treatment that is safe, natural and effective.  Even though IBS itself is not life-threatening, inflammation of the bowels can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions that often need surgeries to remove parts or all of your colon. Stop the suffering and inflammation now before it's too late.