By Alex A. Kecskes

Thyroid disorders fall into two categories. There is hyperthyroidism characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces too much thyroid hormone. Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, moist skin, increased sweating, tremor, nervousness, increased appetite with weight loss, diarrhea, and/or frequent bowel movements. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by an under-active thyroid gland. Typical symptoms include a hoarse voice, slowed speech, puffy face, drooping eyelids, sensitivity to cold, constipation, weight gain, dry hair and skin, and depression.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regards both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism as a Yin/Yang imbalance. When treating either condition, TCM will typically employ acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy to rebalance an individual's Yin and Yang.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Basketball players, soccer players, and in particular, runners, will often suffer from tibial stress syndrome, commonly referred to as shin splints. The pain of shin splints occurs because the tibia (shinbone) and the connective tissues attached to it become overloaded. This happens when athletes train too hard or for too long, or when they suddenly increase the intensity or duration of exercise. For example, when runners add to their mileage, or alter the terrain or incline of their workout shin splints are a likely result. Shin splints may be accompanied by swelling and hardening of the soft tissues.

While there are a number of physical therapies and medications one can take to relive the symptoms of shin splints, one must begin by resting and limiting any stress or load to the shin area. A physician should be consulted to evaluate the severity of the injury and to suggest possible treatment.

One possible treatment increasingly used by athletes for shin splints is acupuncture.
This treatment is most effective when the symptoms first occur. Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works on the whole body to release a variety of substances including endorphins, serotonin, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters. Acupuncture can promote healing, reduce pain, increase local microcirculation, and attract white blood cells to the area. This can speed the rate of healing, reduce swelling, and disperse bruising.

In 2002, researchers conducted a random controlled trial* to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating shin splints. Forty athletes with shin splints were divided among three treatment groups: standard sports medicine, acupuncture, and a combined group who received both. The patients received at least two treatments per week for three weeks. The acupuncture and combined groups reported significantly lower pain levels during all activities and at rest. For overall effectiveness, acupuncture was rated at 72.5%, the combined therapy at 54.5%, and standard sports medicine at 46.5%. Self-medication with anti-inflammatory drugs was also significantly lower in the acupuncture and combined groups.

In the trail, the primary treatment was directed at the edge of the tibia where microtearing of the affected muscle usually occurs. The anterior edge was treated when the tibialis anterior was affected, and the medial edge was treated when the tibialis posterior muscle was involved. Between 10 and 15 needles were threaded obliquely and subcutaneously along the edge of the tibia between the soft tissue and bone. Other points were chosen at the practitioner’s discretion to balance and remove obstructions from the energy channels. The study revealed that acupuncture could be an effective modality for relieving pain associated with shin splints and for reducing reliance on anti-inflammatory medication.

Before attempting any acupuncture therapy for the treatment of shin sprints, one should first consult a primary care physician. If he or she advises that acupuncture may help you, find a licensed massage acupuncturist who is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org).

*Acupuncture & Tibial Stress Syndrome [Shin Splints]. Journal of Chinese Medicine 2002 vol 70.

After over two decades of research, experts have concluded that massaging stable preterm infants leads to greater weight gains and earlier discharge. There appears to be a biological cause and effect between stroking, massaging, and grooming infants and their growth. Studies show that massage stimulates growth-promoting hormones. Massage therapy also increases the enzymes that make the cells of an infant's vital organs more responsive to the growth-promoting effects of these hormones.

Conversely, researchers have discovered that infants deprived of massage therapy showed lower levels of growth hormone. Even when infants were given injections of growth hormone, they failed to grow at a rate comparable to massaged infants. This suggests that massage impacts infants at the cellular level.

Other studies specifically show that massage therapy has consistently led to increased weight gains in preterm infants. While massaged infants do not consume or retain more formula, weight gains are believed to be due to better conversion of food into growth. Some believe this to be due to a reduced adverse reaction to stress. It has also been suggested that an infant's energy expenditure drops considerably after several days of massage therapy. This drop in expended energy may be partly responsible for the enhanced growth caused by massage therapy.

In a study conducted by Dr. Frank Scafidi that won the NIMH Research Science Award #MH00331, 40 medically stable preterm infants were assigned to treatment and control groups. The treated infants received tactile/kinesthetic stimulation for three 15-minute periods during three consecutive hours per day for a 10-day period. Sleep/wake behavior was monitored and the infants were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period. The treated infants averaged a 21% greater weight gain per day.

Be sure to consult a trained medical professional before beginning massage therapy on preterm infants.

By Alex A. Kecskes

After over two decades of research, experts have concluded that massaging stable preterm infants leads to greater weight gains and earlier discharge. There appears to be a biological cause and effect between stroking, massaging,  and grooming infants and their growth.  Some studies show that massage stimulates growth-promoting hormones. Massage therapy also increases the enzymes that make the cells of an infant's vital organs more responsive to the growth-promoting effects of these hormones.

Conversely, researchers have discovered that infants deprived of massage therapy showed lower levels of growth hormone. Even when infants were given injections of growth hormone, they failed to grow at a rate comparable to massaged infants. This suggests that massaging impacts infants at the cellular level.

Other studies specifically show that massage therapy has consistently led to increased weight gains in preterm infants. While massaged infants do not consume or retain more formula, weight gains are believed to be due to better conversion of food into growth. Some believe this to be due to a reduced adverse reaction to stress. It has also been suggested that an infant's energy expenditure drops considerably after several days of massage therapy. This drop in expended energy may be partly responsible for the enhanced growth caused by massage therapy.

A prospective, crossover design study  was conducted in 10 healthy infants. Each infant was studied twice, first after a period of five days of massage therapy, then after a period of five days without massage therapy. During the massage therapy period, massage was provided daily for three 15-minute periods at the beginning of each three-hour period every morning. Energy expenditure was significantly lower in infants after the five-day massage therapy period.

In another study , 40 medically stable preterm infants were assigned to treatment and control groups. The treated infants received tactile/kinesthetic stimulation for three 15-minute periods during three consecutive hours per day for a 10-day period. Sleep/wake behavior was monitored and the infants were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period. The treated infants averaged a 21% greater weight gain per day.

Infants should be massaged in a warm quiet place. Oils, first warmed by the hands, should be used. The most common are fruit or vegetable oils—such as coconut, almond, apricot, safflower, or avocado. Begin with the legs, then follow with the abdomen. Move to the hands and arms, then proceed to the back and finally the face.  Be sure to consult a trained medical professional before beginning  massage therapy on preterm infants.
Researchers found that massaged babies sleep more soundly and fall asleep more quickly. Many mothers report that after their babies were massaged, their babies slept soundly and many simply fell asleep in the middle of a massage.

Hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, night sweats, and nutritional deficiencies are premium symptoms of menopause. In 2002 news surfaced that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the most common treatment provided to ease the main symptoms of menopause, proved a danger to women. Women using HRT showed increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. Now substantial evidence shows that Moxibustion therapy and other natural remedies are effective alternatives to treat classic symptoms of menopause.

Moxibustion therapy, or moxa treatment, is an Oriental medicine therapy that involves burning moxa (mugwort herb) near or on the skin, particularly at acupoints. Moxa treatment strengthens and stimulates the blood flow and qi (life energy) of the body.  This process is typically used to treat diseases, provide pain relief, expel colds, and upkeep health in general.

A recent study conducted by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine in Daejeon, South Korea found that Moxa treatment can be used to treat hot flashes, one of the most prominent symptoms of menopause. The study results showed that Moxa treatment reduces both the intensity and frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women. The study consisted of 51 women between the ages of 45 and 60 who were experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes at least five times a day. The women were split into three groups. Two of the groups received 14 Moxa treatments over the course of four weeks, and the third group was a control group.  In four weeks results showed a “statistically significant” difference in the intensity and frequency of hot flashes between the treatment groups and the control group.  

Another alternative solution to HRT is acupuncture. Studies have proven this to be an effective means to ease menopausal symptoms. In addition to other studies that produced similar results, a study conducted in 2007 by the Stanford University School of Medicine showed acupuncture significantly reduced the intensity of nighttime hot flashes. The study consisted of 29 postmenopausal women experiencing at least seven hot flashes per day. The intensity of the hot flashes ranged from moderate to severe. The intensity of nocturnal hot flashes decreased in the active acupuncture group (28%) as opposed to the placebo group (6%).  

Herbs are also a remedy for menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh, for example, is an effective natural remedy for menopause that helps with a variety of symptoms including hot flashes, heart palpitations, and headaches. Additionally, St. John’s Wort can treat mild forms of depression and anxiety.   Because herbs can regulate the levels of all three essential hormones in the female body – estrogen, progestin, and testosterone – herbal remedies have had positive results when treating menopausal symptoms.  

Non-estrogenic herbs in particular are more commonly being used as an alternative to HRT. Herbs that can treat hormonal problems without introducing artificial hormones into the body are referred to as “non-estrogenic.” The use of non-estrogenic herbs is widespread in countries such as France, Japan, and Germany, and doctors often prescribe these herbs as remedies for menopausal symptoms specifically.  

From HRT to herbal remedies, a multitude of treatment options exist to help ease women through menopause.  But no single treatment is a panacea. Because each woman is different, her menopausal symptoms will also be different. While some women will experience severe hot flashes, others may only experience mild symptoms or none at all. Some will experience fatigue and others will experience severe nutrition deficiencies. Menopausal symptoms vary and their level of intensity ranges. Optimal treatment methods will vary from woman to woman, but HRT is hardly the only available remedy. Alternative solutions are out there, and they are effective.

 

Millions of Americans report that they cannot perform simple everyday tasks such as tying a tie or opening a jar, because of the debilitating pain of arthritis. Twenty percent of all Americans say that their arthritis symptoms are so severe that it has affected their job performance and their general ability to enjoy life. Despite what one may think, arthritis is not just an “old persons” disease. In fact, almost two-thirds of those with some form of arthritis are younger than age 65. There are two main forms of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In recent studies, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of both.

A study conducted in Germany looked at over 300,000 people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants in the study received 15 sessions of acupuncture combined with their usual medical care. During the study, those that had the treatments reported less pain and stiffness, improved function, and better quality of life, than those who had received routine medical care alone. Interestingly enough, those that had the acupuncture treatments, also reported less severity of their symptoms for three months after the study, when they were not receiving acupuncture at all.  

Another study was conducted in China on victims of rheumatoid arthritis. Here, participants were treated with traditional acupuncture as well as another technique called electroacupuncture, which uses minute bursts of electricity to stimulate the acupressure points. Participants receiving both the traditional and the electroacupuncture reported significant decreases in the severity of their symptoms.

As when it is used to treat any condition, according to TCM, acupuncture relieves the symptoms associated with arthritis by improving blood and qi flow to the affected areas.
Acupuncture decreases the pain associated with arthritis by increasing the release of neurotransmitters that block pain. The meridians or acu-points that are located along nerve pathways are stimulated by the needles and then send signals to the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that are very similar in nature to morphine that are released in the body during times of pain or stress. The painless acupressure needles “fool” the nerves into thinking they are in pain, and the brain releases the chemicals in response.

Today, acupuncture is so widely accepted as a treatment for arthritis that it is even covered by some health insurance companies. So if one is suffering from any form of arthritis, always consult a doctor first, and if acupuncture is recommended, be sure to check and see if the treatment is covered by insurance.

By: Steve Goodman

Chronic Pelvic Pain occurs in both men and women. In men the problem is usually related to the prostate. In women, it is usually associated with endometriosis, menstrual pain, or other factors related to the reproductory organs. The good news is that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has modalities that have proven to be effective in treating Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) in both men and women.

A recently published study of a traditional Western style clinical trial conducted by the Fujian College of TCM in China looked at the effectiveness of three separate TCM protocols for the treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain, or prostatitus in men. Using the standard National Institutes of Health (NIH) scale to measure symptoms of CPP, specifically, pain, urinary difficulties, and quality of life, the study concluded that all three modalities did more to relieve the symptoms of CPP than the placebo group. Of the three groups receiving an actual treatment, the group treated with a decoction of the Chinese herb, Aike, did the best.

Similar positive results were found in pilot studies that examined the effectiveness of acupuncture on benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostatitus, and Chronic Pelvic Pain.

In general, Chronic Pelvic Pain is a condition usually more associated with women than men. Here too, TCM has offered substantial, and verifiable relief. Both acupuncture and herbal medications have been used to successfully treat CPP in women. In women CPP takes on many forms. It can occur monthly with the menstrual cycle, a few times a year, or some women are forced to endure CPP almost every day of their reproductive lives. Often “medical science” can find no cause for CPP. Even when the etiology is known – allopathic medicine offers little in the way of relief other than the use of powerful hormonal drugs and painkillers, or invasive surgeries. Western doctors have even resorted to prescribing antidepressants to treat CPP in women with no apparent physical cause for the pain - claiming the problem is emotionally related.  

TCM modalities for CPP in women have proven particularly effective in those cases where traditional medicine cannot find an organic cause. Given that TCM treats CPP as it does all conditions, as a problem stemming from qi stagnation or blockage, in this case the problem most likely lies in the Zang fu organs of the liver, kidneys, and heart. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating women suffering from Chronic Pelvic Pain even when a source of origin such as an infection, inflammation, or adhesions can be found.

Chronic Pelvic Pain, especially in women, is a complex disorder often occurring with no single discernable cause. TCM takes a holistic approach to each patient treating not just the symptom, but taking into consideration everything from diet to emotional states. This makes TCM modalities particularly effective for treating CPP, since the source of the discomfort can be due to any number of internal, or external factors.  


Sources
http://chinesemedicinenews.com/?p=24  
http://www.tcmpage.com/hpchronicpelvic.html
http://www.jcm.co.uk/catalogue.php?catID=314&opener=0-195-206-314
http://www.jcm.co.uk/catalogue.php?catID=723&opener=0-691-723
http://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Acupuncture+for+Prostatitis+and+Pelvic+Pain
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18173143

By: Steve Goodman

With H1N1 or the so-called Swine Flu, and its predecessor, the Avian Flu, making headlines world wide – influenza is in the news, and on the minds of many people. As potentially hazardous as these two strains can be – the truth is, the typical seasonal flu takes far more lives in the United States every year then these two strains ever have.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Oriental medical practices have a long and successful history of treating and preventing winter colds and flu. The most common way that Western medicine offers for dealing with the potentially deadly complications of seasonal flu is to use vaccination. The potential risks of vaccines have been well documented. While vaccines have proven to prevent certain strains of the flu – one vaccine cannot prevent all variants of the disease, and a flu shot does absolutely nothing to prevent or lessen the severity of colds.

Oriental medicine, on the other hand, is designed to strengthen the immune system when it is at its most vulnerable – during the winter and flu season. Qi, when restored and strengthened, can prevent the acquisition of colds, flu, and other seasonal viral infections. In the TCM tradition, the symptoms of H1N1 and any flu are the result of pathogenic heat, cold, or dampness. Oriental medicine has an old tradition of using herbal medications to boost qi, and prevent these pathogens from gaining egress into the body. In fact, in China, school children are served herbal teas during flu season to prevent the spread of colds and flu.

Herbal Medications and Flu

Among the many benefits of massage therapy are those related to the body's production and regulation of neurohormones. These are the hormones produced by the nervous system that affect an individual's behavior and general well-being. It has long been suspected that massage therapy offers a number of mood enhancing benefits. Now scientific studies back this up. Research conducted at the TOUCH Research Institute at the University of Miami revealed that massage increases the availability of all neurohormones affecting brain chemistry.

Massage tends to elevate the levels of dopamine, a neurohormone released by the hypothalamus. Dopamine influences fine motor activity like painting or playing a musical instrument. It affects intuition, inspiration, joy, and enthusiasm. Those lacking in dopamine will likely exhibit clumsiness, poor focus, and be easily distracted.

Massage can also raise the availability of serotonin, a neurohormone that regulates behavior in terms of emotions, acting to quell irritability and cravings for sex and food. Those low in serotonin often have difficulty sleeping and tend to suffer from depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Research has shown that massage can achieve a number of positive results. For example, a 15 minute seated massage can elevate epinephrine (adrenaline) levels by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. This can increase a person's alertness. A slower, longer, deeper, and more rhythmic massage can, on the other hand, reduce epinephrine levels, creating a feeling of relaxation, and facilitating deep sleep.

Acupressure and trigger point therapy (applying pressure to tender muscle tissue to relieve pain and dysfunction) are further examples of massage techniques that provide a number of important benefits. These techniques create endorphins, which are compounds known to reduce pain and produce a sense of euphoria.

Oxytocin is another neurohormone produced by massage therapy. It supports feelings of attachment and can help during pregnancy, birthing, and lactation. Massage therapy has also been shown to reduce levels of Cortisol -- the stress related neurohormone produced by the adrenal glands. Finally, by encouraging sleep, massage can increase the availability of growth hormones which promote cell division, and is involved in tissue repair, regeneration, and healing.

By Alex A. Kecskes

Massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years by many cultures. Today, Americans spend approximately $3 billion each year on visits to massage therapists.

While debate continues on the physiology of massage, experts agree that massage draws its benefits from more that just applying pressure to specific areas of the human anatomy. The Chinese believe, and so do many practitioners, that touch can serve as a natural, essential component to healing and the maintenance of good health. When administered properly by a trained professional, massage can reduce pain or adhesions, promote sedation, mobilize fluids, increase muscular relaxation, and facilitate vasodilatation (the widening of blood vessels due to the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls).

The actual mechanism of massage action is to revitalize the nervous system. By properly stimulating the pathways of nerve endings, massage affects the body's vital organs and tissues. A skilled massage therapist can positively influence the nervous system, accelerating the metabolic processes, and stimulating blood and lymph vessels. This helps to excrete metabolic products and excess fluids and relieve venous congestion. A good massage also enhances blood supply to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle tissue, and internal organs.

Additional research suggests that massage may reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue oxygenation, and soften scar tissue. It may also reduce the excess buildup of lactic acid in muscles, and stimulate the healing of connective tissues or damaged muscles.

The basic techniques that facilitate these therapeutic mechanisms include:

Stroking—Characterized by even movements without losing contact with the skin. Uses a firm rhythmic pressure on the upward stroke, then glides down to the starting point with a very light touch.

Kneading—The skin is pulled together with subcutaneous fat and muscle to compress the tissues, which enhances muscle tone and stimulates blood circulation.

Rubbing—The skin is stretched along with subcutaneous fat and muscles in different directions. Here, the fingertips of both hands are continuously applied to a broad surface area.

Vibration—Moving the hands rapidly to stimulate tissues and other parts of the body. Vibration serves to enhance muscle tone and alerts nerves, dilates blood vessels, and speeds up metabolism.

Swedish massage -- which uses vigorous kneading, rolling, vibration, percussive, and tapping to manipulate the body's soft tissues -- can help deliver nutrients and remove waste products from various tissues. It can help transform nervous energy into a more steady state. The rhythmic procedures of this massage can help re-establish balance by calming the nervous system.

When suffering from a disorder, consult a primary care physician before attempting massage therapy. The doctor may recommend the appropriate treatment that is best suited for the disorder. If massage is suggested, find a licensed massage therapist who is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org). Note: Medicare and most private insurance do not cover massage.