FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2011

Contact:
Cynthia Neipris
(212) 982-3456
cneipris@pacificcollege.edu

Colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy infant cries for prolonged periods of time for no apparent reason. These periods of intense crying typically occur during the evenings and there are often no effective ways of preventing these inconsolable cries. Colic is diagnosed when an infant cries for three hours or more in length, more than three times per week, up to the age of three months.

Any parent of an infant with colic longs to find ways to make their infant feel better. There are several suggestions as to the cause of infant colic and parents can learn more about these in order to better understand the condition their child is facing.
One way in which to aid an infant in feeling better is massage therapy. Many parents are skeptical about the true benefits of massage, yet parents who have tried it consider this form of therapy to play a major role in easing their infant's pain.

Bell's palsy is a mononeuropathic condition that affects the facial muscles. It is characterized by the rapid onset of paralysis or lack of control of facial muscles. Although it usually occurs on only one side of the face, about 1% of cases involve complete facial paralysis. Also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, the onset of Bell's palsy is the result of a dysfunction in cranial nerve VII. This dysfunction is thought to be caused by inflammation and swelling in the facial nerve which leads to inhibition, damage, or even death of the nerves.

Although serious, Bell's palsy is a treatable condition with early detection and treatment leading to the highest probability of restoring nerve function. Generally, doctors will prescribe corticosteroids as a means of facilitating recovery. Another option that may be considered is surgery, especially for patients who continue to be affected by the condition even after being medicated. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and acupuncture in particular, has also been used to treat Bell's palsy.

TCM encompasses a wide range of medical practices in the Chinese medical system, and according to archeological evidence, has been practiced as far back as the stone ages.
Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the insertion and manipulation of needles into precise points on the body. The idea behind the placement of these needles is to direct the flow of qi, or life energy, and blood. It is believed that disease is caused by stagnation that stimulating the movement of qi or blood will improve the problematic condition.

Acupuncture has been used on numerous occasions to improve and even reverse the condition of a patient suffering from Bell's palsy. According to Fay-Meling von Moltke Pao who holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture, the severity of the condition affects the extent and time it takes for the patient to recover. In TCM, it is believed the Bell's palsy is caused by exposure to wind which, coupled with a deficient immune system, can cause inflammation in the affected area and obstruct the qi. Six papers (Zhang, Wei et al. 1991; Xing, Yang et al. 1994; Zang 1999; Stone 2002; Wolfe 2003; He, Zhou et al. 2004) detailed three studies including a total of 238 people conducted in China found that acupuncture combined with medication provided better results than medication alone.

TCM practitioners will generally prescribe a combination of herbs and acupuncture to clear up the blockage and restore movement to the patient's face. Specifically, the needles are inserted into points that would eliminate the wind aspect in the Shaoyang and Yangming channels of the body and encourage the flow of qi. Because it is believed that Bell's palsy is also the result of a poor immune system, the patient would be encouraged to improve their immune functions by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that included rest, stress reduction, and a nutritious diet.

The main benefit of using TCM and acupuncture to treat Bell's palsy is the fact that it is designed to work with the body's natural ability to heal itself. People who are leery of using medications, like steroids which can have harmful side effects, may want to consult with a local TCM practitioner to see if this treatment is right for them.

Massage is the application of a range of soft-tissue techniques, including kneading, rubbing, stroking, tapping and application of pressure. Movement may be passive or active, all performed with the intention of affecting the body's inner energetic systems. Oils and lotions may be used as part of aromatherapy and to reduce the amount of friction felt on the skin.
Massage is touted as one of the first treatments available for depression. However, with the advances in science and technology in the 1940s and beyond, the treatment of massage for depression soon became replaced by drugs and other more scientific therapies. While massage is still an option, it lacks the same caliber of attention in comparison to pharmaceutical treatments.

The Touch Research Institute has conducted the majority of the studies investigating massage for depression. These studies have shown that massage reduces depression and anxiety and leads to a decrease in the levels of stress hormones in the bodies of participants. A study into the effects of massage for depression and anxiety conducted by Field in 1998 suggests that increased activity of the parasympathetic system may be the cause of these changes. However, a psychological component may also make a contribution.

Acupuncture is the process of inserting needles at specific locations in the body to treat and prevent different types of medical conditions. It is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for several ages for stimulating the flow of energy in the body (Qi) and treating the root cause of the problem. According to reports given by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people all over the world were found to be overweight, and around four hundred million people were found to be obese. They have also projected that by the year 2015, the number for overweight people would increase to about two billion and for obese people, to seven hundred million. TCM and acupuncture play a vital role in addressing the concerns related to excess weight.

As per TCM, whenever there is malfunction in the spleen and liver organ, it will create an imbalance in the body, which could lead to weight problems. Spleen ensures that the digestive system functions normally and the food consumed is converted into energy (Qi- the life force). The liver ensures the smooth flow of energy and blood in the body. Improper functioning of the spleen and liver can cause disruption in the functioning of digestive system and decrease the metabolic rate, which in turn can lead to health concerns like slow metabolism, eating more and few others. In simple terms, there is an energy imbalance between the calories consumed and calories expended resulting in weight gain. To control the weight problems, acupuncture is becoming a commonly used method of treatment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2010