Introduction:

Do you often find yourself grappling with muscle soreness post-workout? Perhaps your teen athlete complains about sore muscles after a rigorous practice session or game. If so, relief may be closer than you think. In this blog, we explore the transformative benefits of acupuncture and acupressure in alleviating muscle soreness, backed by compelling research.

Understanding Acupressure’s Impact on Lactic Acid Levels:

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has been gaining traction in sports circles for its potential to enhance athletes’ recovery post-exercise. A recent study delves into the efficacy of press-tack needle acupuncture in reducing blood lactic acid levels after intense physical activity.

The Study:

Conducted with twenty-four sports students, the study divided participants into two groups: an acupuncture group and a control group. In the acupuncture group, press-tack needles were strategically placed on PC-6 Neiguan and ST-36 Zusanli points 30 minutes before engaging in high-intensity exercise. Lactic acid levels were measured at 5 and 30 minutes post-exercise.

Results:

The findings revealed intriguing insights into the impact of acupuncture on lactic acid levels. At 5 minutes post-exercise, the acupuncture group exhibited higher mean levels of lactic acid compared to the control group. However, at the 30-minute mark, the acupuncture group showcased lower mean levels of lactic acid than the control group. Notably, the reduction in lactic acid levels from 5 to 30 minutes post-exercise was statistically higher in the acupuncture group than in the control group.

Conclusion:

The study’s conclusion resonates with a powerful message: press-tack needle acupuncture plays a pivotal role in reducing lactic acid levels after high-intensity physical exercise. This reinforces the efficacy of both acupuncture and acupressure in promoting post-workout recovery.

Beyond Acupuncture: A Multifaceted Approach to Pain Relief:

The blog further emphasizes that the practitioner offers a comprehensive range of services beyond acupuncture and acupressure. These include Gua Sha medical massage and pain relief injections using homeopathics and high-activated oxygen, also known as ozone. The anecdote of a patient experiencing immediate relief from shoulder/upper back pain through injections highlights the versatility of these pain relief techniques.

Why Sports Teams Need Acupuncturists:

Shifting gears, the blog explores the significance of having acupuncturists on sports teams. In the realm of sports, recovery after exercise holds paramount importance for athletes. Citing various studies, the blog underscores that acupuncture is one modality that can significantly enhance the rate of an athlete’s recovery.

Closing Thoughts:

As athletes and fitness enthusiasts continue to seek holistic approaches to recovery, acupuncture and acupressure emerge as powerful tools in the pursuit of relieving muscle soreness and promoting overall well-being. The integration of traditional practices with modern sports science opens up new avenues for enhancing athletic performance and recovery. If you’re ready to experience the transformative benefits of acupuncture and acupressure, schedule an appointment today and embark on a journey towards optimal recovery.

As we embrace the festive season with open arms, I find myself pondering the paradox that encapsulates the holidays— a delightful mix of joy and, at times, a hint of stress. This contemplation inspired me to pen a haiku, encapsulating the essence of the season:

“It has all started… the sounds of the holidays. Joyful or stressful?”

I shared this on my Facebook page, sparking a lively discussion. Many resonated with the sentiments, expressing a resounding “both.” It’s an acknowledgment that the holiday season, while often brimming with joy, can also bring about its fair share of stress. So, why the juxtaposition of “holidays” and “stress” in the same breath? Because, as we all know, it’s a nuanced journey—one that sometimes leads to merriment and, on occasion, to moments of overwhelm.

But fret not, for support is at hand for those navigating the delicate balance. In the spirit of aiding you through the whirlwind of the holidays, I’d like to shed light on four ways acupuncture can be a beacon of relief in times of stress:

1. Pain and Tension Relief:

Acupuncture works wonders in alleviating pain and muscle tension, especially those neck aches from prolonged screen time. By reducing inflammation and enhancing circulation, it brings a sense of ease to the body.

2. Stress and Anxiety Reduction:

Experience the calming embrace of acupuncture, which acts as a balm for stress and anxiety. The session is not just a physical reprieve but a holistic journey to tranquility.

3. Improved Sleep Quality:

Quality sleep is a precious commodity during busy holiday times. Acupuncture can contribute to a restful night, leaving you energized and ready to take on the day.

4. Enhanced Digestion:

The connection between stress and digestion is undeniable. Acupuncture steps in to regulate the nervous system, fostering a calm environment that promotes better digestion.

As we navigate the holiday hustle, consider booking an acupuncture session to ensure your well-being remains a priority. If you find yourself in need of support or a moment of reprieve, don’t hesitate to make an appointment [insert appointment link].

Wishing you a season filled with both joy and tranquility,

The Vagus nerve has achieved near rockstar notoriety in the world of health these days, while having nothing to do with a certain high energy city in Nevada even though you may need your vagus nerve stimulated after a few days in the discordant noises and flashing lights of Las Vegas.

When you think of the Vagus nerve, think relaxation. The Vagus (Latin for wandering) nerve is the longest of the cranial nerves and the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system activates our “rest and digest” functions to counterbalance the “fight or flight” mode of the sympathetic nervous system. It originates in the brainstem and travels to innervate the heart, lung, stomach, pancreas, liver, small intestines, and half of the large intestines. It helps to regulate heart rate, respiration and digestion, and is considered the main communication route responsible for the famous gut-brain axis.

Recent research has added to the exciting promise it holds for health and wellness as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has been shown to inhibit oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Clinical trials focused on VNS have shown benefit in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and Rheumatoid arthritis. Additional benefits are seen in the frontal lobe activation that vagal stimulation can influence. Frontal brain activity is associated with better decision making and healthier lifestyle choices which correspond with a general reduction in disease. Basically, when we are relaxed, we can think better. It makes sense then that greater Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a health measure directly linked to VNS, predicts better health outcomes.

So where does Acupuncture come in? Well you guessed it: one of the ways acupuncture works its magic is by stimulating the vagus nerve. Harvard researchers have found that acupuncture stimulates the vagal-adrenal axis and can alleviate systemic inflammation by calming cytokine storms (excessive immune reactions). This mechanism can help explain some of the extensive benefits of acupuncture such as its success in treating various inflammatory, immune and nervous disorders as well as its general ability to help bring the body back into homeostasis.

Auricular (ear) acupuncture is an area of focus for the growing interest in VNS. When that long nerve leaves the brain stem, a branch travels up into the ear, giving us more direct external access to the internal workings of this nerve. Both ear acupuncture and ear acupressure have both shown to elicit vagal tone There have also been recent developments specifically for the ear: non-invasive VNS devices that attach to the ear and can be self-administered at home. These increase the relaxation response, and can be used for issues like anxiety and various inflammatory issues.

In our increasingly busy (yang) world, it is important to slow down, take some deep breaths and access the power of the vagus nerve (yin) to calm your system and regain a sense of balance. In a pinch, try massaging your ears, and while you’re at it be sure to schedule your next acupuncture appointment so you can experience the full benefits of VNS!

References:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00877/full

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30347734/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202112/acupuncture-may-reduce-inflammation-vagus-nerve-pathways

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23304215/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201907/vagus-nerve-stimulation-the-outer-ear-takes-center-stage

“My, what big ears you have!”

 “All the better to hear you with!”

Or, if you’re a Chinese Medicine practitioner: “All the better to live a long, healthy life with!” That’s because the ears are a manifestation of the kidneys which hold our essence (jing), and our genetic potential, and large ears can be an indication of health and longevity.

Acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists have long understood this connection between the ears and the kidneys, relating issues such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear infections to imbalances of the kidney qi. In clinical practice we will treat the kidneys while working with these types of disorders. Interestingly, Western medicine also recognizes a relationship between the kidneys and the ears. The inner ear and the kidneys develop at the same time in utero, so if a baby is born with hearing issues, a good doc will know to immediately check the kidney function. Ongoing research is still exploring the parallels of specific aspects of the inner ear to renal function.

The ears are also a valuable microsystem in Chinese Medicine practice. Being a manifestation of the kidneys which govern our development, the ears are actually a map of our development. They reflect the whole body and have their own complete acupuncture point system as such. Picture an upside down fetus when looking at the ears in this way, with the head at the lobe and spine curving up to the little baby bum at the top, with internal organs on the inner portions of the external ear. Paul Nogier, a French Neurologist, is actually considered the father of auricular medicine, as he measured the electrical conductivity along the skin of the ear and recorded the specific points as a reflexology system, which was then incorporated into Chinese Medicine texts. He based his understanding of this system on the correlating tissue types and innervation between various parts of the ear and the parts of the body they represent. 

“The ear is one of the few anatomic structures which are built up of tissue from each of these three primary tissue types to be found in an embryo. Paul Nogier maintained that each tissue type in the ear had a link to the various somatotopic reflections and to the innervation related to that part of the ear.”

Many Chinese Medicine practitioners diagnose and treat the whole body just using the ears. Abnormalities, tenderness, discolorations, etc. on the ear can signal issues in the correlating part of the body. There have been studies done to test these practitioners’ accuracy. In one study, pre-established medical diagnoses matched with auricular diagnoses over 75% of the time. Treatment can then be done with needles or ear seeds. The benefit of ear seeds is that they can stay on the ear for up to a week, providing continuous stimulation of the ear acu-point. Practitioners can also train patients to administer their own ear seeds for home use. Ear treatments have been used successfully in the treatment of addictions, chronic pain, anxiety and weight loss among many other conditions.

A simple way to experience the amazing healing potential of your own ears is to massage them! In addition to all the acupressure points you will be activating, the ears are actually the only external access (via the auricular branch) we have to the Vagus nerve (the longest nerve) in the body. Stimulation of the vagus nerve has tremendous benefits, including relaxation, improved digestion, cognitive function and calming inflammation. So go ahead and give your ears some love and attention… and respect for the amazing body parts they are!

This is a great time to get some ear acupuncture, as it is kidney time in the Chinese Medicine understanding of the seasons. Schedule today and ask Dr. Martha Lucas, L.Ac. to include an ear seed or 2 if appropriate for you. This can help direct your ear massage to points personalized for you and what you need! 

References:

https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/genpsyfetaldev.html

https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev.med.60.052307.120752

 Auricular Acupuncture & Addiction: Mechanisms, methodology and practice, Book, 2009

Many of us have noticed a dandelion pushing itself through a crack in concrete, and may have even stopped to marvel at its sense of determination to live and grow. This little wonder is the energy of Spring, the energy of new life bursting into existence. 

In Chinese Medicine theory, that energy that comes with springtime is represented by the element wood. Wood is the first element in the 5 element cycle; it is the birth phase and witnessed in nature when seeds and buds explode into new growth, when grass pushes through the earth, or trees extend themselves with new shoots and leaves. Each element is also aligned with a personality type. In this case, it is the Pioneer.

The Pioneer breaks new ground. This is the explorer, the creator of new paths. They break tradition to discover new things. Whether we think about that dandelion working its way to the surface or a pioneer on the Oregon Trail, we can admire the will power it takes to move forward despite challenges. It takes vision to set sail to new horizons, but the Pioneer doesn’t stop there. They take the necessary action; they move. 

Are You A Pioneer?

Do you consider yourself motivated?

Do you work well under pressure?

Do you sometimes have a hard time relaxing?

Do you enjoy travel?

Have you ever started a new business?

Do you work in an innovative field?

Do you like to be the boss? 

Do you exude confidence?

Do you sometimes lose patience?

Do you get frustrated with injustice?

The wood-type personality can sometimes be seen as harsh, given the tenacity they naturally embody. They can also be prone to anger, the emotion associated with liver energy, when there is stagnation within or around them. Liver is the wood element’s organ and the organ of springtime. In our bodies, the liver likes to get our qi moving after winter’s lull and can make us feel irritated if hindered in any way. It is important for wood-types to work on adjusting their speed and intensity to not feel either stifled or burned out. They must find the right pace as they pioneer through life and learn to be flexible like the new spring branches that bend (and not break) with the wind.

Pioneers can keep balance by finding time to slow down when necessary, get regular massages to loosen tight muscles and stiff joints, and enjoy but not overdo spicy or sour foods. Green is a great color for these wood types to align with the natural expression of springtime. Wearing green or keeping some indoor plants can help a wood-type whose lifestyle may keep them indoors for periods of time. Simple adjustments like these can help to prevent some of the health issues Pioneers may face like tension headaches, high blood pressure, or  burnout fatigue.

If you don’t see yourself as a pioneer but know someone who is, offer them a ‘thank-you’ for paving the way for the rest of us. (They love that! ..and deserve it.)

No matter what element you resonate with the strongest, acupuncture can help you align with the season. Call to book your Spring acupuncture sessions to keep your wood element in balance and help you feel as alive and proud as that little dandelion that burst through the concrete to smile at the sun!

Migraines are ranked the 3rd most common disease in the world, affecting at least 12 % of the world’s population. If you don’t suffer from them, then you most likely know someone who does. As too many of us know from experience, they are periodic painful attacks on one or both sides of the head with various accompanying symptoms such as nausea, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Women are 3 times more likely to suffer from them most likely due to hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle and menopause.

Migraines are also the leading cause of days lost due to disability in the world among people under 50 years old. Let alone the economic cost to US employers (estimated at 19.3 billion ), this debilitating condition steals a significant amount of the victim’s time. Migraine attacks can last up to 3 days with a couple more days on either end with the pre-migraine symptoms (thirst, fatigue, neck stiffness, especially on one side) and the post migraine ‘hangover’. For most sufferers these episodes can happen 2 to 4 times a month!

Conventional treatments include pain relievers, triptans (these affect the serotonin receptors thought to be involved in migraine episodes), anti-nausea medications, and preventative measures such as botox injections, other medications, and even surgery. Triptans are the most commonly used drug for migraines and, according to a study, offer migraine relief within 2 hours of attack in 42 to 76% of patients. Triptans are contraindicated in cardiovascular disease, breastfeeding moms, and anyone under 18. There is also the risk of drug dependency. When it comes to prevention, between 17 and 29 percent of patients discontinue preventative medication because of adverse side effects such as anxiety, vomiting, and weakness.

This is where acupuncture steps in, with no major contraindications or side effects. It also boasts notable effectiveness for a condition desperately in need of more effective treatments. According to a Cochrane review of about 20 studies, it was found that acupuncture is at least as effective as prophylactic drug therapy for migraine and it is safe, long-lasting, and cost-effective. Other studies in the review have shown acupuncture to be even more effective than topiramate and flunarizine (common standard medications). With acupuncture, migraine frequency was reduced by 50% or more in up to 59% of the individuals tested. Also, it was noted that 50% of those visiting an acupuncturist reduced their reliance on painkillers.

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory which describes energetic pathways throughout the body that can be rebalanced through strategic application of fine needles at various points on the body. Unchecked imbalances can result in organ pathologies and pain. Studies looking to explain acupuncture’s effect on the body from a biomedical perspective have documented effects on parts of the nervous system that control cardiovascular and digestive functions, as well as changes in levels of certain neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and dopamine), hormones (like luteinizing hormone) and the release of endorphins (our natural painkillers). Research was also done using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to specifically investigate acupuncture’s effect on the nervous system in the treatment of migraines. Results suggested the possible involvement of recovery of neuronal mitochondrial function of the pain pathway.

In addition to acupuncture, TCM offers other modalities that can help in the treatment and prevention of migraines, such as cupping, gua sha and tui na (manual therapies), moxibustion (the burning of mugwort along points and channels), herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance. While many of those who deal with painful and disabling migraine attacks will need some conventional therapies, acupuncture and the system of medicine it belongs to can offer much needed support and improved outcomes. 

If you or someone you know suffers from migraines, don’t hesitate to see what acupuncture can do to help! Call today!

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31563224/

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/why-women-have-more-headaches-than-men

https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-021-01243-5

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33315334/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26178694/

https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/migraine-prevention/research-protocol

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3291665/