Acupuncture Pain Killing Mystery Revealed

Researchers have discovered that acupuncture causes a special biochemical reaction that reduces inflammation and muscle pain. The study, published in Molecular Neurobiology, investigated the effects of needling one acupuncture point on the leg. The research team measured a remarkable effect. Acupuncture point SP6, Sanyinjiao, is depicted in this image. Manual acupuncture stimulation downregulated M1 macrophages (pro-inflammatory cells) and upregulated M2 macrophages (anti-inflammatory cells). As a result, acupuncture reduced pain and swelling.

Tony Burris, L.Ac., of Eagle Acupuncture, is a pain-relief specialist.

This neurobiological acupuncture continuing education study solves a great mystery, how does acupuncture work? The secret is in the biochemistry. M2 macrophages are an important source of IL-10 (interleukin-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in immune responses. Cytokines are proteins released by cells that regulate reactions between cells. Manual acupuncture successfully downregulates M1 macrophages and upregulates M2 macrophages thereby promoting the release of greater IL-10 concentrations. As a result of IL-10 release, pain and inflammation significantly reduce.

This study measured responses in muscle tissues and confirmed that M1 to M2 macrophage phenotype switching is triggered by acupuncture stimulation. Acupuncture literally flips a switch wherein initial inflammatory responses are reduced and the secondary healing responses are promoted. M1 macrophage downregulation and M2 macrophage upregulation triggered by acupuncture was positively associated with reductions in muscle pain and inflammation.

 The researchers tested the biochemical process by adding an IL-10 blocking agent in the laboratory experiment. When IL-10 was chemically blocked, acupuncture did not reduce pain and swelling. However, when no blocking agent was applied, acupuncture successfully reduced both pain and swelling. The M2 macrophage upregulation by manual acupuncture successfully created a greater source of IL-10. The researchers note, “These findings provide new evidence that MA (manual acupuncture) produces a phenotypic switch in macrophages and increases IL-10 concentrations in muscle to reduce pain and inflammation.”

Macrophages are required by the body to resolve muscle injury. During injury, M1 macrophages are produced and release inflammatory biochemicals including pro-inflammatory cytokines. M2 macrophages have anti-inflammatory properties and promote the release of interleukin-10. An injury process features an initial inflammatory stage wherein M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages are upregulated. A secondary recovery phase wherein M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages are upregulated helps to promote healing and repair. Manual acupuncture successfully triggered the phenotype switch wherein the M1 macrophages were downregulated and M1 macrophages were upregulated thereby allowing increased IL-10, reductions in pain and decreased swelling.

Acupuncture continuing education in the form of basic research and clinical medicine has helped to measure positive patient outcomes and the biochemical mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its beneficial medical effects. This latest study helps to unlock one of the greatest secrets of acupuncture, how does it stop pain? Now, scientists can quantifiably measure specific biochemical processes triggered by acupuncture and the resultant positive health outcomes. Getting To The Point The acupuncture point tested in this investigation was SP6 (Sanyinjiao, Three Yin Intersection). SP6 is located 3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, SP6 strengthens the spleen, transforms dampness, spreads liver qi and benefits the kidneys. SP6 indicated for the treatment of abdominal pain & distention, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, sterility, difficult or delayed labor, nocturnal emissions, enuresis, dysuria, lower limb atrophy or motor impairment, lower limb hemiplegia, vertigo due to blood deficiency and insomnia. SP6 is the meeting point of the three lower yin meridians: spleen, liver and kidney. A globe and DNA are represented here.


References: da Silva, Morgana D., Franciane Bobinski, Karina L. Sato, Sandra J. Kolker, Kathleen A. Sluka, and Adair RS Santos. "IL-10 Cytokine Released from M2 Macrophages Is Crucial for Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture in a Model of Inflammatory Muscle Pain." Molecular Neurobiology (2014): 1-13. Rafael Torres-Rosas, Ghassan Yehia, Geber Peña, Priya Mishra, Maria del Rocio Thompson-Bonilla, Mario Adán Moreno-Eutimio, Lourdes Andrea Arriaga-Pizano, Armando Isibasi, Luis Ulloa. Dopamine mediates vagal modulation of the immune system by electroacupuncture. Nature Medicine, 2014; DOI: 10.1038/nm.3479. Wang, Ying, Rebekka Gehringer, Shaaban A. Mousa, Dagmar Hackel, Alexander Brack, and Heike L. Rittner. "CXCL10 Controls Inflammatory Pain via Opioid Peptide-Containing Macrophages in Electroacupuncture." PloS one 9, no. 4 (2014): e94696. See more at Eagle Acupuncture's website!

Acupuncture Improves Head Trauma Recovery

New research finds acupuncture effective for regenerating brain tissue and restoring motor and cognitive function after a severe head trauma. An investigative team at the Rehabilitation Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University (Shaanxi) compared acupuncture combined with standard care with a control group receiving only standard medical interventions. The addition of acupuncture therapy to the conventional regime of care significantly reduced complications and improved the survival rate. The acupuncture group significantly outperformed the control group in all scales and indices. Acupoints of the head are depicted in this model. Notably, the acupuncture group demonstrated superior clinical outcomes including better mobility, cognitive function and improved functions of daily activities and living.

Tony Burris, L.Ac. treats head trauma in many types of athletes.

 Severe head traumas cause diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in approximately half of all cases. This investigation focused on patients having had severe head traumas causing DAI. This type of injury is different than a blow to one area of the brain. It occurs throughout a wider area and is caused by the brain moving in the skull. This type of shaking of the brain occurs in sports injuries, automobile accidents, falls and shaken baby syndrome. The latter is a form of child abuse. As a result of the trauma, inflammation and damage to the brain ensues and many patients slip into a coma and do not revive.

 This study compared 60 diffuse axonal injury patients that were divided into two groups. The control group received standard biomedical interventions including hydration & bleeding controls, anti-inflammatory medications, resuscitation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Other treatments provided to the control group were standard protocols for the treatment of respiratory and urinary disorders including infections and the treatment of ulcers. The acupuncture group received standard biomedical care plus acupuncture. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles of treatment included tonifying the kidneys, unblocking the yang and regulating qi. The researchers note that the success of the acupuncture therapy improved significantly when applied early as an intervention measure. In addition, acupuncture performed especially well for patients for resuscitation and in the recovery phase.

The researchers applied acupuncture to the Chong, Ren and Du acupuncture channels as the primary areas. Long courses of treatment were required and individual indications were treated on a case by case basis. Treatments focused on resuscitation, restoring movement after paralysis, relieving muscle tension, improving language skills, regulating salivation, relieving urinary and fecal incontinence, promoting eating, etc.

The researchers compared the data between the acupuncture and control groups ​24 hours before the treatment began and upon the completion of six courses of care. There was no significant difference in Fugl-Meyer Assessment, LOTCA Assessment, and Barthel Index prior to treatments. An ambulance in Hong Kong is depicted. After six courses of treatment, the control group showed some improvements according to above scales. Patients in the acupuncture group significantly outperformed those in the control group in all scales and indices mentioned above. Based on the clinical outcome, the researchers conclude that acupuncture combined with rehabilitation can significantly improve DAI patients’ mobility, cognitive competence and other functions in everyday life. Prior research was the impetus for this investigation.

Other studies demonstrated the ability of acupuncture to regulate cerebral blood flow and cell apoptosis, improve electrophysiological brain activity, improve cognitive function and protect tissues from free radical damage. Prior research demonstrated that acupuncture helped reduce edema of the brain (cephaledema) and promoted expression of GAP43 and PCNA in the brain. Also, acupuncture was shown to reduce infarct sizes due to cerebral ischemia. This and other clinical and basic research prompted the investigators to conduct this study. The findings demonstrate that a rigorous regime of acupuncture care is appropriate for patients with DAI and that the intervention should start in the early stages of illness to achieve the best possible clinical outcome.

 Reference: Deng, Jingyuan, Xiaodong Sheng, Zhonghua Wang, et al. “Efficacy of acupuncture combined with comprehensive rehabilitation on cerebral diffuse axonal injury.” Chinese Journal of Gerontology 33.20 (2013): 4972-4973. - See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1335-acupuncture-improves-head-trauma-recovery-new-research#sthash.Pnkjns1D.dpuf

Acupuncture Reduces Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain - New Study

New research finds acupuncture effective for the treatment of a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis known as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Ankylosing spondylitis can be relieved with acupuncture. This disorder of the spinal vertebrae and other regions causes decreased flexibility and may deform patients into a hunched forward position. AS patients may lose the ability to raise the head upwards to a level position.

Ankylosing spondylitis commonly affects the spinal joints, pelvis, sacroiliac joints, eyes and intestines. In severe cases, AS causes fusion of the anterior aspect of the spinal vertebre. Ligaments and tendons are also affected and tendonitis may occur. Biomedical theories suggest that ankylosing spondylitis is both genetic and related to autoimmune dysfunction.

The new research finds that acupuncture needles applied to the Governing Vessel (Du Meridian) combined with moxibustion therapy significantly reduce pain levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients. The Governing Vessel is an acupuncture channel that traverses four main regions of the body. It originates in the perineum and ascends along the spine until it reaches the neck. Next, it enters the brain and ascends to the top of the head. It then follows the midline of the forehead across the bridge of the nose and terminates at the upper lip. A second pathway originates at the pelvic region. It traverses the genitals, coccyx bone and gluteal region before returning to the spinal column. Another pathway connects with the inner canthus of the eyes before ascending across the forehead to the top of the head. This third pathway of the Governing Vessel then enters the brain and reemerges at the neck. It then descends along opposite sides of the spinal column to the waist. The fourth pathway of the Governing Vessel originates at the lower abdomen and then ascends across the navel, heart and trachea. It then encircles the mouth and terminates below the eye.

The research was highly focused and only studied patients who had both the biomedical diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differential diagnosis of Kidney Yang deficiency. This type of deficiency is a syndrome within the TCM system characterized by weakness and pain of the lumbar region, loosening of the teeth, hair loss, impotence, low libido, buckling of the knees, tinnitus and hearing loss. This is accompanied by general Yang deficiency symptoms such as low energy, pallor and a general feeling of coldness throughout the body. The Governing Vessel was chosen as the focal point of the treatment strategy for its location in the spinal region and its classical indications for the treatment of spinal disorders. The researchers noted that Governing Vessel moxibustion significantly relieves ankylosing spondylitis related pain, however, the combination of acupuncture with moxibustion is markedly more effective than moxibustion as a standalone treatment modality.

 References: Yang, Jiguo, and Guoqin Lin. CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF DU MERIDIAN MOXIBUSTION COMBINED WITH ACUPUNCTURE IN RELIEVING PAIN OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture. v22, 1, Jan - Mar 2013, p18-21. Yang, J.G. Clinical study of the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis induced by spleen and stomach deficiency by governor-vessel and umbilical moxibustion. Journal of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2010, v34, 3, p219–220. - See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/812-ankylosingdugv#sthash.rIPn4QME.dpuf

Traditional Chinese Medicine Topical for Acne

External pastes for the treatment of acne complement internal herbal medicine and acupuncture. A great external paste for the treatment of acne is comprised of Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis) mixed with either fresh bitter melon or cucumber juice. This is a handy external paste that has been presented in HealthCMi dietetics and dermatology webinars and online courses for acupuncture CEU & PDA continuing education credit.

Qing Dai enters the Lung, Liver and Stomach channels. Qing Dai clears heat and toxins, cools the blood and stops bleeding. Order Qing Dai in the powdered raw herb form. It is best to avoid raw herbs that have been processed with sulfur and phosphates, please check with your supplier. If a patient tries to make a paste from Qing Dai with boiling water, the Qing Dai will repel the water. A concerted effort of whisking does make this possible but the process is slightly tedious. The use of bitter melon or cucumber juice makes the mixing process much easier for the patient.

Have the patient squeeze the bitter melon or cucumber to produce a small amount of juice to help mix the Qing Dai powder into a paste. Bitter melon is significantly more clinically effective, however, cucumber is more available and its ability to clear Lung and Stomach heat works well with Qing Dai. The patient takes the paste and generously applies it to the areas where the acne is located. It is best to leave the paste on the affected regions for at least twenty minutes but longer periods are preferred. Next, the patient carefully washes off the paste. It is best to repeat this process everyday until the acne resolves.

Inform the patient that Qing Dai imparts a temporary green color to the skin, which is not permanent. The patient should be prepared to wash thoroughly in order to remove all of the green coloring. In addition, the patient needs to know that Qing Dai stains clothing and that it is often best to wear an old shirt when applying the paste. To learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine dietetics and the treatment of acne, visit the blog item on that topic.

- See more at Eagle Acupuncture's website!

The Health Benefits of Ginseng (Interview with Tony Burris, L.Ac)

The English word "ginseng" is derived from the Chinese term rénshen. Rén, which means man, and shen, meaning root, refers to the root's forked shape, which resembles the legs of a man. Other names were also given to ginseng such as magical herb, divine root and root of life.

There are many kinds of ginseng, says Tony Burris L.Ac., herbal expert

The relationship between ginseng and man dates back some 5,000 years when it was first discovered in the mountains of Manchuria, China. The root quickly became revered for its health- and life-giving properties. Its human shape became a powerful symbol of divine harmony on Earth. From this, the idea that it treats human conditions sprung forth.

There are many types of ginseng: Korean, Chinese, American and Siberian, according to Tony Burris, a licensed acupuncturist and traditional Chinese sports medicine practitioner at Eagle Acupuncture in Eagle, Idaho. "Actually, Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng at all," he says. "The type I prescribe most is the Chinese ginseng (Radix ginseng)."

For athletes, this herb helps promotes respiratory function and it also fosters fluid production in the body, which keeps the body hydrated and reduces thirst. It also improves cognitive function and reduces fatigue.

"This can be a very helpful herb in cases of overtraining," Burris says. "I prefer to prescribe this in a tincture form, with a standardized amount of the active components, ginsenosides at 25 milligrams daily."

American ginseng is different. Radix panacis quinquefolii has a sedative effect of the central nervous system and is milder than Chinese ginseng. Burris uses this as part of a recovery regimen at the conclusion of a sports season, meet or league schedule. He prefers to prescribe it in tincture form.

Ginseng in Chinese medicine

From a Chinese medicine perspective, ginseng is slightly bitter, warm and goes to the "lung and spleen channels." It was used more often for very weak patients as it is considered one of the strongest qi (life force) tonics in the pharmacopeia, says Dr. Phranque Wright, doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine and official acupuncturist for the Chicago Outfit Roller Derby League.

It tonifies base qi — meaning it helps strengthen a body in very weak condition. It especially strengthens the lung and spleen. It also helps the body generate needed fluids.

Ginseng can help a variety of general weakness conditions, which is why people think of it as an energy enhancer, but it should not be taken as an energy enhancer if someone is already in good shape without also being sure to get adequate nutrition and proper rest.

Ginseng should not be taken long term but rather only for a few weeks to three months to curb the chance of side effects.

It is prescribed as a general health tonic, because it's thought to improve immunity or build people back up after a long illness or surgery, and in certain cases for asthma, erectile dysfunction and/or fertility challenges. "Dosage varies with the condition of the patient; I recommend from 1 to 9 g, but the most common dose is somewhere in the middle," says Martha Lucas, Ph.D. L.Ac of Lucas Acupuncture in Colorado.

"Ginseng may also be effective for decreasing anxiety in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Herbal formulas that contain ginseng may relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression," says Trudy Scott, author of "The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help you Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings."

Several studies have also shown that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, and there is some early evidence that ginseng might moderately improve concentration and cognitive function, especially combined with gingko biloba, another herb used in improving memory.

Dosing

Ginseng comes in a variety of forms, including capsules, soft gels, powder, extracts, tinctures and creams. When choosing a ginseng supplement, look for one that has at least 7 percent ginsenosides and is made by a reputable company. There is no standard dose for each condition, so it's recommended you work with a practitioner familiar with herbal treatments, and specifically ginseng, to find the right dose and delivery method for your needs.

Side effects

Side effects are generally mild but can include insomnia, headaches, dizziness and upset stomach. Ginseng is not recommended for children, pregnant and breast-feeding women as well as people who have high blood pressure, take diabetes medications, blood-thinning drugs or antidepressants. Talk to your doctor before taking ginseng for any health problem or enhancement.

Read more: http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/the-health-benefits-of-ginseng#ixzz34vie8YAy

Acupuncture Increases Ovulation Frequency and Regulates Hormone Levels in Women with PCOS

New research reveals that acupuncture increases ovulation frequency and regulates hormone levels in women with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome. The researchers also discovered that acupuncture helps to downregulate testosterone and other masculinizing hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone in women with PCOS.

Kristen Burris, L.Ac., Acupuncture Fertility Expert

Excess amounts of male hormones are responsible for hirsutism, acne, insulin resistance and infertility in women with PCOS. Acupuncture was proven to successfully regulate endogenous sex steroids in the ovaries and in the blood. Acupuncture has a balancing effect. This new research demonstrates a homeostatic effect of acupuncture on hormones given that multiple studies on males suffering from low testosterone levels show that mens’ testosterone levels increase with the use of tonic acupuncture techniques and electroacupuncture. Further, these studies show that acupuncture enhances male fertility.

The ability of acupuncture to downregulate testosterone in women and upregulate testosterone in men demonstrates a homeostatic selective response to pathology by acupuncture stimulation on the endocrine system. The new study was conducted by the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology and was published in the American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism. It took over a year of careful investigation. The researchers discovered remarkable changes in sex steroids, hormones, inhibin B and serum cortisol. Acupuncture successfully downregulated these secretions to healthier levels. At the same time, ovulation frequency increased significantly in the acupuncture group compared with the control group in this randomized investigation.

Infertility and subfertility are common in women with PCOS. This is often due to anovulation, a condition in which the ovaries do not release an oocyte and ovulation does not occur. This study definitively proves that acupuncture is an important method to help increase ovulation in women with PCOS. The researchers note that they were motivated to conduct this investigation based on the findings of prior research showing that acupuncture improves menstrual frequency and decreases testosterone levels in women with PCOS. The goal of this new study was to measure the effects of acupuncture on ovulation and the mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its effects. The researchers measured that acupuncture beneficially regulates ovarian and adrenal sex steroids in women with PCOS.

PCOS is a common female endocrine disorder. Irregular menstruation and infertility due to the lack of ovulation are often present. Metabolic syndrome is also prevalent in many women with PCOS. This often results in obesity associated with insulin resistance and elevated serum insulin levels. Excessive body hair and acne are common and are due to elevated androgen and testosterone levels. The results of this study show that acupuncture may be helpful in controlling the symptoms of PCOS due to its regulatory function on the endocrine system. References: Johansson, Julia, et al.

"Acupuncture for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial." American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology And Metabolism (2013). Liming, Tang. "The Influence of Acupuncture on Serum Sexual Hormones of Male Coronary Heart Disease." China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy 1 (1994): 024. YIN, Gai-zhen, Kai-zheng JIANG, and Li-juan YANG. "Affection of the serum testosterone by acupuncture to rats depending on heroin." Journal of Xinjiang Medical University 1 (2010): 014. Pei, Jian, et al. "Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility." Fertility and sterility 84.1 (2005): 141-147. Fischl, F., et al. "Modification of semen quality by acupuncture in subfertile males." Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde 44.8 (1984): 510.

Kim Kardashian, 1 of 10 Celebrity Acupuncture Fans

 1) Jennifer Aniston -Has made many headlines, and a couple of them have involved Chinese Medicine. She is reportedly a fan of both acupuncture and cupping.

2) Matt Damon - A few years back, after Matt was spotted with ear needles, his rep admitted that, “Matt had a terrible spasm in his neck/back and he had to have acupuncture, those are acupuncture needles in his ear.”

3) Kim Kardashian - now mother to a beautiful child, and with a husband to be, Kanye West, she’s also getting acupuncture treatments and posted this picture of herself with needles to instagram.

4) Celine Dion - Used acupuncture during her sixth IVF cycle and finally conceived.

5) Robert Downey Jr. - Not only does he get acupuncture but he even won an award in 2012 for his support of Chinese Medicine. 

6) Penelope Cruz - In 2013, the actress was stunning at the premiere of her movie “Venuto Al Mondo”in Madrid. Along with her jewels she wore gold acupuncture beads in her ear.

7) Sandra Bullock - In 2002, Sandra Bullock told the BBC that acupuncture is a required perk for her to have on set.

8) Mariah Carey - Used acupuncture during fertility treatments. Carey said the regular treatment helped her battle stress, and she’s sure it helped her to get pregnant as well.

9) Natalie Portman - In 2011, the actress told Marie Claire magazine that she used acupuncture to cut down on stress while she was pregnant.

10) Stephen Collins - This actor strongly endorses acupuncture and tweets about his love of receiving treatment. A couple of his tweets are below (his grammar, not mine).
3/31/11 “About to have #acupuncture, which I LOVE.”
4/7/11  “Just finished meditating. about to have #acupuncture, which I love.” 

Jennifer Dubowsky, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in downtown Chicago, Illinois, since 2002. Dubowsky earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from University of Illinois in Chicago and her Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado. During her studies, she completed an internship at the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China. Dubowsky has researched and written articles on Chinese medicine and has given talks on the topic. She maintains a popular blog about health and Chinese medicine at Acupuncture Blog Chicago. Adventures in Chinese Medicine is her first book.

New MRI Finding - Laser Acupuncture is an Antidepressant

A new investigation of laser acupuncture for the treatment of depression demonstrates important MRI results. Researchers compared the effects of laser acupuncture, a type of acupuncture using laser light instead of needles, between healthy and depressed individuals.

Tony Burris, L.Ac. performs lasre acupuncture on a patient.

The investigators discovered that laser acupuncture was able to stimulate areas of the brain necessary for the treatment of depression in the patients suffering from depression. Laser acupuncture helps treat patients with depression.

Acupuncture points for the treatment of depression were chosen for the study. In an interesting twist, the healthy individuals did not react to the laser acupuncture stimulation in the same way as the depressed patients. MRI findings show that healthy individuals receiving identical laser acupuncture stimulation show greater stimulation of the anterior DMN and depressed patients showed a greater modulatory effect on the posterior DMN. The posterior DMN, default mode network, is an area of the brain that has connectivity issues to other areas of the brain in depressed patients. Issues involving the posterior DMN occur during major depression and are involved in negative reflections and ruminations. The laser acupuncture treatment for depression targeted modulation of this region in depressed individuals. In healthy patients, the laser acupuncture activation primarily occurred in the anterior DMN. The anterior DMN activity is associated with self-reflection and a healthy self-esteem.

The researchers suggest that selective modulation of the posterior DMN by laser acupuncture in depressed individuals demonstrates that laser acupuncture engages an antidepressant effect on the brain. Brain Psychiatry The DMN network of the brain engages when the mind is at rest and/or performing non-task oriented internal operations. DMN activation occurs during daydreaming, envisioning the future, memory retrieval and evaluation of perspectives. These are task-negative brain functions as opposed to reading a newspaper are any other function wherein the brain is attempting to complete a specific task. The resting brain state and its close relationship to DMN activation is associated with mental well-being. The DMN activation of the brain at rest coalesces a sense of wholeness within an individual and allows for greater concentration when the brain returns to task specific states. This study shows that acupuncture exhibits a modulatory response on the DMN thereby assisting the brain of depressed patients. Acupuncture Shop Talk The researchers stimulated acupuncture points LR14, LR8, CV14 and HT7 while recording responses in the brain with a whole brain MRI scanner. LR14 was chosen because it is an Alarm Point of the Liver channel and therefore activates the therapeutic effects rapidly. The researchers noted that LR8 was chosen because it is a Water Point of the Liver channel and it is useful in the treatment of Liver Fire, headaches and pain. CV14 was chosen because it is the Alarm Point of the Heart channel, which is associated with the treatment of emotional issues. The researchers also noted that CV14 specifically treats gastrointestinal disorders caused by depression. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, CV14 benefits the Heart, stops pain, unblocks the chest, calms the spirit and harmonizes the Stomach. The researchers note that the choice of HT7 was chosen for its calming, sedating qualities. According the Traditional Chinese Medicine, HT7 is a Shu Stream point, a Source point and Earth point. Its main functions are to calm the spirit and to regulate the Heart.

Texas Rangers Pitcher Yu Darvish Using Acupuncture

Texas goes with acupuncture to get pitcher Yu Darvish back in the Rangers lineup. Scratched from baseball due to neck pain and stiffness, Darvish used acupuncture to get back on the mound. Recent research sheds a little light on why acupuncture is so popular amoung professional athletes. 

A study of 60 patients with cervical spondylosis responded with a 98.3% total effective rate as a result of acupuncture treatment. Electroacupuncture was applied to the neck of each patient at the Hua Tou Jia Ji acupoints using continuous wave stimulation. A total of 43 of the 60 patients were completely cured. Another 16 patients demonstrated significant improvement. There was one patient that did not respond to care. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture is effective for the treatment of cervical spondylosis and is both “reliable” and “worthy of promotion.”

Acupuncture has been found to improve muscle mass. Research demonstrates that acupuncture “recovered the skeletal muscle mass” and “ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy by reducing mRNA expressions of the E3 ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1 and MuRF1.” Acupuncture also “increased the mRNA expressions of Akt1 and TRPV4.” Researchers note that the ability of acupuncture to prevent muscle degradation may “be due to an increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in protein degradation.”

Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish is following a time honored sports tradition and is staying ahead of the competition by using the most appropriate medicine possible to keep his arm in shape. He is not the only pitcher to get the acupuncture advantage. A.J. Burnett waited to sign with the New York Yankees until they agreed to hire a team acupuncturist. Burnett knows how to protect an investment - his arm!

San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy Johnson had one of the longest baseball careers in history and received acupuncture from the team acupuncturist. Morten Anderson, former field goal kicker for the Atlanta Falcons, received two acupuncture treatments per week as part of his ongoing healthcare program. He retired from professional football at age 48 as the NFL’s leading scorer. How many people can last that long in the NFL? Acupuncture helped to maintain the integrity of his priceless foot. He lasted such a long time in the NFL that teammates would joke that he saw a movie that reminded him of the way things were growing up in his childhood days - Jurassic Park.

Gymnast Nastia Liukin took home a gymnastics women’s all-around Olympic gold medal after using acupuncture for the treatment of an ankle injury. Other athletes using acupuncture during their professional careers include: Joe Montana, Michael Strahan, Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, Vladimir Radmonovic, Fred Couples, Gary Player, Kevin Johnson, Steve Nash, Charles Barkley, Hot Rod Williams, Jeff Hornacek and Grant Hill.

Tony Burris, L.Ac.,  is an 18-year practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is an expert in safe and effective acupuncture therapy and herbal remedies. He is the only practitioner in the United States that offers a “Painless Acupuncture- Or Your Money Back!” Guarantee. Tony helps frustrated and injured athletes and chronic pain sufferers discover a unique therapy system that often provides long-lasting or even permanent pain relief. His patients include members of the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Tony also treats members of the Seattle Mariners, Olympic medalists, mixed martial artists and NCAA competitors. 

References:

India Song-Jie. "Analysis acupuncture shoulder and neck muscles to treating the starting and ending point." Clinical research 6 (2014).

Li. "Vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis clinical observation 60 cases electro-acupuncture treatment." TCM Clinical Research 7 (2014).

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Volume 410, Issue 3, 8 July 2011, Pages 434–439. Acupuncture ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy induced by hindlimb suspension in mice. A. Ondaa, Q. Jiaob, Y. Naganoc, T. Akimotod, T, Miyamotoe, S. Minamisawab, T. Fukubayashia.

- See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1319-texas-rangers-back-with-acupuncture#sthash.FGJGFUMY.dpuf