NEUROPATHY TREATMENT FOR FOOT NERVE PAIN

Neuropathy is defined as a functional disturbance or pathological change in the peripheral nervous system.¹  Symptoms of neuropathy include sensory loss, muscle weakness and atrophy, and pain. Etiologies of neuropathy include trauma, infection by micro-organisms, drugs, nutritional deficiency, metabolic disorders, malignancy, and unknown causes.²

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy reports that 40 million Americans struggle daily with peripheral neuropathy. Initial symptoms typically involve numbness in the feet or hands and may affect other parts of the body such as internal organs. Over time the person can experience sensations of burning, freezing, throbbing or even shooting pain that’s often worse at night. According to the Foundation, the pain can be either constant or periodic, but usually the pain is felt equally on both sides of the body — in both hands or in both feet.³

CAUSES OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes and about 30 to 40 percent of people who undergoing chemotherapy develop painful neuropathy⁶ with limited if any effects from conventional treatments including Lyrica (anti-seizure medication), Cymbalta (antidepressant), and other drugs such as opioids. Stress, alcohol abuse, inflammatory response, carpel tunnel syndrome, autoimmune diseases and certain vitamins deficiencies can cause or contribute to the condition.

For most people, neuropathy can hinder daily quality of life, preventing activity and exercise, a good night sleep, and a pain-free existence. Small nerve-fiber burning is extremely painful, and sometimes it can feel like your feet are on fire all the time. Numbness also can result in foot injuries the person may not be aware of due to lack of feeling. This may result in ulceration that’s hard to treat, sometimes leading to amputations. You may feel the conventional therapy is not helping with pain that’s there every day.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes associated with significant morbidity and mortality⁴

• Risk factor for ulcers and amputations⁵
• Impairs quality of life⁴

ACUPUNCTURE FOR NERVE PAIN IN FEET AND LEGS

Treatment of pain is a sophisticated balance of art and science. Proper treatment of pain requires a careful evaluation of the type of disharmony (excess or deficiency, cold or heat, exterior or interior), characteristics (qi and/or blood stagnations), and locations (upper body, lower body, extremities, or internal organs). Furthermore, optimal treatment requires integrative use of herbs, acupuncture, Tui-Na, and chiropractic care. All these therapies work together to tonify the underlying deficiencies, strengthen the body, and facilitate recovery from chronic pain.

It is essential to identify and eliminate the cause(s) of neuropathic pain.  Without elimination of the offending agent, treatment will offer only symptomatic relief.

Due to the wide range of causes, treatment varies. Our acupuncture clinic focuses on relieving symptoms of neuropathy (pain, numbness and tingling) and the causes. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) target both the symptom and the cause of pain, and as such, often achieves immediate and long-term success. Furthermore, TCM pain management is often associated with few or no side effects.

NUTRITION RECOMMENDATION FOR NEUROPATHY

Nutritional balance is essential in the treatment and prevention of neuropathy. It is important to make sure that there is adequate intake of various nutrients in a well-balanced diet. If necessary, supplement the diet with vitamins and minerals. Increase the intake of foods that contain thiamine (vitamin B1), such as green vegetables, vitamin 12, and alpha-lipoic acid to maintain nerve health. Do not consume white sugar and white-flour products, as they deplete the body of B vitamins.

Neuropathy due to metabolic disorders, such as diabetic neuropathy, must be identified, and the root cause treated accordingly. Blood glucose levels must be monitored to ensure that the patient’s levels stay within acceptable range.

Lifestyle Recommendation

• Tight control over blood glucose levels is essential in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Diet, exercise, and herbal treatment will be extremely beneficial in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic agents or intake of harmful drugs.
• Application of hot wraps for half an hour is also effective to relieve pain.

REFERENCES:

1. Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary 28th Edition. W.B. Saunders Company, 1994
2. Berkow, R. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy 16th Edition. 1992
3. Foundationforpn.org
4. Vinik AI, et.al. Diabetologia 2000;43: 957-973
5. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2004;S1:15-35
6. ninds.nih.gov

Acupuncture For Weight Loss

If you struggle with your weight, you’re not alone. 

In fact, more than 30% of all U.S. adults meet the criteria for being obese.¹

Americans spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, but obesity is still on the rise. Most of us have tried diets like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, South Beach, Atkins, and many more. People are even turning to surgery as a weight loss option. This is a drastic measure and can cause unwanted side effects. The truth is that there is no one-size fits-all approach.

YoYo Dieting

Studies say 95% regain ALL their weight or more within one year. The problem with many diets and diet drugs is that both approaches attempt to eliminate excess weight quickly by treating SYMPTOMs only.  They don’t reach the ROOT of the problem, so results are not long lasting and may even be damaging.

Unfortunately, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The good news is that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk, and it’s never too late to get started. People seeking to address their weight concerns are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss.

One of the tools to assess weight and health risk is Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. BMI is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. It is calculated from your height and weight. BMI is an estimate of body fat and a good gauge of your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat.

A Variety of Reasons:

Acupuncture works to control weight on various levels.

Release Endorphins – With diet changes, many people experience cravings, which can lead to binge eating. Cravings in the body are often due to a lack of endorphins. Acupuncture can help to balance out the cravings by helping the body to release endorphins.

Reduce Stress – An increase in the “stress hormone” cortisol can alter the metabolism. Through the release of endorphins, the “stress hormone” can also be neutralized.

Support Digestion – Acupuncture can support the body to generate an efficient digestive process.

Oriental Medicine Approach to Control Obesity

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. According to TCM, the reasons why people gain weight, or find it difficult to lose weight, are numerous. Your acupuncturist at Golden Acupuncture & Chiropractic is well versed in uncovering the root cause(s) or imbalances that have affected your weight.

Your Fairfax acupuncture clinic will also take into consideration other factors that may have led to weight gain, including your lifestyle, and emotional and mental well-being. By taking your whole self into account, you and your acupuncturist can get to the root of your health concerns, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Let Food Be Your Medicine

Following the philosophy of bringing the body into balance, foods are used as another tool to enhance wellness while individual differences are taken into account. Eating specially selected foods that compliment your Five Element body type can help you lose weight by eating them, not avoiding them. Salads may Not be right for everyone.

What Will My Acupuncturist Do?

During your first visit, your acupuncturist will take an extensive health history and perform various exams. At the completion of your first visit, your Fairfax acupuncturist will provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and an explanation of your treatment plan. Your treatments will focus on correcting any underlying imbalances in your body, and will also help to support you in reaching your weight loss goals.

Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. For example, restoring balance to the flow of Qi in the Stomach can help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be addressed by balancing the Liver.

Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbal therapy in order to maximize results.

A partnership for better health

Through Our Program You Can Expect To

• Increase your energy while you shed unwanted pounds
• Easily control your appetite and cravings
• Experience weight loss safely and effectively
• Lose fat, not your muscles
• Reach your ideal weight goal with ease
• Avoid yo-yo dieting effect and enjoy long term weight loss

It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick fix.” By working with your acupuncturist, and committing to long-term goals, you will experience positive changes in your overall health, including maintaining a healthy body weight.

In addition to acupuncture treatments, your practitioner may also recommend other lifestyle changes. Whether you want to lose a few pounds or a significant amount, people are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss. By working together with your practitioner, you can help your body regain its natural balance—and start taking steps toward true health and vitality.

Ready To Start Reaching Your Weight Loss Goals?

To learn more about our Weight Loss Program and how it can help you look and feel healthier, call our office.

Sources:
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity
U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Encyclopedia, Article – Obesity. 4/19/2004.
Komada, J., Article – Acupuncture for Weight Loss, 2003.
Pitchford, P., Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, 1993.

Stress is a natural response of the body to the various demands we place upon it. In ancient times, our stress response, also known as our fight or flight response, provided us with energy to preserve life during difficult situations, such as an attack or threat by a wild animal. Unfortunately, modern day stress is considerably higher, more frequent and more consistent than what our predecessors experienced. Today, we do not have to look much further than our windows, or computer screens, to view various forms of stressors—everything from prime-time news and road rage, to the forty-hour work week, terrorism talk and cell phones.

However, stress is not necessarily always negative. There is a distinction between healthy and unhealthy stress. Healthy stressors are usually short lived and keep us alert and motivated, and support our body’s strength and vitality.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Our response to stress can either help or hinder our body’s ability to cope with these various stressors in our lives. Healthy responses to stress include appropriate physical exercise, good eating habits, positive thinking, adequate rest, and reaching out to friends and family for support. Unhealthy responses to stress include negative thinking, overexertion, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and isolation. These unhealthy responses can cause the body to work harder than it needs to and can trigger physical and mental health issues. Over time, ongoing stress and unhealthy responses to stress can actually be detrimental to our health.

Medical studies have shown that with increased and consistent stress, our white blood cells which defend our body against viruses decrease. This results in lower immune resistance, ultimately leading to physical disease and emotional instability.

Even if the stressors are no longer present, the body continues to keep the stress response active. This results in the depletion of our nervous system, lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes), kidneys and adrenal glands, which can pave the way for a wide variety of symptoms and signs.

THERE IS HOPE

Our Acupuncturist Dr. Kim has been helping people cope with stress. The ancient theories of TCM on how stress affects the organs are similar to those of Western medicine. However, TCM theory and treatment go far beyond treating symptoms and signs and address the root cause(s) of the problem.

One way that stress affects the body is by causing a depletion or blockage of Qi (pronounced “chee”), especially that of the kidneys and adrenals. Qi is the vital energy or power that animates and supports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body. When Qi becomes “blocked” or the supply is inadequate, the body and organ systems become “stressed out” and our health is then compromised.

With acupuncture and TCM, the practitioner’s job is to support and restore the integrity of the various organs affected and depleted by the stress response, along with evaluating the quality and quantity of Qi.

Your licensed acupuncturist in Fairfax VA may also suggest adjunct therapies to enhance treatment and speed healing. Proper eating habits, as well as exercise, stretching, movement and meditation practices, support and promote a balanced and healthy body, mind and spirit.

Acupuncture and TCM can provide a safe, effective and drug-free alternative for the treatment of stress.

Ways to combat stress:

1. Get adequate sleep. Try for at least eight hours of restful and restorative sleep.
2. Practice meditative exercises. Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Yoga can help create a healthy awareness of the body and mind connection, freeing your mind of stressful thoughts.
3. Eat a well balanced diet. Maintain a healthy diet with adequate amounts of complex carbs, vegetables, fruits, protein and healthy fats.
4. Have fun! Make time for relaxing activities, enjoyable hobbies and lots of laughter in your life.
5. Breathe. Relaxed deep breathing is one of the most simple and easy techniques that can be used for reducing stress.

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary physical and emotional change. It’s also a time when it’s more important than ever to support and care for your well-being. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you meet the unique challenges of pregnancy, ensuring optimal health for you and your baby in a safe and natural way, without the use of harmful medications.

What to expect

Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years to regulate the female reproductive system. Acupuncture and TCM are based on the concept that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows through the body in channels called meridians. Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM work to balance the Qi in the body’s meridian and organ systems by manipulating corresponding points on the body.

For a healthy pregnancy, regular weekly and/or monthly treatments are recommended. However, your practitioner will tailor your treatment entirely to your needs and suggest treatment based on your unique symptoms and concerns.

Because some acupuncture points should not be used during pregnancy, it’s important to choose a practitioner experienced in prenatal acupuncture. It’s also important to discuss any treatments or herbal supplements with all of your prenatal health care providers.

Relief for common concerns

Regular balancing treatments throughout your pregnancy can enhance your health as well as your baby’s health, potentially preventing complications and positively influencing the development of your baby. Many mothers-to-be find themselves facing anxiety, fatigue, back pain, heartburn, nausea and other symptoms as a result of the many new demands being placed on their bodies. Acupuncture has been found to effectively relieve many of these symptoms.

Morning sickness responds particularly well to acupuncture, and your practitioner can even show you specific points that you can massage at home to help restore your appetite. Recent studies have also shown promising results in using acupuncture for depression during and after pregnancy.

After baby has arrived

It’s important to recover properly after childbirth. Acupuncture can help you heal and regain your strength and vitality, re-balance your energy, boost your body’s defenses and help address concerns such as pain, fatigue, and postpartum depression.

References:
Acupuncture during IVF improves pregnancy chances.Link
Research Articles on Acupuncture and Pregnancy.Link

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is often viewed as a “problem” or illness. It’s not. Instead, PMS is a variety of responses to an ordinary event in women’s lives: menstruation. PMS usually occurs monthly, accompanied with specific symptoms and signs that can appear seven to ten days before menstruation and then disappear after the onset of the menstrual flow. To better understand PMS, it is important to look at the whole picture.

Although PMS is due to unbalanced hormonal fluctuations, other factors such as stress, a nutritionally inadequate diet, lack of exercise and sleep, and a hectic or sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate the symptoms. Because most women exhibit as many as four to ten symptoms one to two weeks prior to menstruation, their lives—from relationships with family and friends, to work productivity and the ability to appreciate and take pleasure in their own bodies—may become diminished.

To make matters worse, women may be at increased risk for PMS if

1. They are over 30 years old
2. They are experiencing significant amounts of stress
3. Their nutritional habits are poor
4. They have suffered side effects from birth control pills
5. They have difficulty maintaining a stable weight
6. They do not get enough exercise
7. They’ve had a pregnancy complicated by toxemia
8. They have had children (the more children, the more severe the symptoms)
9. They have a family history of depression

What to do about PMS

In treating PMS, Western medicine recommends diet and lifestyle changes coupled with medications that manipulate the levels of progesterone and estrogen (i.e. birth control pills), tranquilizers and/or antidepressants (for nervousness, anxiety and depression) that affect mood and emotions. Although prescription medications can sometimes bring immediate relief, they unfortunately do not address the underlying cause of PMS, and they can cause unwanted side effects that may mimic PMS symptoms.

A natural approach

In 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH)1 issued a consensus report that suggested acupuncture is effective in the treatment of menstrual cramps, and other symptoms associated with PMS. Acupuncture can address PMS symptoms naturally, without medication, by restoring balance and harmony, both physically and emotionally. In Chinese medicine, the root cause of PMS is usually an imbalance or blockage of Qi, (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy, and blood within specific organ and meridian systems. When Qi and blood become imbalanced or blocked, symptoms and signs associated with PMS will appear.

The role of an acupuncturist is to investigate the underlying causes leading to PMS symptoms. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine what organ and meridian systems are out of balance, they treat PMS symptoms according to each individual patient’s imbalances and concerns.

By inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, an acupuncturist is able to stimulate and activate the movement of Qi and blood. When Qi and blood begin to travel freely throughout the body, balance and normal function are restored and PMS symptoms are alleviated. Acupuncture restores hormonal balance and provides deep relaxation to help reduce stress, ultimately encouraging and supporting greater health and well-being of both body and mind.

A practitioner may also recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a nourishing, organic, whole foods diet, getting regular aerobic exercise and adequate sleep, enjoying warm baths, supplementing the diet with vitamins and herbs, and practicing deep relaxation exercises such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga.

Whether you suffer from PMS symptoms on an occasional or a monthly basis, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a safe, natural and effective approach to alleviating these symptoms. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine may hold the key to a healthier, balanced, PMS-free life.

Resources:
1 National Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference on Acupuncture, Program & Abstracts (Bethesda, MD, November 3-5, 1997). Office of Alternative Medicine and Office of Medical Applications of Research. Bethesda.