Acupuncture Continuing Education Acupuncture CEU

Acupuncture Improves Depression & Anxiety for PCOS

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:41:31 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces both depression and anxiety in women with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome. The researchers hailed from State University of New York, University of Gothenburg and the Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine. The findings show that acupuncture helps with the emotional component of PCOS. Overall, the researchers note that acupuncture improved the health related quality of life for the patients. Scores for social functioning, energy and vitality, and general health improved for the patients receiving acupuncture. In addition, the control group did not show any improvements in anxiety and depression, however, the acupuncture group showed significant improvements.

Acupuncture was applied 2 times per week for 2 weeks followed by 1 time per week for 6 weeks and another session of 1 acupuncture treatment every other weeks for 8 weeks. The total was 14 acupuncture treatments over a period of 16 weeks. Acupuncture...

Acupuncture with Herbs Clears Acne - New Finding

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:59:30 +0000

Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of acne. A meta-analysis of 43 acupuncture acne trials with approximately 3,500 patients was reviewed. Several types of acne were investigated: vulgaris, papulopustular, inflammatory, adolescent and polymorphic. The researchers discovered that when acupuncture is added to a therapeutic regime, it synergistically enhances the medicinal benefits of the treatment protocol and leads to superior patient outcomes. Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine yields better results than herbal medicine as a standalone modality. Acupuncture combined with herbal face masks yields better results than herbal face masks as a standalone therapy. Interestingly, the researchers discovered that adding cupping therapy also enhanced clinical outcomes. No serious adverse effects were reported for any of the patients. The researchers note that acupuncture is both safe and effective for the treatment of acne and recommend further research.

These findings are consistent with a recent study showing that acupuncture...

Acupuncture Bests Drugs for Low Back Pain Herniations

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:43:05 +0000

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutic techniques are effective treatments for lower back pain due to lumbar disc herniations. A new randomized, controlled clinical trial demonstrates that acupuncture and TCM therapy reduces back pain and restores motor functionality for patients with herniated lumbar discs. A sample size of 408 patients receiving a traditional combination of TCM therapies were examined in comparison to a control group receiving health education, pain medications and physical therapy. The acupuncture-TCM group showed significantly greater improvement than that of the control group.

Low Back AcupunctureThe patients in the TCM group received electro-acupuncture, a Chinese herbal medicine injection of Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and an external herbal medicated plaster during the acute stage. During the subacute stage, patients received Tuina massage, Chinese...

New Study- Acupuncture & Herbs Protect Pregnancy, Prevent Miscarriage

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:37:20 +0000

New research published by the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of recurrent pregnancy losses. A team of acupuncturists combined Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies in a clinical study of a 42 year old female in Bellevue, Washington suffering from chronic, recurrent pregnancy losses. TCM Protects PregnacyThe outcome of the study suggests that a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine enhances fertility and prevents miscarriages. The clinical study tracked the progress of the patient from six months prior to conception to the successful delivery of a healthy boy at full term using Traditional Chinese Medicine as the therapeutic modality to achieve a positive clinical outcome. As a result of these...

New Research - Acupuncture Cuts Lower Back Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:15:55 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Researchers studied back pain patients in an inpatient rehabilitation clinic in Germany. Two groups of patients were compared. Group 1 received acupuncture plus conventional rehabilitation services. Group 2 received only rehabilitation services. The researchers discovered that patients willingly accepted acupuncture as a means of care and showed significant improvements in physical functioning, overall health and energy levels and improvements in emotional well-being over the conventional care only group. Notably, the acupuncture group also demonstrated significant improvements over the conventional care only group in the area of pain reduction.

Low Back AcupunctureAcupuncture significantly reduced pain levels and reduced radiculopathy experienced as a prickling sensation in the hands and feet. The acupuncture patients...

New Study - Acupuncture Works for Anxiety, Depression & PMS

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:44:55 +0000

New research has just been released demonstrating that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of PMS, anxiety and depression. Researchers from the Harvard Medical School (Boston, Massachusetts) and the Advanced Integrative Rehabilitation and Pain Center (Washington, DC) conclude that “there is high-level evidence to support the use of acupuncture for treating major depressive disorder in pregnancy.” In an additional study, researchers from the School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina (Beijing University of Chinese Medicine) conclude that acupuncture shows effectiveness in treating PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome).

In the first study, the researchers note that both anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in society. The researchers note that both anxiety and depression are “difficult to treat and have high relapse rates and medication side-effects. There is evidence to suggest that acupuncture may be an effective treatment modality.” The conclusions were drawn based on randomized controlled trials. The meta-analysis filtered for...

Acupuncture Lowers High Blood Pressure - New Finding

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:04:26 +0000

New research finds acupuncture effective in reducing blood pressure. The study discovered that patients taking antihypertensive medications benefitted from further reductions in blood pressure by adding acupuncture to the treatment regime. As a result, the researchers concluded that “acupuncture should be in the hypertension treatment guidelines and widely used for blood pressure regulation.”

Acupuncture NeedlesSubjects chosen for the study had been taking antihypertensive medications for at least 24 months. Each subject was taking between one and three medications for the treatment of high blood pressure. The pharmaceutical classes of drugs were a combination of ACE inhibitors, diuretics and/or beta blockers. Common medication side-effects experienced by the subjects included exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, joint pain, headaches, sleeping disorders, edema, a feeling of coldness in the extremities and depression. To maintain a...

New Research - Acupuncture Helps Lung Cancer Patients

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:21:58 +0000

A groundbreaking new study concludes that acupuncture treatments correlate to improvements in symptoms experienced by lung cancer patients. The study notes that lung cancer patients experience pain, depression, anxiety, nausea and a lack of well-being associated with either the disease or cancer treatments. The researchers discovered that a minimum of six acupuncture treatments was required to exert a 70% chance of a “clinically important improvement in well-being.”

The study demonstrated that acupuncture treatments improved symptoms including pain, appetite loss, nausea, anxiety and an overall feeling of well-being. The researchers note that there is a clinically significant and positive correlation between the number of acupuncture treatments and the measure of improvements in the lung cancer patients. As a result, the researchers note that acupuncture “may be an effective approach for improving symptoms—in particular, pain and well–being—in lung cancer patients.” They also noted that acupuncture is minimally invasive...

New Research - Acupuncture Benefits Heart & Reduces Angina

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 22:45:13 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of heart pain, angina pectoris. This condition, commonly referred to as angina, is chest pain due to ischemia of the heart muscle wherein blood supply is restricted resulting in concomitant oxygen and glucose deprivation to the heart. A major cause of heart pain is coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis.

The researchers found that acupuncture does not adversely interact with medications. More importantly, the researchers found that acupuncture decreases the frequency of angina and has the ability to reduce the medications dosages needed to be taken by patients. The study notes that acupuncture exerts a rapid and beneficial effective action in the relief of angina and also synergistically combines with the therapeutic effects of the pharmaceutical medication nitroglycerine.

A meta-analysis of acupuncture’s effectiveness in the relief of angina reveals an effective rate ranging from 80...

New Finding - Acupuncture Eases Urination Bladder Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:20:23 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture needling combined with moxibustion improves the condition of patients with refractory interstitial cystitis, a urination bladder disorder. Interstitial cystitis involves chronic bladder region pain that is often accompanied by urinary urgency, frequency and the need to wake at night to urination. Moxa needles were applied to acupuncture points over the sacrum and patients experienced significant improvement in the condition.

The preselection for the study sorted for difficult cases of interstitial cystitis that did not respond to conventional biomedical procedures. The patients had already been treated with conventional treatments including pharmaceutical medications, hydrodistension, and intravesical instillation of dimethly sulfoxide without relief of symptoms. Once the refractory cases were identified and screened, acupuncture was applied to acupoints UB32 (Ciliao), UB34 (Xialiao) and UB33 (Zhongliao). Moxibustion was applied to the needles at UB32 and UB34. Electroacupuncture was applied to UB33 at 3 Hz....

Acupuncture Stops Pain Via Brain Pathways

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 21:35:05 +0000

New research confirms that acupuncture reduces pain levels. Investigators discovered that electroacupuncture decreases pain by regulating the expression of several proteins in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for autonomic nervous system, endocrine and limbic system functions. A total of 17 hypothalmic proteins demonstrated significant changes as a result of electroacupuncture stimulation for the treatment of pain.

The acupuncture points chosen for the study were ST36 (Zusanli) and GB34 (Yanglingquan). Electroacupuncture at these points effectively reduced pain, enriched three gene ontologies and regulated the glycolysis-gluconeogenesis-hexose metabolism pathway. The researchers note that the data demonstrates that electroacupuncture lessens pain through the “regulation of expression of multiple proteins in the hypothalamus.”

These findings are consistent with other research on the relationship between acupuncture and brain chemistry. Researchers discovered that electrical and manual acupuncture “improve menstrual frequency and decrease circulating androgens in women with polycystic ovary...

Acupuncture Regulates the Nervous System - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 07:22:02 +0000

New evidence demonstrates acupuncture activates specific regions of the brain for the treatment of specific diseases. Investigators from the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine also find that acupuncture regulates neurotransmitters as a mechanism to modulate autonomic nervous system responses. The review article notes that further investigation is required to differentiate the effects of specific acupuncture points versus the medicinal effects elicited by needling along the acupuncture meridians.

The review focused on a great body of modern research and uncovered many of the mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its medicinal effects on human health. The study noted that numerous new research investigations have shown that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of autonomic nervous system related disorders including epilepsy, anxiety, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), infertility and cardiovascular disorders. Additional research demonstrates that acupuncture regulates the autonomic nervous system thereby modulating blood...

Acupuncture Revived From Cutting Room Floor In Iron Man 3

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 01:25:56 +0000

Acupuncture gets revived from the cutting room floor in the film Iron Man 3. The Chinese release of the film Iron Man 3 features an extended three minute segment wherein the protagonist Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., undergoes acupuncture assisted surgery. Currently, there are plans to revive this segment in a short film entitled The Prologue. Speculation on distribution of The Prologue cites possible inclusion in the DVD or television release.

This is not the first time Robert Downey Jr. makes the acupuncture news cycle. Less than a year ago, he was presented with the Robert Graham Visionary Award by Yo San University founders Dr. Daoshing Ni and Dr. Mao Shing Ni. Yo San University is a nonprofit organization that promotes education in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoist healing arts including masters and doctoral degree programs towards acupuncturist licensure. Notably, Robert Downey Jr. uses...

Acupuncture Treats Headaches - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 21:16:00 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture is effective for relieving headaches. Investigators note that acupuncture reduces the intensity and duration of headaches. In addition, they suggest that acupuncture can reduce the need for “drug therapies and is a valuable option for patient suffering from CDH [chronic daily headache].”

In this controlled study, verum acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture. The verum acupuncture group improved significantly over the control group. Verum acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency, intensity and duration of chronic daily headaches. The research notes that acupuncture is effective for reducing the intensity of pain for chronic tension headaches and migraines. In addition, patients suffering from nausea due to headaches and migraines showed a significant decrease in nausea levels.

In related recent research, acupuncture was found more effective and safer than a migraine medication. Researchers discovered that acupuncture effectively reduced migraine pain intensity levels and...

Acupuncture Channels Transmit Electricity- New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 31 May 2013 03:01:32 +0000

A new study finds unique electrical phenomena through acupuncture meridians, channels. Researchers discovered that needling proximal acupuncture points causes significantly increased bioelectric amplitudes in distal acupuncture points along the same meridian. The same was not true of non-acupuncture points in similar regions of the body. The researchers note that the measurements indicate “electrophysiological uniqueness in the form of a greater bioelectric potential amplitude when a proximal acupoint is stimulated and the response is measured at a distal acupoint along the same meridian.”

Acupuncture point P4 was stimulated with an acupuncture needle. The bioelectric potential was measured at acupuncture point P6 to determine if needling P4 elicited a change in the current. Non-acupuncture control points were also needled at nearby points on test subjects. The amplitude of induced signals at acupuncture point P6 showed significant increases on the test subjects whereas the non-acupuncture points did not have...

Acupuncture Eases Intestinal Disorders - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 30 May 2013 00:05:07 +0000

Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), according to a new study. IBD involves the inflammation of the digestive tract and includes ulcerative colitis, Chron’s disease and other chronic intestinal diseases characterized by abdominal pain and diarrhea. The researchers discovered that electroacupuncture suppressed IBD by regulating peristalsis via its effective actions on the sympathetic nervous system.

In related research, acupuncture has been found effective for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study was a meta-analysis of 11 investigations with a sample size totaling 950 patients. The researchers concluded that acupuncture combined with moxibustion is both safe, effective and is clinically more effective than pharmaceutical medications for the treatment of IBS.

These recent studies reflect earlier findings published in The Journal of the American Medical Association on the efficaciousness of Chinese Medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The study...

New Research - Chinese Herb Kills Breast Cancer Cells

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 29 May 2013 05:30:41 +0000

New research has discovered that a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal medicine prevents the proliferation of tumors and causes the elimination of tumors comprised of breast cancer cells. A chromatographically purified form of the herb Tian Hua Fen was injected into laboratory mice with tumors caused by estrogen dependent and non-estrogen dependent breast cancer cells. Sterilized Tian Hua Fen, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Maximowicz, was injected intraperitoneally and caused significant reductions in both tumor weight and volume within 16 days of treatment. Immunohistochemistry corroborated the findings

The dose had no detectable toxicity. Analysis revealed that Tian Hua Fen effectively induces apoptosis, cell death, in both estrogen dependent and non-estrogen dependent breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The researchers note that the herbal medicine’s ability to eradicate breast cancer cells without toxicity warrants further clinical trials. The researchers also note that Tian Hua Fen may possibly...

New MRI Images Reveal Acupuncture Point Specificity

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:07:20 +0000

New MRI research concludes that needling acupuncture points causes specific brain patterns associated with the treatment of specific diseases. Investigators compared two acupuncture points on the foot with a nearby sham acupuncture point. They discovered that the true acupuncture points consistently elicited specific brain responses in regions associated with their Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) medical indications and functions for therapeutic effects.

Acupuncture ModelAcupuncture points LR3 (Taichong) and ST44 were compared with a sham point located between the two points. MRI scans revealed that LR3 uniformly stimulates specific regions of the cerebrum as does acupuncture point ST44. Although physically located in close proximity, each acupuncture point elicited its own, unique fMRI response in the brain. The researchers note that, “Acupuncture at adjacent acupoints elicits distinct cerebral activation...

New - Acupuncture Helps Cancer Patients

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 27 May 2013 18:04:42 +0000

New research published in the Annals of Oncology (Oxford University Press, Oxford Journals) concludes that acupuncture is effective for relieving dry mouth caused by cancer radiation therapy. A sample size of 145 patients with chronic radiation induced xerostomia, dry mouth, was studied in a randomized investigation of acupuncture treatments compared with oral care education. The researchers noted that acupuncture was superior to oral care and produced pronounced and clinically significant results.

The researchers documented that acupuncture significantly reduced severe dry mouth, reduced issues of sticky saliva and reduced the need for patients to sip fluids to swallow food. Acupuncture also significantly reduced the need to wake up at night to drink. The researchers concluded that eight acupuncture treatments performed at a rate of one per week was superior to oral care education for the relief of xerostomia induced by cancer radiation therapy.

In a related...

Acupuncture Affects Adrenals for Stress Reduction

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 26 May 2013 22:03:40 +0000

A recent publication in the Georgetown University Institutional Repository emphasizes the specific actions by which electro-acupuncture relieves chronic stress and anxiety. Citing a multiplicity of studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment and anxiety, the researchers compared its physiological mechanisms of effective action. The researchers note that two main pathways are involved in the stress reducing effects of electro-acupuncture, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

The HPA hormones responsive to electro-acupuncture therapy are brain corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), plasma adenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and serum corticosterone (CORT). The sympathetic nervous system markers were primarily adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a norepinephrine synthesis enzyme, plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) and norepinephrine. The researchers then examined blockage of the HPA and SNS pathways in an effort to determine which has the predominant role in electro-acupuncture induced stress reduction.

Electroacupuncture effectively reduced adrenal mRNA expression...

New Electron Microscope Study - Acupuncture Protects Brain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 26 May 2013 21:10:41 +0000

New research demonstrates that specific electro-acupuncture frequencies result in superior neurologic functional recovery following ischemic incidents. A recent study demonstrates that specific electro-acupuncture interventions protect the structural integrity of astrocytes and exert a protective mechanism in the brain following cerebral ischemic injuries. Researchers discovered that electro-acupuncture applied bilaterally to LI11 (Quchi) and ST36 (Zusanli) at 15 Hz and 30 Hz is effective in preserving the structural integrity of astrocytes, important regulators of neuronal survival following ischemic brain injuries. Electro-acupuncture at 100 Hz did not show the same benefits as 15 Hz and 30 Hz when measured with glial fibrillary acid protein expression tests and investigation of ultrastructural damage on the borders of the infarct.

Electron MicroscopeThe researchers employed electron microscopy to take a look at the...

California Acupuncture Board Reviews Medi-Cal

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:53:35 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board recently covered a broad variety of topics in both public and private meetings. An interesting bill, ABX1 (SBX1), was reviewed in relation to Medi-Cal reimbursements for acupuncture outpatient services. The bill seeks to restore Medi-Cal benefits for acupuncture treatments “to the extent federal matching funds are provided for acupuncture.”

This new California bill coincides with a recently enacted law that adopts a Kaiser Permanente health insurance plan (1637, 30-N) as a template for basic minimum insurance benefits allowed in health insurance plans for small groups and individuals. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, requires all states to set basic minimum standards on essential healthcare benefits such as preventative medicine, ambulatory patient services, hospitalization, maternity care, newborn care, vision screening and tobacco cessation. The California law assures compliance with the new federal law.

The California law, authored by State...

New - Acupuncture Lowers Blood Sugar for Obese Diabetics

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:36:35 +0000

New research finds that acupuncture lowers elevated blood glucose levels related to obesity and diabetes. A laboratory experiment using obese diabetic rats incorporated electroacupuncture applied to Zhongwan (CV12) and Guanyuan (CV4). The experimental model was compared with two other groups. A control group received no acupuncture and another group received acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36). The groups receiving acupuncture at ST36 and the control group receiving no acupuncture did not show significant changes in blood glucose levels. The group receiving acupuncture at CV4 and CV12 showed significantly lower glucose levels. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture applied to CV4 and CV12 “was effective in lowering baseline BG (blood glucose) and modulating the change in BG.”

Acupuncture NeedlesThis finding coincides with the release of another recent study demonstrating that...

Flying Acupuncture Helps Sleep & Beats Drug - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:42:09 +0000

New research reveals that acupuncture bested a pharmaceutical medication for the treatment of sleep disorders. A special Traditional Chinese Medicine manual acupuncture technique was applied to acupuncture points commonly used to benefit sleep by licensed acupuncturists combined with the oral administration of vitamin B1. The acupuncture group was measured against the drug group and a control group. The control group received needling stimulation at non-acupoints and the oral administration of vitamin B1. The drug group received estazolam, a benzodiazepine pharmaceutical medication that has anticonvulsant, antianxiety, sedative and muscle relaxant effects. The researchers discovered that the drug was 59.7% effective while acupuncture was 84.1% effective. The control group only showed a 25% effective rate thereby ruling out the placebo effect triggered by sham acupuncture.

For over one thousand years, acupuncture points SP6 (Sanyinjiao), Anmian (EXHN22), HT7 (Shenmen)` and Back Shu points have been used by acupuncturists for...

New Biochemical Acupuncture Athletic Performance Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:43:27 +0000

New research reveals that acupuncture stimulates the release of biochemicals that relieve athletic fatigue due to intensive endurance exercises. Researchers found that acupuncture applied to specific acupuncture points increases antioxidant activity and decreases biochemical releases that are markers for oxidative stress. The researchers applied electroacupuncture to acupoints on the legs in this randomized, controlled study. The results measured specific results showing that electroacupuncture has beneficial effects on human health by intervening in the free radical metabolism process in athletes.

Acupuncture NeedlingThe endurance athletes received electroacupuncture once a day for 15 days during the training period. The acupuncture point selection included acupoints on the Spleen, Stomach and Liver acupuncture channels: SP10 (Xuehai), ST36 (Zusanli), LV3 (Taichong), SP6 (Sanyinjiao). Acupuncture needle retention time was 30 minutes per acupuncture...

New MRI Acupuncture Study Finds Stomach & Heart Point Specificity

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:28:30 +0000

A new study confirms that acupuncture’s medical benefits are acupuncture point specific for its effective actions on the stomach, intestines and heart. Researchers discovered that needling acupuncture point CV12 increases HRV, heart rate variability, an important ability of the human heart to vary its rate in reaction to bodily demands. Needling CV12 did not affect electrogastrogram signals, a measure of electric signals in the stomach and intestines. The converse is true of needling acupuncture point UB32. Applying an acupuncture needle to this point affects electrogastrogram readings but does not affect HRV.

Acupuncture This is the latest in a series of investigations proving that specific acupuncture points have specific effects. In a related MRI acupuncture study, investigators note that acupuncture “induce(s) different cerebral glucose metabolism changes in...

Asparagus Reduces High Blood Pressure - New Discovery

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:31:18 +0000

New research concludes that dietary intake of asparagus lowers blood pressure. The researchers were able to isolate an active compound found in asparagus that was found to have an antihypertensive effect. An ACE inhibitor was purified and isolated from asparagus. ACE inhibitors, often concentrated into pharmaceutical medications for the treatment of hypertension, cause dilation of the blood vessels which results in lower blood pressure. The researchers note that the ACE inhibitor in asparagus exerts its medicinal effect in the kidneys and that this may preserve the normal function of the kidneys and prevent hypertension.

In a related discovery by the same research team, asparagus intake significantly raised the creatinine clearance rate. This is the rate at which blood plasma is cleared of creatinine and is an indicator of overall kidney health. The research suggests that asparagus...

Fibromyalgia Patients Seek Acupuncture - New Finding

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:45:02 +0000

New research shows that patients with fibromyalgia are likely to seek acupuncture treatment and other forms of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Published by the University of Montana, the research focused on whether or not pain motivated patients to seek CAM therapies such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, yoga, Tai Chi and cognitive behavior therapy. The results showed that over 70% of patients with fibromyalgia sought CAM therapies. The research concluded that “interference in daily activities from pain increases the use of CAM….”

Acupuncture for FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by chronic pain and is due to neuroendocrine dysfunction. Fibromyalgia pain is non-nociceptive. This type of pain is not due to the activation of pain receptors as in burns and injuries. Non-nociceptive pain is due to destructive changes in...

Acupuncture Post-Op Halts Nausea & Vomiting - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:17:26 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture reduces the frequency and intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting following laparoscopic surgery. This type of surgery uses a fiber optic instrument inserted through the abdominal wall to view the internal aspects of the abdomen and its organs. A problem encountered by surgeons is postoperative nausea and vomiting caused, in part, by general anesthesia.

Laparoscopic Surgery The researchers applied electro-acupuncture to an acupuncture point located on the wrist region to patients during the surgical procedure. The acupuncture point, P6, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of nausea and vomiting for over 1,000 years. This modern study confirms this ancient medical principle. The researchers conclude that electroacupuncture effectively reduces the “incidence and the severity of postoperative...

Acupuncture Reduces Cocaine Seizures & Death - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 05 May 2013 22:52:15 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces the incidence of cocaine related seizures and death. Seizures occur at a rate of approximately 2-10% of cocaine users. High doses of cocaine are lethal. In addition, cocaine use is linked to cardiac arrhythmias and cerebral hemorrhages.

US Navy Seizes CocaineAcupuncture has a long history in the successful treatment of epilepsy, which prompted researchers to investigate its potential to control cocaine induced seizures. Modern research suggests that this protective effect is due to acupuncture’s ability to increase concentrations of inhibitory amino acids to decrease nitric oxide levels in the central nervous system. The researchers were also interested in the effects of acupuncture based upon findings that acupuncture reduces symptoms associated with morphine and nicotine withdrawal. Specifically, acupuncture administered at acupoint...

Acupuncture Program Cut in Canada

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 05 May 2013 19:11:34 +0000

The University of Alberta (Canada) acupuncture program has been closed. For over 20 years, Dr. Steven Aung headed the medical acupuncture program designed for training physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, dentists and occupational therapists. Dr. Aung founded the acupuncture program in 1991. Originally located in the Faculty of Extension, the program later moved to the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. The official release from the university is that the acupuncture program closure is not related to recent budget cuts.

University of AlbertaThe program included 200 hours of acupuncture training administered part-time on weekends as part of graduate level instruction. In the USA, an acupuncture license requires thousands of hours of training prior to sitting for state and national boards. However, like Canada, MD’s and dentists in the USA...

Chinese Medicine Dietetics Live Video for Acupuncture CEUs

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:28:07 +0000

Chinese Medicine dietetics, a longtime area of expertise in the acupuncture community, gets a boost with a new live webinar in May followed by several more dietetics webinars in the coming months. Prof. Jeffrey Pang, L.Ac. will unravel the secrets of healing with foods. Recipes for the treatment of headaches and respiratory disorders will be given a special focus in this live webinar presentation presented with Adobe Connect technology. Other topics include benefitting the kidneys, heart and liver. The webinar is accessible by computer, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android smartphones and other smart devices. The webinar is geared toward licensed acupuncturists needing CEU/PDA credit but is also available to the general public.

Jellyfish with SesameAdam White, L.Ac., co-presenter of the live acupuncture CEU webinar, notes that...

Acupuncture IVF Fertility Treatment Success - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:17:16 +0000

Acupuncture and moxibustion increase pregnancy rates for women undergoing IVF, in vitro fertilisation. New research examined the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on 84 infertile patients who had a minimum of 2 unsuccessful IVF fertility procedures. The participants were randomly divided into a control group, a sham (simulated) acupuncture group and a true acupuncture group. The acupuncture group showed a much higher clinical success rate for enhancing the IVF procedure than both the sham and control groups. The acupuncture group had a 35.7% success rate whereas the sham group had a 10.7% success rate and the control group had a 7.1% success rate.

The goal of the study was to determine if acupuncture and moxibustion could increase the viability of an IVF procedure for patients who have had at least two prior failed IVF procedures. Acupuncture demonstrated significant clinical efficacy along with the moxibustion treatment. Moxibustion...

Acupuncture For Cigarette Smoke Lung Damage - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:37:00 +0000

New research finds that acupuncture heals injuries to the lungs due to cigarette smoke exposure. Acupuncture demonstrated a significant reduction in anti-inflammatory biochemicals suggesting that it may be effective in treating the resultant COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study discovered that acupuncture reduces levels of inflammatory related cytokines, immunomodulating cell-signaling protein molecules. The researchers suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of cytokine regulation and concomitant antioxidant effects may be responsible for prolonged clinical benefits from acupuncture.

This study involved the application of electroacupuncture to acupuncture point ST36 (Zusanli) on laboratory rats exposed to lung damage from cigarette smoke. The rats receiving electroacupuncture had less lung resistance, increased lung compliance and had a significant reduction of bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction. In addition, electroacupuncture at acupuncture point ST36 induced a lasting reduction of inflammatory related cytokines. The researchers noted that this gives insight into the biochemical responses...

Acupuncture Eases Prostate - New Discovery

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:28:27 +0000

Researchers have discovered that acupuncture relieves prostate disorders. A clinical trial of 100 patients discovered that electro-acupuncture applied to a specific acupuncture point improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS). The IPSS score measures improvements in issues associated with incomplete urination bladder emptying, frequent urination, intermittent interruptions in the urinary stream, urgent urination, weakness of the urine stream, straining during urination and the need to get up and urinate in the night. It was found that acupuncture improves these conditions significantly for patients with moderate or severe benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged. As a result, the researchers conclude that acupuncture is effective and improves the quality of life for patients.

Benign prostate hyperplasia affects approximately 40% of men in their 50’s and 90% of men in their 80’s. It is a common cause of urinary issues such as dribbling, hesitant urination,...

Acupuncture Heals Constipation – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:07:04 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is an effective treatment therapy for resolving constipation. Researchers compared electro-acupuncture stimulation at key acupuncture points with a sham acupuncture control group. The single-blind, randomized study consisted of women between the ages of 30 and 54 years of age. After eight weeks of treatment, the electro-acupuncture group demonstrated significant improvement and the control group did not show improvement. The researchers also measured a significant enhancement of the parasympathetic nervous system and heart rate variability in the electro-acupuncture group. The researchers concluded that the beneficial responses induced by electro-acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system and the concomitant improvement in bowel movement regularity warrants further documentation and research.

The beneficial health effects of electro-acupuncture on humans has long been an interest of electrical engineers and biophysicists. Researchers in Taiwan from the Laboratory of Biophysics at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital and the Institute...

Acupuncture Infertility Treatment Discovery - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:48:39 +0000

A new study finds acupuncture more effective than clomifene for the treatment of infertility. Clomifene, trademarked as Clomid and Omifin, is the most widely prescribed fertility drug on the market. It is an estrogen receptor modulator that induces ovulation. In this study, 65 women with infertility due to dysfunction of ovulation were divided into two randomly chosen groups. Group 1 received electroacupuncture and group 2 received 50mg per day of clomifene citrate tablets. After 6 months of treatment, the acupuncture group had a cure rate of 76.3% and the clomifene group had a 48.1% cure rate.

Another recent study demonstrated that acupuncture increases the frequency of ovulation for women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS). Published in the prestigious American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, the research took over a year of investigation. Researchers measured significant changes in sex steroids, hormones, inhibin B and serum...

Acupuncture Beats Drugs for Eye Twitching - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:59:50 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture is more effective than anticonvulsant drug therapy for the treatment of blepharospasms, an abnormal contraction or twitch of one or more of the eyelids. In severe cases, the eyelids may clamp shut and cause functional blindness. Acupuncture had over a 93% success rate for the treatment of blepharospasms whereas medications had a 75% success rate.

The main focus of the study was comparing the effective rate of acupuncture versus anticonvulsant medication. However, interesting patient vignettes emerged wherein the study participants had tried other procedures without successful long-term results. In one case, the study noted that a patient had tried botox injections to control the eyelid spasms but the results only lasted three months. The acupuncture treatments successfully resolved the condition for the patient.

The anticonvulsant medications used in the...

Acupuncture Fights Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:27:22 +0000

The executive editor at Harvard Men’s Health Watch has published on the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain. He cited research from the Archives of Internal Medicine and has Dr. Chen of Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard affiliated hospital, on record as supporting the beneficial effects of acupuncture. Dr. Chen, an anesthesiologist, noted that acupuncture is beneficial and has a low incidence of adverse effects. Many doctors have long supported the use of acupuncture as an effective procedure.

ElectroacupunctureOne influential and early supporter in the west was Dr. Henry Sigerist, M.D., D.Litt., LL.D. who served as the Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute of the History of Medicine. He was inspired by Chinese Medicine in part by Mr. J. W. Lindau, an organic...

New Find - Acupuncture Clears Diabetic Neuropathy

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:14:38 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture dramatically improves the effects of a diabetes medication for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. This condition includes signs and symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning and/or electric sensations of the extremities. Patients receiving medications jumped from an approximately 8% neuropathy symptom score success rate to over a 90% effective rate when acupuncture was added to the treatment regime. The neuropathy disability score also showed significant improvement when acupuncture was added to the treatment regime. The medication only group had a 37.45% success rate. Acupuncture was added to the treatment regime and the neuropathy disability success rate jumped to over 90%.

A neurological examination combined with nerve conduction studies was quantified using the Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score (MDNS). The medication only group received no improvements in diabetic neuropathy according to these measurements thereby yielding a...

New Research - Acupuncture Is Better For Migraines Than Drugs

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:07:00 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture is more effective than valproic acid for the treatment of migraines. A randomized study of 100 migraine patients were divided into an acupuncture group and a valproic acid group. The acupuncture study group received a total of 20 acupuncture treatments and the valproic acid group was administered a regular dose of 600mg per day. An additional 10mg of Rizatriptan was made available to both groups for acute migraine attacks. The acupuncture group required less Rizatriptan and had significantly lower pain intensity levels due to migraines than the valproic acid group. In addition, the acupuncture group showed no adverse side effects whereas the valproic acid group showed 47.8% rate of adverse side effects. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is more effective for the treatment of migraines and has no adverse side effects.

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New Acupuncture Study - Morphine Power Pain Relief

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:15:28 +0000

Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco have determined that acupuncture stimulation reduces pain. The acupuncture induced pain relief was determined to be the equivalent of a moderate dose of morphine. Dr. Goddard from the renown University of California, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department conducted a laboratory experiment to measure the effects of needling acupuncture point ST36, located on the lower leg.

Acupuncture NeedlesA Seirin 30mm, 0.20 gauge acupuncture needle was applied to a laboratory rat and the the jaw opening reflex technique was used to measure the results of an electrical impulse applied to the lower incisor. The jaw opening reflex is an accepted measure of pain in lab rat experimentation. The study measured a 23.2% decrease in jaw opening reflex...

New Research - Acupuncture Helps Ovulation in PCOS

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:36:44 +0000

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. 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.

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...

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Halt Nausea & Vomiting

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:45:49 +0000

Fergie, now pregnant, recently announced that she uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to control her morning sickness. Let’s look at why this pop star loves acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Morning sickness is characterized by nausea and vomiting. Modern research shows that acupuncture at acupuncture point P6, located on the forearm, significantly reduces nausea and vomiting. Many other studies demonstrate that herbs such as ginger, known as Sheng Jiang in Chinese medicine, are beneficial for the control of nausea and vomiting.

Acupuncture NeedlesResearchers from Baltimore, Maryland and from the University of Heidelberg, Germany published their findings that acupuncture P6 is effective for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. The researchers investigated patient outcomes of thousands of patients suffering from nausea and vomiting due to postoperative...

Acupuncture Ups Antidepressant Drug Therapy - New Discovery

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:31:21 +0000

A new study confirms that acupuncture enhances antidepressant drug therapy. Researchers discovered that acupuncture combined with paroxetine (Paxil, Sereupin, Aropax) is more effective than paroxetine alone. Researchers found that acupuncture accelerates clinical responses to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs used for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Further, the researchers concluded that acupuncture prevents the aggravation of depression.

ElectroacupunctureThe researchers divided 160 randomly assigned patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) into three groups. The first group received only paroxetine. The second group received paroxetine with manual acupuncture and the third group received paroxetine with electroacupuncture. The groups receiving acupuncture and electroacupuncture with paroxetine showed significantly greater improvements than the drug only group. There was no increase in adverse reactions due to acupuncture...

Chinese Herbal Medicine Fights Bladder Cancer

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:15:05 +0000

A new discovery finds that herbs commonly used by licensed acupuncturists have important anti-cancer abilities. New research concludes that the Chinese Medicine herbal formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan powerfully and selectively kills cancer cells while exhibiting minimal toxicity to normal cells. Researchers discovered that the herbal formula potently inhibits the proliferation of bladder cancer cells when administered directly into the bladder. They also found that Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan selectively kills cancer cells while leaving normal bladder cells unharmed and that the herbal formula prevents the proliferation of cancer cells by blocking cell cycle replication, a process by which cells divide and then duplicate.

Researchers selected the herbal formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan for the study based on prior investigations demonstrating that the herbal formula inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, researchers examined the benefits of...

New Finding - Acupuncture Beats Drugs for Lower Back Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:25:35 +0000

A new study finds acupuncture more effective for the treatment of lower back pain than a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) injection of diclofenac. Researchers applied acupuncture needles to patients with acute lower back pain and compared results with subjects injected with the NSAID medication. The drug diclofenac is used to reduce both inflammation and to reduce pain. The research uncovered important facts. The group receiving acupuncture experienced both greater pain relief and less physical disability than did the drug group. After two and then four weeks after treatment, the acupuncture group continued to have greater improvements than the group receiving drug therapy.

Acupuncture TreatmentThe researchers note that the style of acupuncture used in the study was that of motion style acupuncture. This requires movement of the...

Acupuncture Plus Chinese Herbs Treats Endometriosis Best

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 07:37:05 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture enhances the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of endometriosis. A laboratory investigation using rats revealed synergistic biochemical improvements when both acupuncture and herbal medicine were combined. Five groups were compared in the study: a model group, a group only receiving pharmaceutical medication for the treatment of endometriosis, a group receiving acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine, a group receiving only Chinese herbal medicine, a sham control group. The acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine showed marked improvements over the other groups including better outcomes than the group receiving the medicine Danazol, which is a synthetic derivative of a modified from of progesterone.

Acupuncture Endometriosis Worldwide
The study provides readers with a basic understanding of endometriosis as...

Acupuncture Controls Stress - New Hormone Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:09:00 +0000

Scientists have demonstrated that acupuncture blocks stress by regulating hormones. Research published in the prestigious Journal of Endocrinology shows that acupuncture blocks elevations in hormones activated by stress. The acupuncture group was compared with a control group and a sham acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, group. Only the true acupuncture group showed the clinical benefits of hormone related stress reduction.

Acupuncture NeedleGetting to the Point
Researchers applied electroacupuncture needles to acupuncture point ST36, Zusanli, on laboratory rats. Next, the researchers exposed the rats to stress inducing cold for ten days. The rats who did not receive acupuncture and the rats who received sham acupuncture showed the same elevations in stress related peripheral hormones ACTH and CORT. The rats receiving true electroacupuncture did not have stress induced...

New MRI Finding - Laser Acupuncture is an Antidepressant

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:53:48 +0000

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. 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.

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...

New MRI Research - Acupuncture for Hearing Loss

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:01:39 +0000

New MRI research demonstrates quantitative objective proof that acupuncture needle stimulation in human subjects increases signal strength in the auditory cortex of the brain. The researchers note that manual manipulation of acupuncture point SJ3 (TB3, Zhongzhu) causes brain hemodynamic responses in the auditory cortex. The brain response is accompanied by an increase in auditory cortex signal strength thereby indicating a modulatory effect of acupuncture needle stimulation on the brain’s ability to react to auditory stimuli.

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and South China University of Technology studied human brain reactions to auditory stimuli and the influence of needling SJ3 on the auditory cortex. Blood oxygenation level dependent fMRI measurements were taken during the study to measure cortical changes. Acupuncture point SJ3 was periodically, manually stimulated for 30 seconds...

Dragon and Tiger Acupuncture for Back Pain Found Superior

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:56:52 +0000

Researchers from the Hunan University of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) compared acupuncture techniques for the treatment of lower back pain. The dragon and tiger fighting method was compared with the uniform reinforcing-reducing method and standard physiotherapy. The dragon and tiger fighting method bested the two other treatment modalities for superior relief of lower back pain.

Chinese DragonEach acupuncture technique was tested using two separate acupuncture point prescriptions. One set of points was UB23 (Shenshu), UB25 (Dachangshu) and UB40 (Weizhong) plus Ahshi points. The other set of acupuncture points was a combination of UB24 (Qihaishu), UB26 (Guanyuanshu), UB60 (Kunlun) and GV3 (Yaoyangguan). In both cases, the dragon and tiger fighting technique beat out the uniform reinforcing-reduction method.

The Dragon and Tiger Method
The dragon...

Acupuncture Blinding Found Effective

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:42:42 +0000

New research shows that acupuncture research meets blinding standards in randomly controlled trials. The research shows that patients in blinded studies believe they have received acupuncture even in cases where researchers have only applied sham acupuncture. The researchers conclude that data derived from studies using objective blinding potentially offer important and “meaningful” ways to interpret the conclusions of randomly controlled trials.

Acupuncture ResearchThe importance of this seemingly simple study is in its confirmation of the quality of procedures used in acupuncture investigations. A constant criticism of acupuncture research is that patients report positive results because they know they have received acupuncture. The new study shows that this allegation of bias based on a breakdown of the blinding procedure is completely unfounded.

The study was not...

New - Acupuncture Helps Knee Replacement Surgery

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 22:27:54 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation after knee replacement surgery. The research also finds that acupuncture improves range of motion following knee replacement surgery. Further, physical measurements of the swelling around the knee were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the control group.

Acupuncture for the KneeAcupuncture was applied to patients with total knee arthroplasty starting at day 7 following knee replacement surgery. Acupuncture was administered three times per week until day 21 when the treatment regime was discontinued. Range of motion improved, swelling measurably decreased and pain levels were significantly lower in the acupuncture study group than in the group that did not receive acupuncture therapy. As a result of these findings, the researchers...

Acupuncture Treats Fibromyalgia - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:20:58 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture reduces pain sensitivity for patients suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The study also showed that patients receiving acupuncture had significant reductions in anxiety and depression. Further, the overall quality of life score improved for FMS patients receiving acupuncture therapy.

The treatment method was the application of five acupuncture points at a rate of once per week. The points were located in areas of discomfort near the occipital bone, rhomboid and trapezius muscles and in the region of the upper chest and lateral epicondyle. The results were published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies.

Fibromyalgia is a pain syndrome affecting the soft tissues and often involves sleep disturbances, tenderness at specific points, muscle pain, fatigue and depression. A literal translation of the term is pain of the muscles and...

Acupuncture & Herbs Reduce Acid Reflux - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:45:13 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine is effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A group of 100 patients was randomly split evenly into two groups. One group received standard western biomedicine medical care and the other group received Chinese medicine acupuncture and herbal medicine. The acupuncture and herbal medicine group had a 92% efficacy rate and the biomedicine group had a 76% efficacy rate. The acupuncture and herbal medicine group showed a significant improvement in heartburn, chest pain and acid reflux symptoms over the biomedicine group. The researchers concluded that local abdominal acupuncture points combined with the herbal formula Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang is effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

There is a great deal of research demonstrating the beneficial effects of both acupuncture and herbal medicine on the digestive system. Most research isolates a narrow set of acupuncture...

Battlefield Acupuncture Cuts Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:56:22 +0000

A new investigation concludes that Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is effective in relieving pain and can be implemented in the aeromedical evacuation system for wounded warriors. The study notes that the United States Air Force primarily implements pain control through the use of opioid medications in the evacuation system. The study was conducted using Battlefield Acupuncture techniques when transporting wounded warriors from a US medical center in Germany to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The Battlefield Acupuncture was administered by nurses and physicians to the patients with pain.

Battlefield AcupunctureBattlefield Acupuncture is a simplified version of auricular acupuncture. Small acupuncture needles are placed on the outer ear tissue. The researchers concluded that it is feasible to train nurses in Battlefield Acupuncture techniques. The medical staff also concurred...

Fight Gout with Acupuncture - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:41:09 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of gouty arthritis. A meta-analysis of ten studies with a total of over 850 test subjects reveals that acupuncture helps to reduce uric acid levels for patients with gouty arthritis. In addition, subjects demonstrated clinical improvements by means of the visual analogue scale.

Acupuncture NeedlesHistorically, acupuncture has been documented to treat several forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. The new research, taken from controlled trials, investigated the measurable effects of acupuncture on uric acid levels. In gouty arthritis, elevated levels of uric acid in the blood lead to its crystallization in the tendons, joints and sinew. This triggers a powerful and often painful inflammatory response. The great toe is often affected at...

Treating High Blood Pressure with Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:16:07 +0000

A new study demonstrates that acupuncture lowers blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Researchers studied patients between the ages of 32 and 65 who were taking blood pressure medication for the treatment of high blood pressure. Prior research demonstrates that nitric oxide (NO) levels are directly related to blood pressure levels and therefore the effect of acupuncture on NO levels were also investigated. The researchers found three important changes in the patients. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were reduced and the NO concentration increased.

Acupuncture at YintangA total of ten acupuncture visits of manual acupuncture were administered to each patient at a rate of one acupuncture treatment per week. Although standard care in a typical clinic involves a custom acupuncture point prescription based on...

Acupuncture for Drug & Alcohol Withdrawal - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:57:33 +0000

New research concludes that ear acupuncture helps reduce anxiety and other symptoms caused by drug and alcohol withdrawal. The new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing notes that the patients experienced increased relaxation and well-being. Anxiety reduction and reduced drug and alcohol consumption were directly related to the use of the ear acupuncture therapy.

Ear AcupunctureEar acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is the placement of needles on the tissue of the outer ear. The acupuncture protocols used in the study followed those created by NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association). The study noted that no negative side-effects were reported and the study notes that the ear acupuncture had an overall positive physical impact on the patients. Given the success of acupuncture...

Tea Discovered to Lower Stroke and Tumor Risk

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:58:03 +0000

Chinese medicine classic texts and licensed acupuncturists have been extolling the virtues of tea drinking for many years. Now, modern research points to important benefits of drinking tea including lowering the risk of stroke, tumors of the brain and ovarian cancer. Apparently coffee was not to be left off the table or cup holders either. A recent study also shows that combination of tea and coffee drinking is directly associated with a decreased risk of brain and spinal cord tumors.

Tea LeavesThe research on the benefits of tea drinking is extensive. A massive ten year study of over 74,000 men and women shows that drinking black tea reduces the risk of stroke. The researchers found that high black tea consumption intake reduces risks for both cerebral...

Acupuncture Success for Chemo & Radiation Side Effects

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:16:47 +0000

A new report published by the Medical College of Wisconsin notes that acupuncture reduces chemoradiation side effects. The study demonstrated that acupuncture reduced painful swallowing and dry mouth that resulted from chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Odynophagia, painful swallowing, is a common side effect of chemoradiation therapy for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer along with xerostomia, dry mouth.

The study notes that over 50,000 people in the USA are diagnosed with head and neck cancers annually. While dry mouth is the most common side-effect of head and neck cancer treatment, painful swallowing is considered more detrimental to the quality of life. The researchers note that these side-effects are difficult to manage but that acupuncture was successful in helping to reduce both odynophagia and xerostomia.

The study documented a case study of a patient receiving 10 acupuncture...

Lost Acupuncture Works Now Acupuncture CEUs Online

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:19:28 +0000

Prof. Richard Liao, L. Ac. uncovers two more lost acupuncture and herbal medicine works. A respected professor and longtime acupuncturist, Prof. Liao has worked for years to seek out and translate important Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works that have been lost. Ringing in the Year of the Snake with two important acupuncture continuing education courses for acupuncture CEU credit online, Prof. Liao has published the first English translations of special Chinese medicine case histories on the treatment of gynecological and pediatric disorders. All of the revived works are presented at HealthCMi.com as acupuncture continuing education courses online.

Prof. Liao, L.Ac.Never before have these great works been available in English. In addition, they have all but been lost in China as well. Prof. Liao’s decades long vision...

First White House Victory for Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 03:02:01 +0000

The acupuncture profession will officially get a response from the Obama administration on the inclusion of acupuncture in the Medicare system. A formal petition to the White House passed today. This mandates a response by the White House. Auspiciously, this is also the first day of the Chinese New Year.

President ObamaWe ring in the Chinese Year of the Snake with over 26,000 signatures on the acupuncture petition. The petition went over the top by passing the 25,000 signature threshold required to mandate a formal response by the White House. The petition notes that many professions are recognized in the Social Security Act and are therefore included in the Medicare system. Dieticians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse midwives and clinical...

New MRI Study - Acupuncture Benefits Vision

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 06:48:03 +0000

New MRI research demonstrates that acupuncture benefits vision by stimulation of an acupuncture point located on the leg. Investigators compared stimulation of acupuncture point GB37 (Guangming, Bright Light) with a non-acupuncture point in close proximity. GB37 elicited complex brain activity in the visual cortex whereas the non-acupuncture control point exhibited a completely different response when measured with MRI equipment. Based on these findings, the researchers postulate that the neural signals elicited by acupuncture point stimulation may reflect important pathways by which acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects.

GB37 has been used for the treatment of eye related disorders for over a thousand years. The advent of functional MRI imaging has allowed for researchers to measure the specific regions of the brain activated by acupoint stimulation. Clear evidence from this study demonstrates that GB37 acupuncture needle stimulation activates...

Acupuncture White House Medicare Hopes

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:15:22 +0000

The acupuncture petition must hit its goal of 25,000 signatures by the Chinese New Year. If the goal is not reached by the Year of the Snake, February 10th, the petition dies and President Obama will not act on it. Currently, the Social Security Act recognises many types of healthcare practitioners including dieticians, nurse practitioners and midwives, social workers and physician assistants. However, licensed acupuncturists are not recognized as healthcare providers.

The goal of the petition is to recognise acupuncture as a profession and to have it included in the Medicare system. The petition cites the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture. The petition states that patients receiving acupuncture recover more quickly and less medication is required to achieve recovery.

At the moment, there are approximately 12,500 signatures on the petition with another 12,500 to go. Showing the...

Acupuncture Found to Up IVF and Treat Infertility

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:27:46 +0000

Acupuncture has been found to increase live birth rates for women receiving IVF, in vitro fertilization. Researchers discovered that acupuncture increases the chances of producing a successful pregnancy for women receiving acupuncture on the day of the embryo transfer of donor eggs. Normally, acupuncture point selection is customized to the individual patient’s biological needs. However, a set of standardized points were applied to all women in the study. Prior to the IVF procedure, a special set of acupuncture points were applied. Next, another set of points were applied after the embryo transfer of donor eggs. The results were tabulated and the researchers found a significant boost in fertility and live birth rates for women receiving this standardized acupuncture protocol.

February rings in the Chinese new year with the California Acupuncture Board acupuncture written licensing exam. The exam will be given on February 21, 2013 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California. February 10th brings the Year of the Snake. Traditional wisdom is that the snake waits patiently and then strikes. A wise snake will carefully review each question, take a moment to reflect and then decisively answer.

Pulse DiagnosisAll attendees must present an official photo ID prior to taking the exam. Attendees are not allowed to bring personal pens or pencils, cell phones, coats, multi-layered shawls and scarves and puffy vests into the exam room. Other items that are banned include purses, food, drinks, herbs, over-the-counter medicines and...

Acupuncture Hemodynamics - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 00:16:14 +0000

A new study finds that acupuncture affects sympathetic nervous system tone and increases peripheral blood flow. Researchers measured the physiologic effects of applying acupuncture to acupoint LV3 (Taichong). LV3 is located on the dorsum of the foot in the depression distal to the junction to the first and second metatarsal bones. The scientists created a study to measure the exact effects of needling a single acupuncture point on radial artery hemodynamics. Using high-resolution ultrasound with automated echo-tracking, the researchers discovered that applying acupuncture to LV3 causes an initial decrease in radial artery blood flow volume during the acupuncture treatment. Next, the radial artery blood flow volume significantly increases after completion of the acupuncture needling. The researchers also noted that acupuncture decreases systolic blood pressure following acupuncture treatments. Heart rate significantly decreased during acupuncture and returned to baseline approximately three minutes following the treatments.

Researchers have discovered that laser acupuncture significantly reduces depression symptoms. Laser acupuncture is the stimulation of acupuncture points with light instead of needles. Laser acupuncture uses low intensity laser beams and does not damage the skin, burn or cause discomfort.

Acupuncture for DepressionLaser acupuncture was applied to acupuncture points LV14, CV14, LV8, HT7 and KI3. Laser acupuncture treatments were given two times per week for four weeks and then one time per week for an additional four weeks. The study, conducted at the University of New South Wales, used strict protocols to ensure accurate results. The methodology ensured that the study was double-blinded, randomised and placebo controlled. All patients admitted to the study suffered from major depressive disorder. After three months, a follow-up investigation showed that...

Acupuncture for PID & Health Insurance Chlamydia Screenings

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:59:26 +0000

Research shows that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are successful in treating many forms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is inflammation of the female pelvic organs and/or connective tissues and is often caused by an infection. A new study, however, shows that commercial health insurance plans have only a 38% screening rate for Chlamydia trachomatis, a major cause of PID. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can be asymptomatic and delays in treatment often lead to reproductive organ scarring, infertility and ectopic pregnancies.

Acupuncture PointsAcute PID can be life threatening. It often presents with severe symptoms and may require hospitalization, surgery and antibiotics. Over 100,000 women become infertile due to PID in the USA every year. Approximately 750,000 women contract PID and 150 women...

Scalp Acupuncture Helps Multiple Sclerosis Into Remission

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:29:05 +0000

A new scalp acupuncture clinical case study concludes that acupuncture benefits patients with multiple sclerosis. The study finds that acupuncture relieves the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, increases the patient’s quality of life, slows the progression of physical disability and reduces the frequency of relapses.

Acupuncture for MS Scalp acupuncture was applied to several standard scalp zones: motor, sensory, foot motor and sensory, balance, hearing, dizziness, tremor. Acupuncture was applied once a week for the first ten weeks followed by once a month for the next six treatments. The patient in the study had multiple sclerosis (MS) for 20 years.

After the application of 16 acupuncture treatments, standing and walking improved significantly. There was also a marked reduction in numbness...

Canadian Acupuncture College Gets Liquidated

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:04:14 +0000

The oldest acupuncture college in Victoria, British Columbia (BC) has closed. Canadian Acupuncture CollegeAmidst an imbroglio of financial accusations and legal battles, the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has gone into receivership and the building will be sold. The school operated at the 551 Chatham Street location since 2002. One of the oldest Chinese medicine colleges in Canada, it operated for nearly thirty years.

Recently, the BC Supreme Court mandated the sale of the building and put it in receivership. Students left in mid-2011 when the school shut down educational operations. Students received refunds for pending payments and the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC paid students compensation so that they may continue their education at another school.

Acupuncture and Herbs for Stroke - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:06:31 +0000

New research shows that a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine increases the recovery of stroke victims. The Sichuan Academy of TCM conducted research on 240 post-stroke patients with flaccid limb dysfunction in a single-blind, randomized, controlled study. The patients were separated into four groups. The first group received acupuncture, herbs and standard rehabilitative therapy. The second group received only acupuncture. The third group received only Chinese herbal medicine therapy. The fourth group received standard rehabilitative therapy but neither acupuncture nor herbal medicine.

Acupuncture TreatmentThe results demonstrated that acupuncture and herbal medicine are safe and effective. More importantly, the researchers discovered that the combination of acupuncture, herbs and standard physical rehabilitative therapy is significantly more effective for the treatment...

Massachusetts Acupuncture Health Insurance Campaign

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 04:06:17 +0000

New acupuncture legislation has been proposed in Massachusetts. The Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Society of Massachusetts (AOMSM) has proposed a bill that expands acupuncture and oriental medicine health insurance coverage and establishes a commission to study the integration of acupuncture into wellness programs. The bill specifies that all individual and group health insurance policies must provide acupuncture and oriental medicine coverage in Massachusetts for the treatment of pain, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), nausea and substance abuse.

Acupuncture CarePresident Barak Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, nicknamed Obamacare, outlines health insurance basic standards. Preventative and wellness care and chronic disease management are mandated as part of those minimal standards for all individual and small group health insurance policies. Now, it is up to the states to...

New Acupuncture CEU Live Webinars at HeatlhCMi

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:33:16 +0000

The HealthCMi winter acupuncture continuing education live webinar series has been announced. This year, HealthCMi starts with two live acupuncture CEU webinars featuring the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Each live webinar is two hours in length and is worth two acupuncture CEUs in the USA and Canada. This includes California Acupuncture Board approved CEUs, NCCAOM national Diplomate PDAs, Texas CAEs, Florida acupuncture CEs, and CTCMA & CAAA acupuncture continuing education credit.

New Live WebinarsPelvic inflammatory disease is the inflammation of the female pelvic organs and/or connective tissues, usually caused by an infection. This includes a variety of biomedically defined disorders including cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis, and broad ligament infections. PID is characterized by lower abdominal pain...

Acupuncture Reduces Knee Pain & Increases Flexibility?

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:18:21 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture reduces knee pain and increases mobility for patients with osteoarthritis. This new randomized, controlled, double-blinded study also revealed some differences in acupuncture treatments. The researchers compared non-specific (sham) needling, modern acupuncture and classical acupuncture treatments.

The results showed that sham acupuncture only achieved a patient pain reduction rate in 48% of patients while modern acupuncture achieved a 64% rate and classical acupuncture achieved a 73% rate. Sham acupuncture did not improve knee mobility but modern and classical acupuncture made significant, measurable improvements in knee mobility. The researchers concluded that there is “a specific effect of acupuncture in knee mobility.” The researchers also note, “With respect to knee motility, individualised classical acupuncture achieved twice the effect of semistandardised modern acupuncture.”

Electrical engineers in a medical research team discovered how acupuncture benefits sleep. They did it by measuring brain activity with EEG (electroencephalography) before, during and after an acupuncture treatment. Results were conclusive, acupuncture significantly increases slow wave activity of the brain relative to fast wave activity in both the frontal and central lobes. This phenomena is known to benefit the quality and duration of sleep.

EEGThe acupuncture point used in this study increases the delta band power density, a known sleep related brain wave band. In addition, acupuncture at this point downregulates alpha and beta band activity relative to delta band activity. The decreases in these bands also enhances sleep quality.

The researchers applied manual acupuncture to humans at acupoint ST36....

California Acupuncture Board School Exam Pass Rates

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:43:12 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board publishes its acupuncture exam results. This documents the total number of students taking the exam and pass rates for each acupuncture school. To become a licensed acupuncturist in California, passing the state board exam is prerequisite.

Acupuncture TreatmentNationally, most other states require passing the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) exams. California licensed acupuncturists are not required to hold NCCAOM certification. However, many acupuncturists sit for these exams to have the freedom to practice in other states.

Largest Number of Students
The acupuncture university with the most students sitting for the California Acupuncture Board exam in 2011 is South Baylo University. A total of 52 students sat for the boards for...

Acupuncture Beats Drugs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 20:14:40 +0000

Acupuncture combined with moxibustion is more effective than conventional ‘western’ medicine for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A new meta-analysis of 11 research investigations with a sample size of over 950 patients shows that acupuncture with moxibustion leads to better clinical outcomes than conventional pharmaceutical drug therapy. In addition, the study shows that acupuncture combined with moxibustion is not only effective but is also safe. The researchers conclude, “Acupuncture-moxibustion for irritable bowel syndrome is better than the conventional western medication treatment.”

Acupoint Relaxation This is not the first time Chinese medicine has been shown effective for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. The Journal of the American Medical Association made an impact in the western world with its ground breaking publication of findings showing...

Best iPhone & iPad Acupuncture App of 2012

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 18:30:12 +0000

The Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi) has selected its winner for the best acupuncture app of 2012 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The year draws to a close and even the Year of the Dragon begins its shift to the Year of the Snake. An enormous amount of innovation, research and changes have come to Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine. One app stands above the rest in 2012 as the most practical, user-friendly and accurate acupuncture tool for licensed acupuncturists and students. The Manual of Acupuncture iOS app is this year’s winner.

iPhone & iPad Acupuncture AppAt HealthCMi, we feel that Chinese medicine involves a lifelong process of learning. The Manual of Acupuncture iPhone/iPad app infuses fun into...

Acupuncture Depresses Hypertension - New Findings

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:24:50 +0000

Investigators now confirm that acupuncture immediately lowers high blood pressure and has long-term anti-hypertensive effects. High blood pressure, hypertension, affects approximately 1 billion people. Seventy patients with hypertension were given acupuncture five times per week over a three month period. An important pattern emerged. Immediately after acupuncture treatments, the blood pressure reduced significantly. More importantly, the overall blood pressure readings began to decrease over time. Before and after each successive acupuncture treatment, both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings showed a gradual decrease over time. The researchers concluded that acupuncture decreases blood pressure both immediately and in the long-term.

About the Acupuncture Points
Acupuncture for ther HeartAcupuncture points used in the study were: ST9 (Renying), LI4 (Hegu),...

Acupuncture Slows Parkinson’s Disease - New Discovery

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:52:30 +0000

New research reveals how acupuncture protects the brain in areas damaged by Parkinson’s disease. Scientists at the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine have discovered two acupuncture points that prevent the breakdown of an important brain protecting enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase. This enzyme helps the body to create L-DOPA, an important dopamine precursor and drug used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is now known that acupuncture prevents decreases of the L-DOPA creating enzyme in the thalamic portions of the brain thereby improving the motor function that is destroyed by Parkinson’s disease.

Healthy Brain MRILoss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra portion of the brain is a key pathology in Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia. The World Health Organization (WHO) scientists have discovered...

Acupuncture Reverses Plantar Fasciitis - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 07:19:22 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is effective for treating plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammatory foot condition. Plantar fasciitis typically presents with pain on the underside of the foot and heel. The pain is often most severe when first stepping out of bed onto the floor in the morning. Another telltale sign of plantar fasciitis is pain upon dorsiflexion, lifting the foot towards the shin.

HealthCMi NewsIn this controlled clinical investigation, the acupuncture group demonstrated a significant reduction in foot pain while the control group showed only minimal changes. The control group received five weeks of analgesic medications, stretching exercises and shoe modifications. The acupuncture group received the same therapies plus electro-acupuncture treatments. The researchers concluded that, “Electro-acupuncture coupled with conventional treatments provided a success rate of 80% in chronic...

Acupuncture Helps with Neck Pain - New Findings

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 02:52:57 +0000

New acupuncture research shows that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of neck spondylosis, a type of degenerative osteoarthritis. This condition often causes pain, numbness and weakness of the limbs. The researchers compared to approaches to treatment.

Acupuncture for Neck PainGroup 1 consisted of 55 subjects who received acupuncture at acupoints Bailao (Ex-HN15), Ht7 (Shenmen), and SI4 (Wangu). Next, Group 1 received moxibustion treatment at GV14 (Dazhui), UB15 (Xinshu) and UB23 (Shenshu). In the third stage of care, group 1 received intradermal needling at Bailao (Ex-HN15), UB15 and UB23. Group 2 consisted of 56 subjects who received acupuncture at acupoints Bailao and TB3 (Zhongzhu). Next, group 2 subjects received intradermal needling at Bailao and SI15.

Both groups improved significantly in a before and after treatment...

Acupuncture Point Asthma Infrared Radiation Finding

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 05:58:49 +0000

A new acupuncture study finds that asthma patients emanate lower infrared radiation output from an important acupuncture point related to the health of the lungs. A study of 34 asthmatics and 34 healthy patients documented measurements of the infrared radiation emanating from acupuncture point LU9, a key lung-related acupuncture point located on the wrist. Acupuncture Needles The results demonstrate that asthmatics emanate a lower intensity of infrared radiation from LU9 across a wide wavelength spectrum compared with healthy patients.

About the Acupuncture Point
LU9 (Taiyuan, Supreme Abyss, Lung 9) is a shu-stream, earth and source point of the Lung channel. It is also the influential point of the vessels. Located at the wrist in the depression between the radial artery and the abductor pollicis longus tendon, LU9 is traditionally used to...

Ear Acupuncture Eases Breast Cancer Tamoxifen Flashes

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 01:34:03 +0000

Ear acupuncture helps control hot flashes and night sweats for women receiving breast cancer treatment. Researchers studied the effectiveness of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) 5-point ear acupuncture point prescription on women 35 years or older receiving tamoxifen therapy. Fifty women received the NADA therapy over a period of eight weeks. Ear Acupuncture The advantage of the ear acupuncture therapy was that treatment was easily administered in small groups of five or less women simultaneously. The results were clinically significant. The mean frequency of hot flashes and night sweats was reduced by over thirty-five percent.

Reference:
NADA Ear Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Treatment–Related Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: An Observational Study. Beverley de Valois, Teresa E. Young, Nicola Robinson, Christine McCourt, and Elizabeth Jane...

Critical Acupuncture Emergency Care Saves Lives

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 06:39:03 +0000

Severely injured multiple trauma hospital patients have significantly higher survival rates when acupuncture is administered. In a new emergency medicine trauma center study, it was also discovered that multiple trauma patients receiving acupuncture also had a lower incidence of SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), an inflammatory state affecting the whole body. The investigators also found that multiple trauma patients receiving acupuncture had a significantly lower incidence of clinical complications including ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and sepsis.

Acupuncture Saves LivesOne hundred fifty severely injured multiple trauma patients were randomly divided into three study groups. Group 1 received acupuncture at acupoints ST36 and P6. Group 2 received sham acupuncture, a simulated acupuncture experience. Group 3 was a control group receiving no acupuncture. Acupuncture and sham acupuncture were...

Acupuncture Setting the Mountain on Fire

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:53:30 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces the presence of toxins in the bloodstream. Two acupuncture needle manipulation techniques were evaluated for their ability to eliminate endotoxins from the blood. The first technique is referred to as Shaoshanhuo (Setting the Mountain on Fire) and the second technique is Toutianliang (Penetrating Heaven’s Coolness). Acupuncture NeedleLaboratory results demonstrate that both techniques reduce serum endotoxin levels and lower rectal temperatures in rabbits with bacterial infections. However, penetrating heaven’s coolness demonstrated greater clinical efficacy over setting the mountain on fire for reduction of toxins in the bloodstream.

In this randomized and controlled clinical study, rabbits received the acupuncture needling techniques applied to acupoint LI11 (Quchi) for a total of five minutes. LI11 is a standard point used for the treatment of...

Tongue Diagnosis for Peptic Ulcer Proves Right

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:08:43 +0000

Medical diagnosis by inspecting the color, shape and coating of the tongue has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is commonly used by licensed acupuncturists prior to an acupuncture treatment or herbal medicine therapy. New research now confirms that this method of diagnosis is accurate for patients with peptic ulcer disease. The investigative team concludes that TCM tongue diagnosis techniques may be “used as a noninvasive auxiliary diagnostic method and as an indicator for clinical outcomes for patients with PUD (peptic ulcer disease).” Tongue Diagnosis

Methodology
Researchers from the China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan recruited 198 outpatients from their hospital. A total of 50 participants were healthy adults and the remaining 148 suffered from peptic ulcer diseases including gastric ulcers, duodenal...

Acupuncture for Urine Retention - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 02:56:35 +0000

Acupuncture at UB40Acupuncture induces biochemical releases that alleviate urinary retention disorders. A recent laboratory study measured the effects of needling acupuncture points UB40 (Weizhong), SP9 (Yinlingquan) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) on rabbits with urine retention. Electroacupuncture was applied between 2 Hz to 15 Hz bilaterally to the acupuncture points for 20 minutes, respectively. The findings measured increases in bladder ATP and intravesical pressure, the pressure exerted on the contents of the urinary bladder. Bladder ATP is involved in urinary bladder volume reflexes along with intravesical pressure. The researchers conclude, “EA (electroacupuncture) of UB40, SP6 and SP9 can significantly raise intravesical pressure and bladder ATP content in urine retention rabbits, which may contribute to its effect in improving urinary retention.”

Reference:
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2012 Aug;37(4):291-5. [Effects...

Acupuncture Social for Chemotherapy Ovarian Cancer

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:41:55 +0000

Acupuncture helps patients receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer. A massive study of over 20,000 patients was conducted by top researchers from the Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston), The New England School of Acupuncture (Newton) and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The researchers discovered that social function scores significantly improved in the acupuncture group.

Acupuncture for Chemo The investigation was initially presented to The Society for Integrative Oncology's 6th International Conference in New York City. One important feature of the study is the large sample size. Other important features of the study were that it was a randomized, sham-controlled trial. The acupuncture results were tabulated against a control group that received sham, simulated, acupuncture. The true acupuncture group social functions scores were significantly...

Athletic Acupuncture Ankle Stability - New Findings

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 07:02:43 +0000

New research reveals that acupuncture is effective for treating athletes with functional ankle instability. The investigators showed that electroacupuncture applied to ST41 (Jiexi), UB60 (Kunlun), GB40 (Qixu) and Ashi points not only functionally improved ankle stability but also significantly increased proprioception. In a comparison with physiotherapy, the investigators discovered that the acupuncture study group showed greater improvement than the conventional physiotherapy group.

Acupuncture for AnklesChronic ankle instability is typically caused by sprains that have damaged the ligaments. This results in a decrease in proprioception, a person’s ability to sense relative bodily positions and the relative strength applied to parts of the body. As a result, ankle instability affects balance and gait. This may lead to susceptibility to further injury. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture improves proprioception...

Acupuncture Slows Arthritis Joint Degeneration

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:33:59 +0000

Investigators have discovered biochemical reactions by which acupuncture reduces arthritis related inflammation and damage to joint cartilage. In a laboratory mouse Acupuncture for Jointsmodel experiment, researchers found that electro-acupuncture applied for 15-30 minutes per day significantly reduces articular cartilage joint degeneration caused by arthritis. Electro-acupuncture was found to reduce inflammatory related chemicals in the joints while at the same time promoting biochemicals which protect joint cartilage. The level of joint cartilage preservation was confirmed by X-ray imaging and anaylsis. The researchers concluded, “These results showed that EA (electroacupuncture) can effectively alleviate the inflammatory reaction and postpone articular cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis.”

Reference:
Wu MX, Li XH, Wu GW, Li L, Chen WL, Liu XX. Electro-acupuncture treatment inhibits inflammatory reaction and postpones articular cartilage degeneration...

Acupuncture Lowers Earthquake PTSD Over Drugs

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:12:53 +0000

A new study finds acupuncture more effective than paroxetine (Aropax, Paxil, Pexeva, Seroxat, Sereupin) for relief of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to earthquake trauma. Researchers from the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Chengdu Military General Hospital conducted a randomized, controlled clinical investigation of 138 patients with earthquake induced PTSD. Electro-acupuncture was applied to the treatment group at GV20 (Baihui), Sishencong (Ex-HN 1), GV24 (Shenting) and GB20 (Fengchi). The medication group received oral administration of paroxetine. The medication group showed improvement. However, the reduction scores of PTSD including specific scores for anxiety and depression reduction were better in the electro-acupuncture group than the paroxetine group. Based on this investigation, the researchers recommend further studies to measure the biological effects of electro-acupuncture on PTSD patients.

Reference:
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative MedicineVolume 2012 (2012), Article...

Discovery- Acupuncture Regenerates Crushed Sciatic Nerves

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:26:58 +0000

Researchers have discovered that electro-acupuncture causes sciatic nerve regeneration. In a controlled laboratory mouse model experiment, researchers found that electro-acupuncture restores motor function and stimulates a rapid recovery. The results also showed that electro-acupuncture assisted in the recovery from “neuropathic pain that develops following a nerve injury.”

Acupuncture for SciaticaThe researchers note that their results show that electro-acupuncture stimulation promotes sensory and motor nerve fiber regeneration and shortens the duration of recovery times following crushed nerve injuries. The researchers concluded that “electro-acupuncture appears to be a valuable method to accelerate motor recovery and alleviate neuropathic pain symptoms that occur after nerve crush.” The study also concludes that acupuncture is an efficient treatment for pain related to crushed nerves.

About the Healthcare Medicine Institute: HealthCMi provides...

Acupuncture Speeds Intestinal Surgery Recovery

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 04:34:18 +0000

Researchers conclude that acupuncture significantly reduces intestinal disruptions after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. A randomized group of 165 patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 received electroacupuncture at St36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu) and SJ6 (Zhigou). Group 2 received sham Acupuncture at Heguacupuncture, a type of simulated acupuncture used to rule out the placebo effect. Group 3 was the control group and received no acupuncture. The time to defecation was significantly reduced in the acupuncture group over the other groups. Secondary benefits of acupuncture were a reduced need for pain medications, decreased recovery time needed prior to walking and a decrease in the length of stay at the hospital.

About HealthCMi: Authors and presenters provide acupuncture continuing education for acupuncture CEUs online and...

Acupuncture Ups Antidepressant Therapy - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:48:21 +0000

New research finds that acupuncture effectively treats depression for patients undergoing treatment with the antidepressant paroxetine (Paxil, Sereupin, Aropax). The investigation studied the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on patients with depression and evaluated whether or not measurable improvements were made over and above those from concurrent paroxetine therapy. The researchers discovered that both acupuncture and electroacupuncture improved “the quality of life in depressed patients undergoing paroxetine treatment.”

Acupuncture for DepressionAcupuncture and electroacupuncture were applied to acupoints GV20 (Baihui), Yintang, GV16 (Fengfu), GV14 (Dazhui), P6 (Neiguan) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao). Acupuncture was applied three times per weeks for six weeks. All acupoints were retained for thirty minutes during acupuncture treatment. The researchers discovered that while acupuncture and electroacupuncture were effective, it was...

New Acupuncture MRI Eye Evidence

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:37:12 +0000

A new MRI study shows that needling acupuncture point LR3 (Taichong) activates “areas of the visual cortex.” Acupuncture point LR3, located on the foot, is traditionally indicated for the treatment of visual disorders. The researchers note that the “results provide more evidence regarding the credibility of acupuncture therapy” and suggest the need for additional research.

About LR3 (Liver 3, Great Rushing)
AcupunctureLR3 is a Source point, Shu-Stream point and Earth point on the Liver channel. It is located on the dorsum of the foot in the fossa distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. It is traditionally indicated for the treatment of head and eye disorders. This research maps MRI responses to needling LR3 and provides empirical evidence that acupuncture...

Acupuncture for Female Sexual Dysfunction - New Findings

HCMI AdminServices — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:46:43 +0000

Researchers from the University of Nevada and Montana State University conclude that acupuncture is “effective for reducing some FSD (female sexual dysfunction) problems….” FSD is an umbrella term for hypoactive sexual desire, sexual arousal disorder, orgasm disorder and sexual pain disorder affecting women. A series of four acupuncture treatments were administered and a follow-up investigation was completed three weeks after the last acupuncture treatment.

The researchers documented significant improvements in symptoms related to FSD. Sexual desire increased. Sexual dysfunction decreased. Urogenital disorder symptoms improved significantly and overall anxiety levels decreased.

Reference:
Acupuncture and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Time-Series Study of Symptom Relief. Alice Running, Julie Smith-Gagen, Mary Wellhoner, and George Mars. Medical Acupuncture. doi:10.1089/acu.2011.0867.

Authors:
Alice Running, PhD, RN, APRN1,2 Julie...

Acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis - New Findings

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:55:00 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture “significantly improves the quality of life” for multiple sclerosis patients. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that causes a wide range of symptoms including pain, numbness, visual problems, speech problems, cognitive impairment, muscle spasms and depression. Acupuncture was shown to reduce both pain and depression. In addition, acupuncture significantly improved mobility in the eyes.

Acupuncture at Yintang Another group in the study received sham acupuncture, which only simulates acupuncture therapy. The sham acupuncture group did not show sustained improvement in pain, depression and eye mobility. By contrast, the true acupuncture group showed improvement in all three areas and also demonstrated an overall improvement in the quality of life. Other notable improvements in the acupuncture group...

Acupuncture for Arthritis Pain is Histamine Dependent

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 21:23:08 +0000

New research finds that acupuncture’s effectiveness for the relief of arthritis pain is dependent on acupuncture’s ability to stimulate histamines at the needling site. In the laboratory experiment, an injection of a histamine antagonist prior to acupuncture needling reduced the effectiveness of acupuncture’s ability to eliminate pain. This is one of numerous studies measuring the benefits of acupuncture for the relief of arthritis.

Acupuncture NeedlingA recent analysis of fourteen controlled clinical trials involving 3,835 patients notes, “Acupuncture provided significantly better relief from knee osteoarthritis pain and a larger improvement in function than sham acupuncture, standard care treatment, or waiting for further treatment.” The researchers stated that acupuncture for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis is “better at relieving pain and restoring function” than both standard biomedical care...

Scalp Acupuncture Color Atlas Review

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:59:57 +0000

The Color Atlas of Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture is the definitive acupuncture zone and point location book for the Zhu system. Beautifully designed, its easy reference system enables acupuncturists to quickly locate exact acupuncture areas for the treatment of specific conditions. Written by Prof. Ming Qing Zhu, L.Ac. and Moyee Siu, L.Ac., this book features semi-transparent overlays, zone and point location helpers and easy reference tables for finding specific medical indications.

Acupuncture NeedlesIn many ways, this book is indispensable for anyone using the Zhu scalp acupuncture system. The pictorial layout of this holographic acupuncture system makes the Zhu scalp acupuncture system both accessible and memorable. This book enhances clinical precision and is both stimulating and engaging.

Perhaps one of the most important principles of the Zhu...

Acupuncture Fights Dementia - New Discovery

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:47:50 +0000

A new study of patients with vascular dementia concludes that acupuncture is effective in improving cognition. Vascular dementia, caused by brain damage due to impaired blood flow to the brain, is common after a stroke. Any condition damaging blood vessels that feed oxygen and nutrients to the brain may lead to vascular dementia. The researchers observed that acupuncture measurably reduced levels of 8-OHdG, a marker of oxidative damage. As a result, the researchers conclude “that acupuncture is beneficial at least in part by preventing oxidative damage.”

Acupuncture for the BrainAnother study compared scalp acupuncture with body-style acupuncture. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 184 subjects with vascular dementia received either scalp acupuncture or body acupuncture. The scalp acupuncture group showed significantly greater improvements in cognition than...

Acupuncture for Heel Pain - New Study

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 06:06:00 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of plantar heel pain. The researchers note that acupuncture treatment clinical outcomes are comparable to the use of medications, night splints and stretching as evidenced in multiple studies. The researchers also note that results demonstrate that acupuncture has more significant improvements in both pain relief and the restoration of function than a standard regime of care that includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Based on these findings, the researchers formally recommend acupuncture for the treatment of plantar heel pain.

Acupuncture for Heel PainHeel pain is caused by a variety of conditions. The most typical causes of heel pain are baxter nerve compression, plantar fasciitis, fat pad atrophy, achilles tendonitis, stress fractures...

Acupuncture Helps Prostate Recovery - New Findings

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 18:27:12 +0000

Acupuncture combined with medication is superior to medication only for the treatment of an overactive bladder following prostate surgery. Researchers compared four treatment groups: acupuncture only, medication only, a control group and a group that received both acupuncture and medication. The researchers concluded that the combination of acupuncture with medication provided the most effective relief for an overactive bladder.

Acupuncture Benefits ProstateAll subjects in the study had a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), an operation involving the removal of tissue by electrocautery or dissection. This urological operation is employed as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate that causes urinary tract infections, urinary retention, painful urination, frequent urination and urinary hesitancy.

Subjects in the...

Acupuncture Controls Blood Pressure - Univ. of California Finding

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:35:31 +0000

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine mapped the mechanisms by which acupuncture regulates blood pressure. The study demonstrates that acupuncture stimulates chemical reactions in the brain that modulate the nervous system. This gives acupuncture the ability to control both the heart rate and blood pressure. The researchers conclude that electroacupuncture normalizes “elevated and depressed blood pressure” and regulates both the blood pressure and heart rate through GABA receptor mechanisms that modulate the sympathetic nervous system and vagal excitation.

Acupuncture for the HeartThe researchers measured these effects in a study of electroacupuncture to acupoints P5 and P6, located on the forearm. Acupoint P5, located on the flexor aspect of the forearm approximately three inches proximal to the wrist crease, is traditionally used by acupuncturists to treat...

Acupuncture Reduces Labor Pain & Complications - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 03:22:31 +0000

New research finds that acupuncture reduces pain during labor. It was also discovered that acupuncture used during labor is associated with a decrease in the use of forceps and ventouse, a vacuum extractor used to assist delivery. In addition, the study concludes that acupuncture decreases the number of caesarean sections.

Acupuncture for LaborThe purpose of the study was to determine effective interventions used to reduce labor pain. A review of pain management techniques examined both drug and non-drug intervention techniques. Acupuncture was determined to be both effective in reducing pain and effective in reducing medical complications associated with childbirth.

In related research, investigators conclude, “Less intense (labor) pain was found from acupuncture compared with no intervention.” The research found that acupuncture improved satisfaction with pain...

New - Acupuncture for Infants is Safe & Works!

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:34:54 +0000

A University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital study concludes that acupuncture is “safe, well tolerated, and therapeutic” for the treatment of infants. This study highlights the importance of minimizing an infant’s exposure to sedatives and pain medications in the hospital setting. The goal is to reduce the neurotoxic effects of medications and improve outcomes when infants undergo both intensive and invasive medical procedures.

Acupuncture for InfantsThe research identified that acupuncture reduces agitation, feeding difficulties and the need for sedatives and pain medications. Additionally, infants receiving acupuncture were also successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation. The researchers note that few studies have been conducted on acupuncture for the treatment of infants in the hospital setting. They suggest that further research is warranted given the outcome of this study.

Reference:

New Maryland & California Acupuncture Insurance

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:27:15 +0000

Acupuncture will be included in all Maryland and California small group and individual health insurance plans beginning in 2014. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, outlines ten essential health benefits and it is up to individual states to decide the details for their citizens. The essential health benefits are: ambulatory services, emergency care, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse care, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventative and wellness care and chronic disease management, pediatric care.

Acupuncture InsuranceMaryland’s Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown recently presided over the Maryland Health Care Reform Coordinating Council in Annapolis. The council, charged with defining essential health benefits, chose from amoung ten...

Ear Acupuncture Calms Epileptic Seizures - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:12:40 +0000

Modern research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces the frequency of epileptic seizures. Researchers from both Beijing and Austria conducted a meta-analysis of existing studies and suggest that the biomedical mechanism by which auricular acupuncture suppresses epileptic seizures is through the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

AcupunctureEpilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by unregulated electrical activity in the brain. This often leads to seizures. The use of acupuncture points on the outer ear has been shown to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. The authors note that epileptic seizures result from an imbalance of sympathetic and parasympathetic signals within the autonomic nervous system.

The authors cite significant research showing the effects of auricular acupuncture on the parasympathetic nervous system. The researchers also presented data showing that...

New Landmark California Acupuncture Health Insurance Law

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:51:02 +0000

New landmark legislation establishes acupuncture health insurance benefits for California citizens. California Governor Jerry Brown signed California State Legislature Assembly Bill AB 1453 into law on September 30th. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Bill Monning (D-Carmel), establishes the details for California’s essential health benefits and takes effect in 2014.

Acupuncture CareEssential health benefits were defined in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), often referred to as Obamacare. It is up to individual states to determine the precise details of the essential health benefits that are broadly outlined in the federal law. This new California law defines and enacts provisions for California essential health benefits and includes acupuncture for the treatment of pain and nausea. Other services defined as essential health benefits include ambulatory...

Portland Group Acupuncture Clinic Stats Are In

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:38:27 +0000

Acupuncture group-based community clinics in Portland, Oregon reach a broader socioeconomic spectrum when compared with a national sample of acupuncture clinics. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and the Helfgott Research Institute, Portland compared 478 acupuncture patients at community acupuncture clinics in Portland with a national sample and concluded that “local community acupuncture clinics reach individuals of a broad socioeconomic spectrum and may allow for increased frequency of treatment.”

Acupuncture in OregonPortland community group-based acupuncture patients sought acupuncture care for back pain (21%), depression (13%) and joint pain (17%). The study also concluded that the group-based acupuncture patients in Portland had “higher educational attainment, lower household income, and were more likely to receive 10 or more treatments in...

Acupuncture Improves Breathing for COPD Patients

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 04:40:35 +0000

New research finds that acupuncture benefits patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The researchers discovered that acupuncture reduces dyspnea, difficulty breathing, during exercise for patients with COPD. All participants in the study were administered acupuncture at a rate of one treatment per week for a total of ten weeks. The findings demonstrate that acupuncture improves oxygen saturation during exercise in patients with COPD. The findings also indicate that COPD patients have reduced breathlessness upon physical exertion.

Acupuncture for COPDAbout HealthCMi: The Healthcare Medicine Institute provides acupuncture CEU continuing education credit for licensed acupuncturists. The HealthCMi news division provides up-to-date research and acupuncture continuing education news.

Reference:
Acupuncture Med 2012;30:96-102 doi:10.1136/acupmed-2011-010112. Combined standard medication and acupuncture for COPD: a case series. Masao Suzuki, Kenji...

Acupuncture Reduces Cancer Pain - Univ. of Maryland Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 19:48:37 +0000

Acupuncture relieves cancer pain due to medication side effects according to new research conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Treatment for multiple myeloma (MM), cancer of plasma cells that affects bone marrow, is treated with the pharmaceutical drug bortezomib. Peripheral neuropathy, damage to peripheral nerves, is a common side effect causing pain in cancer patients taking bortezomib. The new research finds that acupuncture is effective for relieving peripheral neuropathy pain due to bortezomib intake in cancer patients. This finding affects cancer treatments in that bortezomib induced pain is a dose-limiting factor. The researchers conclude, “Acupuncture is a viable treatment option for MM patients experiencing painful BIPN (bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy).”

Acupuncture Prescription
Auricular AcupuncturePatients were given acupuncture at a rate...

Acupuncture Cost-Effective for Low Back Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 03:46:47 +0000

Researchers in Calgary, Alberta investigated the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain and discovered that acupuncture reduces health services spending. A group of 201 acupuncture and 804 non-acupuncture lower back pain patients were evaluated for the number of medical doctor visits required for the treatment of lower back pain. The mean age of the group was 48 years and 54 percent of those investigated were female. Results were tabulated as a comparison of the 1 year period prior to acupuncture therapy versus the 1 year period after acupuncture therapy. The same period of time was evaluated for the 804 non-acupuncture patients in the control group.

AcupunctureThe acupuncture patients saw doctors 49 percent less after having acupuncture...

Acupuncture Helps Shoulder Pain After Stroke - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:44:47 +0000

A new study finds that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of shoulder pain following a stroke. Shoulder pain commonly occurs after a stroke and interferes with the normal functioning of the arms. Approximately 70 percent of stroke patients develop significant shoulder pain.

AcupunctureA review of 453 randomized controlled studies investigated the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of shoulder pain after a stroke. 300 studies were written in English, 137 in Chinese and an additional 16 studies were written in Korean. Seven of the highest quality studies were chosen for a detailed review and clinical assessment. The researchers conclude that “acupuncture is an effective treatment for shoulder pain after (a) stroke.” The researchers also note that acupuncture is more effective for the relief of shoulder...

Acupuncture Ups Memory and Protects Brain Cells

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:51:52 +0000

New research reveals that acupuncture prevents brain cell loss in memory areas of the brain. The new laboratory findings also show that acupuncture improves cognition. The researchers note that these findings suggest that acupuncture is a potential treatment for cognitive impairment disorders and Alzheimer’s disease.

Acupuncture NeedlesThe new laboratory findings show that acupuncture prevents neuron loss in the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for memory and spatial navigation. The hippocampus is one of the first regions of the brain that suffers damage in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Using the Morris water maze test, the middle-aged mice used in the study who received acupuncture showed significantly less cognitive deficits. The combination of improved maze test results combined with greater...

New Acupuncture MRI Alzheimer’s Disease Results

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:06:12 +0000

New MRI research confirms that acupuncture activates memory centers of the brain and therefore may benefit Alzheimer disease patients and those with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers used a Siemens verio 3-Tesla MRI scanner and discovered that stimulation of acupuncture points Liv3 (Taichong) and LI4 (Hegu) successfully activate regions of the cerebrum responsible for memory and cognition.

Acupuncture for MemoryThree groups were studied: a mild cognitive impairment group, an Alzheimer’s disease group, a healthy patient control group. It was discovered that the resting state of healthy patients was significantly different than the resting brain states of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment patients. MRI imaging confirmed that acupuncture successfully activated specific brain states in Alzheimer’s disease patients and mild cognitive impairment patients that are otherwise pathologically deactivated....

Acupuncture for Parkinson’s Disease - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 21:16:35 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture may be an effective treatment modality for the improvement of symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease patients. Using fMRI imaging, researchers measured the specific effects of needling acupuncture point GB34 (Yanglingquan) on areas of the brain related to Parkinson’s Disease. The researchers discovered that acupuncture activated brain centers that suffer excess deactivation in Parkinson’s Disease patients. Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative brain disorder. Parkinson’s patients have lower neural responses in brain regions that acupuncture can access and activate. As a result, the researchers conclude that acupuncture at GB34 may improve the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.

Acupuncture for Parkinson'sTwo groups were compared using functional MRI technology. Group 1 were healthy subjects and group 2 consisted of Parkinson’s patients. The researchers discovered that acupuncture increases...

Acupuncture Fibromyalgia Online Course Launches

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 21:12:47 +0000

Today, the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi) is launching a new acupuncture continuing education course for online CEUs featuring the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. This acupuncture CEU course features the history of fibromyalgia syndrome, a biomedical overview and an in-depth look at the Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. Three case studies are included to highlight common clinical scenarios.

Acupuncture for FMSThe project was in development for over year. In that time, new research has confirmed the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of fibromyalgia. A new study concludes that, “Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine modality that can be used in pediatric patients with fibromyalgia.” The study followed patients with a history of juvenile fibromyalgia for eight consecutive years....

Acupuncture Works! Neck, Back, Arthritis & Headache Pain

HCMI AdminServices — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 04:18:21 +0000

A massive multi-year study of 17,922 patient outcomes has determined that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of neck and back pain, osteoarthritis, headaches and shoulder pain. This research is one of the largest and most sophisticated studies ever conducted on the efficacy of acupuncture. The findings were recently published in the prestigious Archives of Internal Medicine. The researchers conclude, “Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain and is therefore a reasonable referral option.”

Acupuncture Works!In another recent study, researchers conclude that acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture and biomedicine for the treatment of knee pain. This study of 3,835 patient outcomes concludes, “Acupuncture provided significantly better relief from knee osteoarthritis pain and a larger improvement in...

Acupuncture Helps Breathing - New COPD Results

HCMI AdminServices — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:32:59 +0000

A new study determines that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This randomized, controlled study compared true acupuncture with placebo, sham, acupuncture. The researchers determined that true acupuncture effectively decreased COPD symptoms. Placebo acupuncture did not benefit the patients.

Acupuncture for COPDIn this 12 week study of 111 patients, researchers determined that acupuncture is an effective treatment for COPD. True acupuncture effectively reduced dyspnea on exertion (DOE). Dyspnea, also referred to as shortness of breath or air hunger, is one of the main symptomatic presentations of COPD. The true acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups received treatment at a rate of once a week for 12 weeks. Upon completion of the study...

Acupuncture Points Successful for Infertility Treatment

HCMI AdminServices — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 16:59:46 +0000

New research finds acupuncture effective for the treatment of infertility. A meta-analysis of research literature conclusively documents multiple studies demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of infertility. Moreover, researchers determined common acupuncture points across multiple studies that show effectiveness in promoting fertility.

Acupuncture for InfertilityThe comprehensive analysis of fertility treatments revealed that four key acupuncture points, located on the abdomen and leg, were significantly effective. Acupuncture points SP6 (Sanyinjiao), CV4 (Guanyuan), CV3 (Zhongji) and Zigong (Ex-CA1) demonstrated clinical efficacy. The results do not come as a surprise to many licensed acupuncturists. The four acupuncture points are traditionally indicated for the treatment of gynecological and obstetric imbalances within the scope of Chinese medicine and are commonly used for the...

Acupuncture Reduces Premature Heart Beat Arrhythmias

HCMI AdminServices — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:47:10 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture treats premature heartbeats. A type of heart arrhythmia, a premature heartbeat is a contraction of the heart that occurs earlier than expected. This event interrupts the normal rhythm of the heart and causes the following heartbeat to be more forceful. Acupuncture applied to acupoints on the mid-back, arm and head demonstrated successful reduction of premature heartbeats in electrocardiogram studies.

Acupuncture Benefits the HeartPremature heartbeats can occur in both the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Premature heartbeats in the upper chambers are termed premature atrial contractions and those in the lower chambers are termed premature ventricular contractions. Premature heartbeats occur both naturally and pathologically. A premature heartbeat may be a reaction to stimulants such...

Acupuncture with Cups & Moxa Reduces Menstrual Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:08:47 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture combined with moxibustion and cupping is effective for the treatment of menstrual pain. Researchers evaluated sixty-six patients with dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain. The pain was significantly relieved or eliminated in all sixty-six patients with a combination of acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion within two to six treatments.

AcupunctureThe primary acupuncture points used in the study were: CV4 (Guanyuan), SP10 (Xuehai), K3 (Taixi), SP8 (Diji), SP6 (Sanyinjiao). A differential diagnosis was made for each patient. Based on the diagnosis, cupping and moxibustion were added to CV4 and ST28 (Shuidao) when appropriate. Moxibustion was added for ten minutes and cupping for fifteen minutes.

Definitions:
Moxibustion is a technique involving the burning of herbs to warm the skin or acupuncture needle. Cupping is a technique of applying...

Acupuncture Sports Cost Savings for Pain Relief

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:58:22 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is cost-effective for the treatment of chronic pain. Researchers from the Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK, investigated the economic value afforded by acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain, neck pain, dysmenorrhea, migraines, arthritis and headaches. The researchers discovered correlations between the clinical benefits of acupuncture and medical cost savings. The researchers concluded, “Acupuncture appears to be a cost-effective intervention for some chronic pain conditions.”

AcupunctureIn related recent research, acupuncture is proven more cost effective for the treatment of herpes zoster than pharmaceutical drugs and is found equally as clinically effective. Herpes zoster, commonly referred to as shingles, is a viral infection that causes painful skin rashes with blisters. It is...

Acupuncture Fights Depression from Nicotine Withdrawal

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:20:41 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture therapy is effective for the treatment of depression due to nicotine withdrawal. A randomized study of seventy-four patients with depression due to nicotine withdrawal were divided into two groups of study. Group one received the pharmaceutical medication Fluoxetine, a serotonin uptake inhibitor used for the treatment of depression. Group two received acupuncture at acupoints: DU20 (Baihui), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), EX-HN3 (Yintang), LR3 (Taichong), PC6 (Neiguan) and LI4 (Hegu).

Acupuncture TherapyThirty-four of thirty-eight patients demonstrated significant improvement in the acupuncture group. Thirty-three of thirty-six patients demonstrated significant improvement in the medication group. Based on these findings the researchers concluded, “The efficacy of acupuncture is similar to that of Fluoxetine in the treatment of depression in nicotine withdrawal.”

Acupuncture for Depression
Acupuncture is deemed a safe therapy for integration into a major New York City hospital according to research presented by medical doctors at the International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health in Portland, Oregon. The goal of the research was to establish inpatient policies, procedures and standards for acupuncture care at Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City. This includes credentialing, supervision and safety standards for acupuncture therapy.

Track Record Established
Acupuncture TreatmentThe first outpatient integrative medicine clinic was established at Beth Israel Hospital in 2000. A teaching hospital, the doctors created a post-graduate fellowship training program for licensed acupuncturists. The fellows worked two four hour shifts per week for a period of one year. This established...

Acupuncture Insurance Coverage Goes National?

HCMI AdminServices — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 08:46:23 +0000

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly referred to as Obamacare, allows states to choose acupuncture as a required essential health benefit to be included in private insurance plans. The federal government is giving states a wide latitude in determining what are required health benefits in private insurance plans. The PPACA outlines the following as essential health benefits: ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, pediatric services (including oral and vision care). The Health and Human Services department is charged with coming up with the specifics for these broad categories and has delegated that task to the states. As a result, California has a major decision pending that will affect acupuncture coverage for millions of people in the...

Acupuncture Reduces Postoperative Pain

HCMI AdminServices — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:59:14 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture reduces postoperative pain. Researchers tested the effects of electro-acupuncture to determine its ability to reduce postoperative pain caused by incisions. The study compared a control group with a medication group, an acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group. The type of sham acupuncture used in this rat-model study was the application of acupuncture needles to non-acupuncture point locations. The researchers discovered that 100 Hz electricity bilaterally applied to acupoint ST36 (Zusanli) reduced pain comparable to that of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug carprofen.

Acupuncture Post-OpSham acupuncture was determined to be ineffective and true acupuncture reduced mechanical nociception. Nociceptors are free nerve endings and nociception is the neural activity involved in processing mechanical, thermal and chemical stimuli. Excitation of the nerve fibers during...

Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Related Hot Flashes & Insomnia

HCMI AdminServices — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 05:02:49 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture is effective for the relief of hot flashes and sleep disturbances in women treated for breast cancer. A randomized-controlled study of 94 women compared an acupuncture group, a sham (simulated) acupuncture group and a non-treatment control group. The acupuncture group showed clinically significant improvements in both quality sleep and relief from hot flashes whereas the sham and control groups did not. The researchers measured changes in plasma estradiol and concluded that the therapeutic effects of acupuncture for the treatment of sleep disturbances and hot flashes did not correlate to changes in plasma estradiol levels.

AcupunctureOther recent research supports these findings. A Yale University/University of Pittsburg study of women with hot flashes due to conventional breast cancer treatment reveals that women...

Acupuncture Reduces Hip Surgery Pain - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 07:09:23 +0000

Acupuncture reduces the pain and complications caused by total hip replacement surgery. A new clinical investigation of acupuncture applied during total hip replacement surgery demonstrates that acupuncture reduces postoperative pain, reduces the need for medications and prevents complications such as nausea and vomiting. In addition, the research concludes that acupuncture improves the clinical outcome of the surgery by improving hip joint function.

Post-Op AcupunctureA nearly 2.5 year study of 60 patients compared a control group with an acupuncture group, 30 in each group. All patients had late-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head and received total hip replacement surgery. Acupuncture points used in the study were applied to the outer ear region at acupoints Shenmen, Subcortex, Kidney and Hip Joint. The acupuncture group had less pain and...

Acupuncture Controls Inflammatory Allergic Asthma

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:46:00 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces the allergic inflammatory process. Electro-acupuncture was investigated in a mouse hypersensitivity model that simulates human allergic asthma. In this controlled study, researchers used histopathology to examine the effects of electro-acupuncture on bodily tissues affected by the allergic inflammatory process. It was discovered that electro-acupuncture significantly decreased the excessive pathological diffusion and accumulation of inflammatory substances in the cells of peribronchal and perivascular tissues.

Acupuncture for AllergiesThe study demonstrated that electro-acupuncture at acupoint ST36 (Zusanli) exerts an anti-inflammatory response. ST36 is located below the knee and is traditionally indicated for the treatment of stomach related issues, exhaustion, mania-depression, dizziness, throat pain, breast abscesses and local pain. Zusanli is translated as “leg three miles,” which reflects the ability of this acupuncture point...

Acupuncture or Drugs for Lower Back Pain?

HCMI AdminServices — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:35:55 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of lower back pain. In a meta-analysis of 11 randomized-controlled trials, researchers note that “current evidence is encouraging in that acupuncture may be more effective than medication….” They note that, “Compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture may more effectively improve symptoms of acute LBP (lower back pain).” In addition, the findings demonstrate that acupuncture is conclusively more effective than simulated acupuncture (sham acupuncture) for the treatment of lower back pain.

Acupuncture for Low BackIn other recent research, acupuncture demonstrates significant effectiveness for the treatment of neck and lower back pain. The researchers conclude that acupuncture is effective for pain relief and is sometimes more effective than NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Acupuncture was determined to be effective...

Acupuncture Improves Deep Sleep - New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:34:16 +0000

New research confirms that acupuncture enhances slow wave sleep (SWS). Slow wave sleep, commonly referred to as deep sleep, is both the third and fourth stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep. Delta brain waves are dominant during SWS and deep sleep occurs in longer periods in the first three hours of sleep. Children tend to have longer periods of deep sleep while the elderly often experience nights without deep sleep.

Acupuncture for SleepThe research findings confirm that 100 Hz electro-acupuncture applied to acupoint Anmian (N-HN-54) increases deep sleep but does not affect rapid eye movement sleep (REM). Experimental models used in the deep sleep study demonstrated that k-opiod receptors mediate 100 Hz electro-acupuncture and u-opioid receptors mediate 10 Hz electro-acupuncture....

Acupuncture Protects the Brain From Stroke - New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:26:58 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture protects the brain from deterioration due to strokes. In the study, researchers discovered that electro-acupuncture exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain following a stroke that is caused by a transient cerebral ischemic injury, a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain.

Acupuncture for StrokeThe researchers discovered that electro-acupuncture treatment activates a special alpha-7 nicotinic receptor located in the brain, alpha-7nAChR. Modern research confirms that alpha-7 nicotinic receptors are involved in the reduction of inflammatory neurotoxicity due to stroke, heart attack, sepsis and alzheimers disease. Acupuncture helps to protect the brain by activating alpha-7nAChR receptors. Once activated, they inhibit the release of HMGB1, a protein responsible for inflammation and necrosis.

Measuring the shutting...

Acupuncture Restores Sperm Motility - New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 01:56:43 +0000

Researchers discovered that acupuncture restores sperm motility. Laboratory experiments measured the effects of electroacupuncture on infertility by stimulating acupoints located on the scalp, abdomen and legs. The researchers measured “a trend of improved motility and increased number of motile epididymal spermatozoa in the H+EA (electroacupuncture) group.”

Acupuncture for FertilityThe researchers note that electroacupuncture enhances “cell proliferation through improvement of Sertoli cell functions.” Sertoli cells are activated by follicle-stimulating hormone and are located in the convoluted seminiferous tubules, the anatomical structure in the testes where spermatozoa are produced.

Researchers disrupted spermatogenesis using a scrotal heat-treated rat model. Electroacupuncture was applied to GV20 (Baihui), CV4 (Guanyuan), ST36 (Zusanli) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) for a total of ten acupuncture sessions. Seventy-nine days following the heat treatment, motile spermatozoa were...

Acupuncture Weight Loss Secret Revealed

HCMI AdminServices — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:42:41 +0000

A recent study finds that acupuncture improves weight loss outcomes for the treatment of obesity. Using biochemical analysis, researchers discovered potentially how acupuncture stimulates fat reduction. They discovered a hormone, stimulated by the application of acupuncture, that promotes weight loss by altering both appetite and metabolism.

Electro-AcupunctureThe study involved feeding a high fat diet to laboratory rats for a twelve week period. Next, the obese rats received electroacupuncture at a rate of three times per week for a total of four weeks. Taking a look a changes in brain chemistry, the researchers found that acupuncture controls the expression of leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism. The research team notes that, “electroacupuncture treatment led to a reduction of body weight, decrease in the plasma leptin...

Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis - It Works!

HCMI AdminServices — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:41:50 +0000

A recent study concludes that acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture and conventional biomedicine for the treatment of knee pain. A meta-analysis of 14 random controlled clinical trials involving 3,835 patients states, “Acupuncture provided significantly better relief from knee osteoarthritis pain and a larger improvement in function than sham acupuncture, standard care treatment, or waiting for further treatment.” The study notes that acupuncture for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis is “better at relieving pain and restoring function” than both standard biomedical care and sham acupuncture.

Acupuncture for KneesPublic interest in acupuncture for the treatment of knee pain and dysfunction started with NIH (National Institutes of Health) research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, stating that acupuncture is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of...

Acupuncture USA Runs To Clean Olympic Gold Medal

HCMI AdminServices — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 17:15:49 +0000

Acupuncture helps Team USA race to gold at the London Summer Olympics. In the women’s 4X400m relay, track and field runner Dee Dee Trotter kicked off the lead in an amazing first leg and separated herself from the pack. Distancing herself from Russia, Jamaica and Great Britain, her breathtaking lead made it an easy night for the relay team. Team USA ran to gold, Russia took silver and Jamaica took bronze. It was the third fastest 4X400m women’s USA relay time ever!

Acupuncture GoldEven more amazing is Dee Dee Trotter’s commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. She is known for using acupuncture as part of her training and even received acupuncture treatments track-side after sprints. In her commitment to promoting natural...

Acupuncture USA Vaults To Olympic Silver

HCMI AdminServices — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 23:29:20 +0000

Olympian and world vault champion McKayla Maroney from Long Beach, California cites using acupuncture as a helpful tool for injury recovery. Maroney re-injured a toe that was broken at an Olympic training session in Chicago two months ago. She noted, “On my beam routine, my round-off dismount, I split my big right toe.” She added that this is the third time she has injured the toe. Maroney said, “I’m doing acupuncture and icing it like 30 times a day.” Maroney stated, “It looks a lot better now.” According to the USA women’s coordinator, Maroney will compete in the vault and may forego the floor exercise competition as a precautionary measure.

Acupuncture USAThe use of acupuncture by USA Olympians is not unusual. In the last summer Olympics,...

Best Acupuncture Protocols for Infertility IVF and IUI

HCMI AdminServices — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 11:12:20 +0000

New research demonstrates a consensus amongst acupuncture experts on best practice treatment protocols for acupuncture enhancement of assisted reproductive technology (ART) fertility treatments. ART includes all fertility treatments in which both the eggs and sperm are handled. ART includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). In this study, researchers set out to determine if a consensus exists on high priority acupuncture points for the enhancement of ART.

Acupuncture IVF and IUIART has been used in the USA since 1981 to help women become pregnant. Although acupuncture and Chinese medicine for the treatment of infertility is a time honored practice, the combination of acupuncture with ART has emerged in recent years as an effective approach for improving pregnancy and live birth rates. In this study, researchers administered...

Acupuncture Relieves Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

HCMI AdminServices — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:03:22 +0000

A recent study concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms and anxiety associated with heroin addiction. The research was conducted on 60 males suffering from heroin withdrawal. A control group was compared with two acupuncture treatment groups. Group one received acupuncture at acupoint HT7 (Shenmen) and group two received acupuncture at acupoint P6 (Neiguan). The use of both points proved effective in the treatment of heroin addiction related withdrawal symptoms.

Acupuncture for RecoveryIn other recent research, researchers studying cocaine addicted lab rats discovered that acupuncture at acupoint HT7 (Shenmen) had a “markedly reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking” with an 86.5 percent successful inhibition rate. Interest in acupuncture for the promotion of addiction recovery was renewed 12 years...

Acupuncture USA Goes To Olympics

HCMI AdminServices — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:23:56 +0000

Acupuncture makes another strong showing at the Olympic Games. Dr. Bret Moldenhauer, an acupuncturist from Chattanooga (Tennessee), will travel to the Olympics with world class runner and Team USA Olympian, Dee Dee Trotter. As her personal acupuncturist, he brought his acupuncture equipment to the track and treated Dee Dee Trotter on the spot during training. In pole vaulting, Team USA Olympian Jeremy Scott sailed through Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. Acupuncture is included in his regime of care for the treatment of his knee.

Acupuncture USAAnother acupuncturist is returning to the Olympics as a competitor! The London Olympics will be Amy Acuff’s fifth time on the USA Olympic team. A licensed acupuncturist in Austin, Texas; she attributes some of her long-term success in the sport of...

Acupuncture Arrests Fibromyalgia - New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 06:22:22 +0000

New research published in Clinical Rheumatology concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia (FMS). Fibromyalgia is a medical condition involving pain, increased sensitivity to stimuli and fatigue. Other symptoms often include sleep disturbances, joint stiffness, digestive complaints, numbness, tingling, headaches, anxiety and impaired cognition. The overall presentation of fibromyalgia is that of body-wide pain and tenderness. In this new study, researchers find that acupuncture provides “beneficial effects” for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Other studies support the same conclusions as those reached in this recent modern research. Acupuncture for FMSIn a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore), researchers conclude that “real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture for improving symptoms of patients with FMS.” In...

Acupuncture Benefits the Heart – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 19:03:29 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture improves cardiac function. Researchers applied electroacupuncture to acupoints LI4 (Hegu) and P6 (Neiguan) in laboratory rats. Measurements were taken of myocardial hypertrophy indices, electrocardiograph readings, structural changes of the heart, levels of plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin (ET), protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and signal regulating kinase of the left heart ventricle. The researchers concluded, “Our experimental results showed that Ang II and ET participate in the formation of MH (myocardial hypertrophy) and that EA (electroacupuncture) can improve MH by regulating the role of neuroendocrine-cytokines.”

More Recent Research
Acupuncture for the HeartThis research is consistent with other recent findings demonstrating that acupuncture benefits heart tissue and prevents heart disease. One recent study shows that acupuncture...

Acupuncture Treats Low Back and Neck Pain – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:54:28 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is effective for relieving pain of the neck and lower back. Researchers studied the effects of acupuncture on injured neck and lower back discs. Spinal intervertebral disc related pain often results in local pain and radiculopathy, nerve pain that travels distally from the affected region. In the study, acupuncture was compared with the effectiveness of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The researchers concluded that acupuncture is effective for pain relief and in some cases is more effective than NSAIDs for the relief of pain.

Acupuncture at UB40Acupuncture was determined to be effective for both long and short-term pain relief for lumbar disc herniations and subsequent radiculopathies. In addition, acupuncture was determined to be effective for the treatment of cervical disc related pain...

Acupuncture Prevents Heart Attacks? – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:27:23 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture improves heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is the variation in time between heart beats and is an index of the body’s ability to maintain control of the heart beat rate and rhythm through vagus nerve activity. Reduced HRV is linked to mortality after myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and diabetic neuropathy. Based on the HRV evidence, the researchers state that acupuncture may synchronize the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Acupuncture for HBPIn other recent research, acupuncture at acupoint CV17 has been proven to benefit the heart by increasing heart rate variability (HRV). This research demonstrates that acupuncture at CV17 is able to activate the autonomic nervous system to...

Heated Acupuncture Point for Bell’s Palsy – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:18:35 +0000

New research demonstrates that heat stimulation of an acupuncture point located on the hand benefits the lips of patients with Bell’s Palsy, a type of facial paralysis. Application of moxibustion (radiant heat generated by burning herbs) to acupuncture point LI4 (Hegu) was shown to benefit symmetry of the face and restore proper facial skin temperatures. Using infrared thermography, the researchers conclude, “Moxibustion stimulation at the Hegu (LI4) not only improves the global circulation but also has specific effects on the lips in Bell’s palsy patients.…” Facial Thermography

Why LI4 on the hand?
The researchers note that MRI studies show that acupuncture at acupoint LI4 demonstrates similar changes to the brain as electroacupuncture to the mouth. In addition, LI4 intersects “sensory afferent pathways of the face...

New Cancer Treatment Center Offers Acupuncture

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:36:07 +0000

Acupuncture is integrated into a new cancer treatment and research facility opening in July. The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre combines conventional chemotherapy, surgery, radiation treatment, research laboratories, acupuncture and other holistic modalities into a single integrated entity at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital. Australian entertainer Olivia Newton-John assisted in developing this project in a concerted effort to improve the lives of patients receiving cancer treatments.

Why acupuncture?
Acupuncture for cancer patients became recognized following a 1997 National Institutes of Health study showing that acupuncture is effective for treating nausea due to chemotherapy. New research gives us insight into the importance of acupuncture as part of an integrated medical model. Let’s take a look at some of the most recent findings.

Pain Relief
A recent study finds that acupuncture is effective for reducing pain in cancer patients. It is estimated that upwards...

Acupuncture for Hypertension & A-Fib - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 06:23:10 +0000

Modern research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces hypertension, protects heart tissue and reduces arrhythmias. Acupuncture for HBPIn one recent study, investigators from the University of California Los Angeles and UC Irvine “have shown that electroacupuncture stimulation activates neurons” in specific brain regions thereby reducing hypertension. The investigators mapped the brain network by which acupuncture treatment reduces high blood pressure through the downregulation of excess sympathetic nerve activity. In the study, acupuncture points P5, P6, LI10 and LI11 combined with electroacupuncture stimulation for thirty minutes with 2mA at 2 Hz successfully demonstrated clinical efficacy in the reduction of high blood pressure.

That’s not all! Other recent research demonstrates that acupuncture has “an antiarrhythmic effect” in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (A-fib). Atrial fibrillation is...

Acupuncture Point Interferon for Hepatitis B - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:03:41 +0000

Researchers conclude that injection of alpha interferon into acupuncture points for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B is more effective than non-specific intramuscular injections or intravenous infusions. Acupuncture InjectionsInjecting alpha interferon into acupuncture points “showed significantly better effect on the loss of serum HBeAg than intramuscular injection” and “was better than intravenous infusion for loss of serum HBeAg.” HBeAg is an extracellular form of HBcAG, a hepatitis B viral protein that indicates active viral replication. Bloodborne HBeAg is associated with high rates of viral replication and enhanced infectivity. In the study, injection of interferon into acupuncture points was more effective in reducing serum HBeAg than intramuscular injections and intravenous infusions.

About the Healthcare Medicine Institute: HealthCMi provides online acupuncture CEU education courses to licensed acupuncturists and publishes acupuncture...

Acupuncture & Moxibustion for Knee Arthritis - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 06:22:19 +0000

New research compared the effectiveness of electroacupuncture with warming needle acupuncture technique for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis for patients with kidney deficiency. Acupuncture for Knee PainA total of 74 cases were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture and a warming needle moxibustion group. Local acupuncture points in the knee region were chosen for the study. This included acupoints ST35 (Dubi), Xiyan, SP10 (Xuehai), ST36 (Zusanli), GB34 (Yanglingquan) and others. In the electroacupuncture group, stimulation was applied with a 5 Hz continuous wave. For the warming needle moxibustion group, two moxa rolls were applied at each acupuncture point during every treatment. Acupuncture treatments were administered at a rate of three acupuncture treatments per week over a period of four weeks.

Over sixty-four percent of the electroacupuncture group...

Acupuncture IVF Fertility Discovery - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:38:07 +0000

Researchers conclude that acupuncture improves both the pregnancy and live birth rates of women receiving in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation (IVF-ET). During the investigation, researchers uncovered a biochemical mechanism by which acupuncture Acupuncture for IVFenhances fertility. In addition, the researchers compared successful IVF-ET rates with Chinese medicine differential diagnoses and made an interesting discovery.

Biochemical Discovery
The researchers found that electroacupuncture increases blood levels of HLA-G (human leukocyte antigen) “and the level of HLA-G secreted in embryos for the patients in the process of IVF-ET.” Presence of the HLA-G protein is predictive of higher pregnancy and live birth rates according to modern research conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Chinese...

Acupuncture Halts Cancer Related Hiccups - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 07:51:17 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture effectively relieves hiccups for patients with late-stage cancer. Diaphramatic muscle spasms, intractable hiccups, occur in late-stage cancer patients. This is of great Acupuncture Descends Qiconcern because it is often difficult to control hiccups with medications and the hiccups interfere with the diet and sleep. A total of 30 patients were included in the investigation. 10 patients improved markedly, 18 patients demonstrated improvement and 2 patients did not respond to acupuncture therapy. Combined, the total effective rate is over 93 percent.

Chinese Medicine
According to Chinese medicine principles, a healthy stomach descends the Qi energy. Anatomically, the stomach has an important role in moving food downwards. When the body is exhausted and the stomach is weakened, the normal physiological function...

Acupuncture For Depression - Massachusetts General Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 06:36:28 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is an effective monotherapy for major depressive disorder. Researchers from the Depression Clinical Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) cited prior research as the basis for this investigation. The researchers note, “We have previously shown that a standardized acupuncture augmentation was effective for antidepressant partial responders with major depressive disorder (MDD).” In a follow-up investigation, the researchers examined the safety and efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of depression as a standalone therapy.

Acupuncture for DepressionPatients in the study received 8 weeks of acupuncture, 1-2 times per week, with every treatment lasting 30 minutes. A choice of 5 acupuncture points were included in the study. Manual stimulation was applied every 10 minutes to the...

Acupuncture For Depression Enhances Prozac - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 06:12:13 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture is effective in relieving depression and increases the therapeutic effect of fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Fontex). Researchers employed a single-blind, randomized, sham-acupuncture controlled study to determine if a type of electroacupuncture called DCEAS (dense cranial electroacupuncture stimulation) “could enhance the antidepressant efficacy in the early phase of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).”

Acupuncture for DepressionSubjects suffering from depression received 9 electroacupuncture treatments combined with the oral administration of the SSRI fluoxetine. The results were compared with subjects receiving a non-invasive simulation of electroacupuncture stimulation (sham-acupuncture) plus fluoxetine. The results were tabulated and the researchers concluded that electroacupuncture stimulation increased the clinical effectiveness of fluoxetine. They noted that electroacupuncture “is a...

Acupuncture Pain Relief Related To Metal Level - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:54:09 +0000

New research concludes that the pain relieving effects created by electricity applied to acupuncture needles (electroacupuncture) is dependent Acupuncture Needleson the subdermal depths at which electricity is emitted from the acupuncture needle. Researchers measured the analgesic effects of five different types of acupuncture needles that were inserted to identical depths. However, each of the five needles had the metal exposed to the skin at different levels along the shaft.

The group 1 needle was completely uncoated and the electricity passed through the entire length of the needle. All of the other needles were coated with an insulated coating and the metal was exposed 0.2mm in length, circumferentially, at varying depths per each type of needle. The group 2 acupuncture needle...

Acupuncture For Osteoporosis After Ovary Loss - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 22:32:19 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture increases bone mineral density thereby preventing osteoporosis. In a controlled clinical investigation, researchers applied electroacupuncture to laboratory rats whose ovaries were surgically removed. Those rats who received electroacupuncture did not experience bone loss and deterioration. The control group and the sham acupuncture group experienced bone loss and deterioration associated with the oophorectomy.

Acupuncture for BoneHormonal changes due to the loss of the ovaries is associated with osteoporosis, bone fractures, height loss, hot flashes, loss of libido, and general menopausal symptoms. In the laboratory, the researchers discovered that electroacupuncture prevented bone loss and bone deterioration by stimulating the Wnt signaling pathway, a network of proteins involved in physiological processes. The researchers note, “These findings suggest that EA (electroacupuncture) may bet...

Acupuncture Speeds Baby Delivery - New Labor Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 17:59:29 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture is safe and effective for reducing the time needed to deliver a baby. Researchers from the China Meitan General Hospital conclude, Acupuncture for Labor“EA (electroacupuncture) at Sanyinjiao (acupoint SP6) can shorten the duration of the active phase of the 1st labor stage.” In addition, they conclude that electroacupuncture is safe for both the expectant mother and the baby.

A random single-blind method was used in the clinical investigation. A total of 111 women were divided into three groups: non-treatment group, electroacupuncture at SP6 group, sham acupuncture group. The sham acupuncture group received stimulation at SP6 with an acupuncture needle guide tube and an acupuncture needle remained at the acupoint using an adhesive plaster.

Blood...

Acupuncture Protects the Heart - New UCLA Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 05:14:16 +0000

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) conclude that acupuncture protects the heart. Electroacupuncture applied to acupuncture points P6 and P5 in anesthetized rabbits with coronary artery occlusion resulted in less ventricular arrhythmias. Electroacupuncture also decreased heart infarct size, meaning, electroacupuncture protected the heart from tissue death due to obstruction of blood and oxygen supply. The researchers also showed that electroacupuncture stimulation caused a decrease in left ventricle dysfunction. Furthermore, a decrease in harmful ST segment elevation was observed as a result of electroacupuncture at P5 and P6. A raised ST segment is measured by an EKG, electrocardiogram, and may indicate a myocardial infarction.

The Study
Acupuncture for the HeartIn a detailed scientific investigation published in...

Acupuncture Trumps Ibuprofen for Shingles Pain – New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:09:09 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture combined with moxibustion successfully alleviates herpes zoster neuralgia, nerve pain due to shingles. A total Acupuncture for Shinglesof 37 cases were divided into two groups. Group 1, the medication group of 19 cases, received ibuprofen, vitamin B1 and vitamin E. Group 2, the treatment group of 18 cases, received acupuncture and herbal moxa roll heat stimulation. The herbal moxa roll consisted of corydalis tuber (Yan Hu Suo), astragali radix (Huang Qi), myrrh (Mo Yao) and other related herbal ingredients. Moxibustion was applied once a day for 7 days to Jiaji (EX-B-2) and Ahshi acupuncture points until local skin flushing was obtained. Acupuncture was applied to the same acupoints, Ahshi and Jiaji points, at a rate of once per...

Acupuncture Reduces GERD – Univ. of Arizona Reports

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:49:40 +0000

A recent publication in the prestigious Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology cites the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acupuncture was shown to be more effective in reducing regurgitation and heartburn than doubling medication Acupuncture & GERDlevels for patients suffering from cases of refractory GERD. Dr. Ronnie Fass, MD of the University of Arizona in Tuscon reported that refractory GERD affects up to approximately one-third of patients who take PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). PPIs are pharmaceuticals that inhibit gastric acid production and include brand names such as Prilosec, Lomac, Prevacid, Nexium, and Protonix. Regarding the acupuncture research cited in the publication, Dr. Fass notes that, “This is the first study to suggest that alternative approaches for treating visceral pain may have...

Acupuncture Relieves Foot Drop From Stroke – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:33:01 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture improves motor function for patients with foot drop caused by a stroke. Foot drop is movement impairment of the Acupuncture after Strokeankle, foot and toes that causes dropping of the forefoot. Researchers measured two approaches to acupuncture therapy for the treatment of drop foot. One of the techniques yielded superior clinical results yet both approaches showed significant clinical improvements.

Group A received acupuncture at acupuncture points SP6 (Sanyinjiao) and KI3 (Taixi) with application of the reducing needling technique at each acupoint. Tonification technique was applied to acupuncture points ST41 (Jiexi), UB62 (Shenmai) and GB34 (Yanglingquan). Group B received acupuncture at ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), GB39 (Xuanzhong) and several other acupuncture points used in rehabilitation treatments. Acupuncture was administered in a series of...

Acupuncture Ups Blood Iron - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:35:25 +0000

New scientific evidence shows that acupuncture has the ability to benefit iron levels in the blood. A new study concludes that acupuncture upregulates serum ferritin and decreases TIBC (total iron Acupuncturebinding capacity). Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores, releases and transports blood iron. TIBC is a lab test that measures the body’s ability to bind iron with transferrin, iron-binding blood plasma glycoproteins. TIBC is high in patients with iron deficiency anemia because the liver produces increased levels of transferrin to maximize use of remaining iron stores.

In a randomized-controlled trial, researches applied acupuncture to sixty white rabbits at acupuncture point ST36 (Zusanli, Leg Three Measures). The rabbits underwent food restriction and blood draws to simulate a blood deficiency condition that lowered serum ferritin and...

California Acupuncture Board CEU Changes Proposed

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:04:54 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board, Education Committee recommends changes to requirements for acupuncture college curriculum and acupuncture CEUs (continuing education units) for California. Acupuncture CEUsThe Education Committee recommends “an additional 360 hours to the training programs curriculum with 120 hours focused on Anatomy including Cadaver work and dissection, 120 hours of pathophysiology with laboratory work and 120 hours of orthopedic examination based on Tui Na and Traditional Asian Medicine.” The committee also recommends a one-time acupuncturist continuing education course “focusing on ethics as it pertains to the practice and business of acupuncture.” Additionally, an acupuncturist continuing education course “on changes in practice law and updates is recommended to be required to practitioners such that they are kept up to date with changes in the law...

Acupuncture for Spinal Cord Recovery– New Paralysis Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 19:47:32 +0000

Breakthrough research has discovered that implanted electro-acupuncture combined with bone marrow cell transplantation increases success rates in the healing of spinal cord injuries. Transplantation of bone marrow derived stromal cells into injured spinal cords helps in the restoration of motor functionality. However, survival Integrated Acupuncturerates for transplanted cells is low thereby limiting the therapeutic value of the procedure. Researchers combined implanted electro-acupuncture with the cell transplantation procedure and concluded that electro-acupuncture “induced a significantly higher functional improvement in locomotor functions” than cell transplantation only. Electro-acupuncture also “significantly increased the number of surviving BMSCs (bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells) compared to the BMSCs alone group.” The researchers concluded that “our experiment showed that the approach of coupling iEA (implanted electro-acupuncture) electric...

Acupuncture Lowers Cholesterol & Triglycerides – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 03:47:01 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture lowers both cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers applied electroacupuncture to acupoint ST40 (Fenglong, Abundant Bulge). ST40 is located on the lower leg, halfway between the tibio-femoral joint line and the lateral Acupuncture at ST40malleolus at a distance of two finger breadths lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. According to traditional Chinese medicine principles, this is a Luo-Connecting point of the Stomach channel that transforms phlegm and dampness, alleviates coughing, invigorates the channel to reduce pain, and clears phlegm from the Heart and Lungs.

The research, conducted on laboratory mice, measured biochemical responses to electroacupuncture at acupoint ST40 to map the mechanisms by which acupuncture reduces hyperlipidemia. The study discovered that electroacupuncture induces expression of nNOS and Mt1. NNOS is an enzyme that mediates nitric oxide...

IVF Relaxation Induced By Acupuncture – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:56:01 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture reduces anxiety in women undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization). A randomized-controlled study of 43 women undergoing IVF measured changes in anxiety levels. A total of four acupuncture treatments over a period of four weeks at a rate of once per week were administered. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at acupoints Yintang, HT7 (Shenmen), PC6 (Neiguan), CV17 (Shanzhong) and DU20 (Baihui). The control group received needle stimulation at non-acupuncture points near the areas of the true acupuncture points (sham acupuncture). The true acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in anxiety while the sham acupuncture group did not. The researchers concluded that acupuncture reduces anxiety and psychological strain for women undergoing IVF.

Acupuncture for IVFThis research focuses on the integration of acupuncture with modern medical practices...

University of Maryland Acupuncture Research – It Works!

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:55:58 +0000

A collaborative investigation between researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore) and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine concludes that, “Recent clinical trial and systematic review results clearly show acupuncture to be more beneficial Acupuncture Researchthan conventional standard care for many pain conditions….” Published in Medical Acupuncture, the review notes that basic science research has identified several mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its effectiveness in the treatment of pathological conditions. The authors note that “an extensive body of acupuncture research has been published, much of it with important clinical implications.” In addition, the authors note that there is a trend towards acupuncture becoming accepted by the mainstream in the United States, citing a national survey showing a growth in acupuncture...

Acupuncture Relieves Lower Back Pain – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 29 May 2012 01:36:40 +0000

A new study of 236 patients published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain concludes that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for the relief of lower Acupuncture at LI4back pain. A total of 14 acupuncture treatments were applied over a period of four weeks in this randomized investigation. The researchers concluded that acupuncture has “beneficial and persistent effectiveness against CLBP (chronic lower back pain).”

In related research, acupuncture at acupoint LI4 (Hegu) was found to help in the relief of lower back pain. A group of 187 patients with CLBP received 18 treatments over a period of 7 weeks in this controlled clinical trial. Two separate acupuncture groups, one using LI4 and one not using this acupoint in the prescription, showed statistically significant relief from lower back pain.

The LI4...

Acupuncture Halts Cocaine Addiction – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:24:51 +0000

New research investigated the ability of acupuncture to prevent the relapse of cocaine addiction. A study of cocaine addicted lab rats discovered that those receiving acupuncture at acupoint HT7 (Shenmen) had a “markedly reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking” with an 86.5 percent successful inhibition rate.

The researchers note that, “acupuncture reduces drug self-administration and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain structure implicated in stress-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior.” The NAc is an area of the brain important to motor function, rewards and emotions. Dopamine, glucocorticoids, GABA and serotonin play important roles in the NAc.

Using footshock stress to re-stimulate cocaine addiction behavior, researchers applied acupuncture to acupoint HT7 (Shenmen) for one minute following footshock stress to a control group and an acupuncture group. For the control group, footshock stress reinstated cocaine addiction behaviors. In the acupuncture group, there was an 86.5 percent inhibition rate...

Acupuncture Points to Different Sides – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:09:44 +0000

New research investigated the effects of needling the same acupuncture point on the left-side versus the effects of needling the acupoint on the right-side to determine if there were any physiological differences. Researchers measured the mean blood flux (MBF) in the acupuncture point LI4 (Hegu) using a Moor full-field laser perfusion imager. The study measured the results of needling LI4 on 120 human volunteers.

Methodology
The acupuncture group received acupuncture at LI4 with a 0.25 X 25mm needle to a depth of 15mm. Manual stimulation to the needle was applied with the rotation method every five minutes for a total of 30 minutes. In the control group, subjects did not receive acupuncture.

Acupuncture Affects Opposite Side
Acupuncture stimulation of right-sided LI4 caused strong amplification of the mean blood flux on the left-sided LI4. However, needling of left-sided LI4 only caused moderate amplification on both sides. The...

Acupuncture Protects from Liver Fibrosis – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:26:00 +0000

A recent study concludes that acupuncture significantly relieves hepatic fibrosis. A study of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic fibrosis in laboratory rats measured responses to acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at LR3 (Taichong), LR14 (Qimen), UB18 (Ganshu), and ST36 (Zusanli). The Acupuncture for Livercontrol group received sham acupuncture, the use of non-acupuncture points. The sham acupuncture points were located 0.5cm to the left of each real point that was used in the acupuncture group. No significant changes were measured for the sham group while the true acupuncture group showed significant hepatoprotective findings.

The acupuncture and control groups received acupuncture treatment three times per week for three weeks followed by two times per week for an additional three weeks. The acupuncture group showed significant amelioration from...

Acupuncture Points Common for Fertility & Infertility

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:21:22 +0000

Researchers conducted a comparative study of acupuncture points used for women to determine differences in acupuncture point selections for women receiving infertility treatments versus women receiving acupuncture for other concerns. A cross sectional study of 48 women consisted of two groups. Group 1 consisted of 24 Acupuncture Txwomen who were treated for infertility. Group 2 consisted of 24 women who were fertile and received acupuncture for other concerns. The acupuncture points common to both groups were K3, LI3 and SP6. The women receiving infertility treatments more often received the acupuncture points CV4, CV3 and ST29. For group 2, they received needling at SP3 more often than the women receiving treatment for infertility.

Reference:
Acupunct Med...

New Acupuncture Magnetoencephalography Results

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:19:39 +0000

Researchers measured brain responses to acupuncture with magnetoencephalography (MEG) and concluded that acupuncture induces specific responses to brain Regions of Interest (ROIs). Researchers took MEG measurements of the frontal, central, temporal, parietal and occipital regions of the brain while study participants were needled at acupuncture point ST36 (Zusanli). The Acupuncture MEGcontrol group received acupuncture needle stimulation at a nearby non-acupuncture point. The researchers discovered that, “Significantly increased delta power and decreased alpha as well as beta power in bilateral frontal ROIs were observed following stimulation at ST36.”

MEG and Brain Waves
MEG maps brain activity by measuring naturally occurring magnetic fields in the brain, which are produced by electric currents produced by the brain. Alpha waves are neural oscillations in the...

A Case for Acupuncture Treating Raynaud’s Pain

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:05:01 +0000

A case history published in Acupuncture in Medicine investigated acupuncture for the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon. The researchers concluded that acupuncture reduced the patient’s pain intensity levels, decreased stiffness of the joints and Acupuncture for Raynaud'snormalized the color of the patient’s fingers and toes. Raynaud’s phenomenon comprises both Raynaud’s disease (idiopathic) and Raynaud’s syndrome (secondary). Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is a vasospastic disorder that causes discoloration of the fingers, toes and other regions. RP is due to excess sympathetic nerve system stimulation leading to excess vasoconstriction. The consequent hypoxia causes discoloration and sometimes pain, swelling, ulceration or necrosis. Exposure to cold exacerbates the condition and warmth tends to relieve the symptoms.

Acupuncture was applied to a woman, thirty years of age,...

Acupuncture Ups Fertility & Pregnancy Rates – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:40:15 +0000

New research demonstrates higher ovulation and pregnancy rates for women receiving acupuncture combined with clomiphene (clomifert, clomid) compared with women receiving clomiphene only. Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It inhibits hypothalamus feedback to stimulate production of gonadotropins, hormones that affect fertility Acupuncture Fertilityincluding FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).

The study measured a control group of 19 women and an acupuncture group of 17 women. The control group received 50mg of oral clomiphene at a rate of once per day for a total of 50 menstrual cycles. The acupuncture group received the clomiphene at the same dosage and rate plus regular acupuncture treatments. The researchers measured changes in ovulation, endometrial thickness, cervical mucus, pelvic fluid,...

Oxygen Higher at Acupuncture Points – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 19 May 2012 23:10:18 +0000

New research has discovered that oxygen levels are higher at acupuncture points. Using a 25 micron amperometric oxygen microsensor, researchers measured the partial oxygen pressure of the distal left Acupuncture pO2forearm of humans. Oxygen levels were significantly higher at the acupuncture points in the measured region: LU9 (Taiyuan), LU8 (Jingqu), PC7 (Daling), PC6 (Neiguan), HT7 (Shenmen), HT6 (Yinxi), HT5 (Tongli), and HT4 (Lingdao). The researchers note that this correlation provides information on the physiology of acupuncture points.

The researchers conducted this human study after a clinical investigation of rabbits measured higher partial oxygen pressure at acupuncture points ST36, ST37, CV16 and CV17 compared with the surrounding regions of the acupoints. The researchers...

Acupuncture Education & Treatment Strategy for Prostatitis

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:56:28 +0000

Acupuncture for ProstateResearchers have published clinical strategies for acupuncture in the study and treatment of nonbacterial prostatitis. Professors from the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital) note that chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) responds to acupuncture treatment as demonstrated in modern research.¹ The publication outlines the underlying theory, treatment principles and optimal acupuncture points for the treatment of CNP.

The professors note that chronic nonbacterial prostatitis involves Kidney deficiency, damp-heat and Blood stasis. Of note, the Kidney, Bladder, Triple Burner, Liver, Spleen and Lung Zang-Fu organs are important in the treatment of prostatitis. From a channel perspective, the researchers note that the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai),...

iPhone & iPad App Measures Acupuncture Stress Reduction

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:19:18 +0000

The SweetBeat App for the iPhone and iPad has the ability to measure stress reduction as a result of acupuncture treatments. This App measures both the heart rate and HRV (heart rate variability). HRV measures the change in time interval between heart beats and is an index of the body’s ability to maintain control of the heart beat rate and rhythm through vagus nerve activity. Reduced HRV is linked to mortality after myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and diabetic neuropathy.

HRV and Health
Acupuncture AppNew research on acupuncture points CV17 and Ear Shenmen shows that acupuncture benefits the heart by increasing heart rate variability (HRV). The SweetBeat App places a valuable measurement tool in the hands of the acupuncturist and the patient. Patients...

First Ever Acupuncture COPD Trial

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:17:44 +0000

The very first placebo-controlled, randomized study on the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) concludes “that acupuncture is a useful adjunctive therapy in reducing” breathlessness in patients with COPD. A decrease in shortness of breath in patients with COPD is directly proportional to increased survival rates indicating that acupuncture prevents mortality associated with COPD. The researchers note that acupuncture improved arterial blood gas, rib cage range of motion, respiratory function (including forced vital capacity) and respiratory muscle strength. The ability to increase exercise capabilities was also greatly increased by acupuncture treatment. Moreover, acupuncture improved the activities of daily living score. In addition, acupuncture significantly improved nutritional levels including BMI (body mass index) and pre-albumin levels, common major nutritional problems for patients with COPD.

Acupuncture Affects CD4A new acupuncture study reviews the history and research associated with the beneficial effects of scalp acupuncture for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The researchers note, “The evidence from clinical studies suggested that SA (scalp acupuncture) therapy may produce significant benefits for patients with acute ICH.” ICH is a potentially life-threatening type of stroke with a higher death rate and higher disability rate than ischemic strokes. Strokes and cerebrovascular disease account for approximately 11 percent of all worldwide deaths annually and is second only to heart disease as a cause of death. The researchers note that studies confirm that scalp acupuncture “has rapid and powerful effects to remove limb paralysis caused either by cerebral infarct or by...

Acupuncture for Osteoporosis - Calcium & Bone New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:20:50 +0000

Acupuncture for BoneNew research demonstrates that acupuncture with Chinese healing massage improves bone metabolism for the prevention of osteoporosis. Researchers compared sixty-four subjects divided into two groups. Group 1 was administered vitamin D with calcium carbonate in oral tablets for a period of 12 weeks. Vitamin D is an essential component for the proper absorption of calcium. Group 2 received acupuncture at acupoints UB40 (Weizhong) and K3 (Taixi) combined with tuina massage on the lower back. Tuina, literally translated as push and grasp, is a type of Chinese medical massage. Acupuncture was administered a total of 30 times over a period of 12 weeks. Both the oral calcium with vitamin D and acupuncture with tuina groups showed similar improvements in the biochemical indices of...

Acupuncture Stops Dermatitis Itch – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:45:49 +0000

Acupuncture for ItchNew research concludes that acupuncture “significantly reduced type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with AD (atopic dermatitis).” In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study; researchers compared acupuncture and drug therapy with placebo and non-intervention control groups. Both acupuncture and drug therapy significantly reduced itching with acupuncture being the most effective of the two.

Researchers measured outcomes for two types of acupuncture protocols. Protocol I measured the effects of acupuncture using preventative (preceding) acupuncture treatment. Protocol II measured acupuncture’s effects when applied to active itching. Protocol II was the most effective of the two. Drug therapy testing employed citirzine, an antihistamine, as the pharmacological agent to control itching. Citirizine (Zyrtec, Reactine) was as effective as preventative acupuncture care but not as effective as active acupuncture.

New Acupuncture for Stop Smoking Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:44:11 +0000

Acupuncture Stops SmokingNew research suggests that acupuncture and hypnotherapy are effective methods in smoking cessation. Researchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal note that both acupuncture and hypnotherapy are commonly used as alternatives to drug therapy for the purposes of quitting smoking. They conducted a random analysis of controlled studies to evaluate the clinical efficacy of these treatment modalities. The research concludes, “acupuncture and hypnotherapy may help smokers quit.”

Over 50 million people smoke cigarettes in the USA. Acupuncture techniques for smoking cessation often include auricular (ear) acupuncture points and body style acupuncture points including Tian Wei (Tim Mee), LU7, LI5 and other acupuncture points. Often, an acupuncturist will combine acupuncture with herbal medicine to smooth the withdrawal...

Acupuncture Treats Atrial Fibrillation – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 06 May 2012 22:40:41 +0000

Acupuncture for A-fibNew research concludes that “acupuncture may be an effective non-invasive and safe antiarrhythmic tool” for the treatment of A-fib (atrial fibrillation, AF). A-fib is a common cardiac arrhythmia and is often associated with palpitations, chest pain and syncope. In A-fib, the normal P wave measured with an electrocardiogram is pathologically absent.

The researchers applied acupuncture points P6 (Neiguan), HT7 (Shenmen) and UB15 (Xinshu). Acupuncture was applied once per week for a total of ten weeks. All participants in the study had normal ventricular function. The researchers concluded that acupuncture “was associated with an antiarrhythmic effect.” Notably, true acupuncture was found significantly effective for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and sham acupuncture (non-acupoint) was not. In addition, acupuncture had similar efficacy...

Acupuncture & PEA for Multiple Sclerosis Pain

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 06 May 2012 18:02:36 +0000

Acupuncture with PEA for MSA recent case study from the Institute for Neuropathic Pain concludes that combining acupuncture with palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has a synergistic effect in reducing central neuropathic pain for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The combination reduces both pain intensity and the duration of pain relief. PEA is an endogenous fatty acid amide and is an endocannabinoid with an affinity for the cannabinoid-like receptors GPR55 and GPR119. Unlike THC (a psychoactive component in marijuana), PEA does not bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

The researchers note that acupuncture partially reduced the 61 year old female patient’s pain. After adding PEA to the regime of care, the patient’s pain levels decreased even further than with acupuncture as the only treatment...

MRI Acupuncture Research Maps Brain Network

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 06 May 2012 01:06:50 +0000

New MRI research shows that autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to acupuncture emanate from “distinct subregions” of “brain circuitry." A prestigious team of researchers from institutions such as MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), University of Michigan and Massachusetts General Acupuncture MRI ResearchHospital compared true acupuncture at acupoints ST36 and SP9 with sham acupuncture (non-acupoint location). True acupuncture activated the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2), insula, and the mid-cingulate cortex. The heart rate (HR) deceleration and skin conductance response (SCR) “magnitude of response was greater following real acupuncture” than with sham acupuncture.

Differential outflows of autonomic nervous system responses to acupuncture were associated with specific brain responses. Acupuncture with strong SCR causes “greater anterior insula activation” of the brain, particularly at acupoint SP9. Acupuncture stimulation producing greater...

Acupuncture New Millions in USA

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:02:31 +0000

Millions Use AcupunctureThe results from a national acupuncture survey are in. Over 14 million US citizens use or have tried acupuncture. That is a significant jump from the previous survey in 2002 that showed only 8.19 million acupuncture patients in the US. This most recent tabulation was gathered by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 2007 and was recently published. The jump from approximately 4 percent of Americans to 6 percent of Americans from 2002 to 2007 indicates an upward trend for the adoption of acupuncture in the USA.

Investigators included experts from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (El Paso, TX), University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD) and the University of...

Laser Acupuncture Lowers Heart Rate – New Proof

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 05 May 2012 09:00:28 +0000

Laser AcupunctureNew research reveals that ultra-low-level violet laser stimulation of acupuncture point Du-20 (Baihui) changes the heart rate. A 405nm wavelength laser beam at an output power of 1mW (continuous mode) was directed at Du-20 (Baihui, GV-20) on laboratory rats. There was an acute on/off effect when activating the laser beam. When on, the laser beam significantly lowered the heart rate. Results were measured by electrocardiograms using an HRV Medilog AR12 system. The acupuncture point Du-20 was located “at the continuation of the line connecting the highest points of the ear, on the median line of the head.”

The researchers note that laser acupuncture “can modulate physiological and neurovegetative parameters after stimulating the Baihui...

Acupuncture Helps Stroke Victims - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:30:32 +0000

Acupuncture for Stroke

New research published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science concludes that acupuncture benefits “patients with cognitive disorder due to cerebral infarction.” A total of 66 patients with cognitive disorder following a cerebral infarction (an ischemic stroke) were randomly divided into two groups for the study. Group 1 received conventional drug and physical therapy only. Group 2 received conventional drug and physical therapy plus the addition of scalp acupuncture treatments. Measurements were taken prior to treatments and at the end of the three month treatment regime. The acupuncture group showed a significantly greater improvement in brainwave response time than the control group.

The researchers measured a 39.1 ms shortening of P300 brainwave latency in the acupuncture group and a 16.7 ms shortening in the control group....

Acupuncture Reduces Hypertension - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 05 May 2012 03:37:29 +0000

Research conducted at the University of California Los Angels and UC Irvine has uncovered a mechanism by which acupuncture lowers blood pressure for hypertension patients. High blood pressure (hypertension) affects approximately 1 billion people. The researchers note, “two major contributors to systemic hypertension are the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system.” RAS is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance within the human body. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a part of the autonomic nervous system. It controls internal organs, engages the body’s fight-or-flight responses, widens bronchial passages, constricts blood vessels, causes sweating and raises blood pressure. Over-activation of the SNS from stress and other factors contributes to hypertension.

The research notes that acupuncture reduces hypertension by stimulating brain neurons, electrically excitable cells that transmit information. A decrease in the neural activity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla...

Ear Acupuncture Benefits The Heart – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:14:34 +0000

Researchers have discovered that auricular acupuncture benefits the heart by increasing heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is the body’s ability to regulate the time interval between heart beats and is an index of the body’s ability to maintain control of the heart beat rate and Ear Acupuncture rhythm through vagus nerve activity. A lowering of HRV is found in unhealthy and highly stressed individuals. Acupuncture’s ability to raise HRV is of importance because reduced HRV is linked to mortality after myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, diabetic neuropathy and low survival rates in premature babies. A reduction of HRV is also common in patients with PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome) and for individuals with increased heart rates due to...

Acupuncture Muscle Building – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:32:30 +0000

Acupuncture helps to build and preserve muscle mass. New research reveals that both acupuncture and electroacupuncture prevent muscle atrophy. The research measured 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.” As a result, the 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.”

Sports Stars Agree
Acupuncture has been helpful in muscle tissue recovery, building and preservation for over a thousand years. It is no wonder that modern sports stars make us of it. A.J. Burnett waited to sign with the New York Yankees until after they agreed to hire a team acupuncturist. San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy Johnson had one of...

Acupuncture Anti-Pain Discovery – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:06:08 +0000

Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Neuroscience Center have published a new method to eliminate pain using acupuncture point location as a basis for the procedure. It all started when researchers measured that adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter with antinociceptive properties, is produced by acupuncture stimulation. The chief investigator who made the initial discovery at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York stated, “acupuncture releases a natural pain-relieving molecule into the body…. Adenosine is a key to reducing pain during acupuncture treatment.”

Nociceptors, commonly referred to as pain receptors, are blocked by adenosine. Acupuncture stimulates the natural production of adenosine within the body. Even more intriguing is that this research discovered a natural residual pool of an adenosine precursor (adenosine monophosphate, AMP) at the acupuncture point St36 (Zusanli) prior to acupuncture needling. Manual acupuncture stimulation at St36 increases adenosine levels. It is...

Acupuncture Journal Supports Endangered Species

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:40:40 +0000

A widely published acupuncture and herbal medicine journal has launched a campaign to protect endangered species. The Journal of Chinese Medicine has launched an information campaign focusing on an initial select group of species that have been used in the making of herbal formulas. The campaign is designed to create awareness of the issue and to discourage acupuncturists and herbalists from using products made with these endangered species. The educational material is distributed via email and on their website.

Topping the list is the Asiatic black bear. Poaching has depleted the numbers of these bears significantly and farming of these bears has revealed severe animal cruelty issues. The bear gallbladder, Xiong Dan, and bile has powerful medicinal properties. Alternatives include synthetics and the gallbladder and bile from animals that have already been processed for food.

Pangolins, scaly anteaters, come in at number two on the...

Acupuncture for Hearing Loss – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:49:35 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture treats hearing loss. Researchers measured the effects of acupuncture on patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is defined as a loss of 30 dB or more in 3 contiguous frequencies within three days or less. Thirty-six patients of a total of seventy-two “showed improvement” with an average gain of 24.47 dB of hearing restoration. The researchers “demonstrated that favorable prognosis was directly related to the time interval from the onset of hearing loss to the start of AT (acupuncture therapy).” For the patients that showed significant improvement, start of acupuncture treatment was within an average of 51 days from the onset of hearing loss. For the group that did not respond, the average was 167 days between onset of the illness and the beginning of acupuncture care. Variables that did not affect the outcome: vertigo, presence of hypertension,...

Dog Acupuncture & Integrated Medicine – New Case Study

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:51:39 +0000

A new veterinary case study demonstrates that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of intervertebral disc disease of the thoracolumbar area (mid to lower back). A detailed study of a four year old male Pekingese dog’s experience with acupuncture shows the important benefits of acupuncture in an integrated medical environment. The dog presented with severe hind limb ataxia, atrophy and paresis (impaired movement). A physical exam, computer tomography and a neurological assessment indicated “multiple thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) throughout the thoracic and cranial lumbar spine.”

Failed Conventional Treatment
Initially, the dog received conventional steroid medication: a high dose therapeutic regime of prednisolone, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, and furosemide. Medication also included spironolactone and ursodexoycholic acid. No significant improvements were documented as a result of the drug therapy.

Acupuncture Treatment
Next, the dog was treated with electroacupuncture (EA) combined with Chinese herbal medicine...

Acupuncture Treats Pediatric Fibromyalgia – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:50:12 +0000

A new study concludes that, “Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine modality that can be used in pediatric patients with fibromyalgia.” Fibromyalgia is a disorder involving widespread pain, increased sensation of pain upon pressure and associated symptoms such as exhaustion, insomnia and aching joints. The study followed patients with a history of juvenile fibromyalgia for a period of eight consecutive years. All patients had at least 11 weekly acupuncture sessions and evaluations were conducted before and after the acupuncture sessions. Evaluations measured musculoskeletal pain, VAS (pain visual analog scale), myalgic index and algometry. The result showed that acupuncture is effective for reducing the number of pain sensitive areas, improves the myalgic index and acupuncture demonstrated improvements in the pain visual analog scale. Associated symptoms of headaches, poor sleep and exhaustion also improved in the patients receiving acupuncture. Based on this study, the researchers recommend future controlled studies to...

Acupuncture Quells Cerebrovascular Vasospasm – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:42:11 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is an “effective therapy for CVS (cerebrovascular vasospasm) after subarachnoid hemorrhage.” A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding between the brain and the tissues that cover it, often caused by an aneurysm. Cerebral vasospasm onset usually takes 4 - 10 days to develop following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The cerebral blood vessel spasms may lead to vasoconstriction and subsequent cerebral ischemia, which causes necrosis and potentiates a stroke.

A total of sixty cases were divided into two groups of thirty. Group 1 received conventional treatment with nimodipine and group 2 received acupuncture combined with the conventional treatment. Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker with selectivity for cerebral vasculature that binds to L-type voltage-gated calcium channels.

The total treatment time for both groups was three weeks. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Baihui (GV20, Du20) and Fengchi (GB20). Baihui is located at the vertex midline,...

New Acupuncture MRI Research on Migraine Point Specificity

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 05:16:26 +0000

New MRI research demonstrates that acupuncture “induce(s) different cerebral glucose metabolism changes in pain-related brain regions and reduce(s) intensity of pain” for patients with migraines. In this randomized-controlled study using PET-CT neuroimaging (positron emission tomography - computed tomography), acupuncture was shown to be effective for migraine pain reduction and acupuncture raised glycometabolism in the middle temporal cortex, orbital front cortex, middle frontal gyrus, angular gyrus, post cingulate cortex, the precuneus and the middle cingulate cortex. Acupuncture simultaneously lowered glycometabolism in the parahippocampus, hippocampus, fusiform, postcentral gyrus, and the cerebellum in migraine patients. The study also showed that the choice of acupuncture points used determined the changes in brain glycometabolism. The researchers note that this measurable phenomenon indicates acupuncture point specificity; specific acupuncture points have specific effects.

Subjects with migraines were separated into three groups: traditional acupuncture group (TAG), controlled acupuncture group (CAG), non-intervention group. The TAG group...

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Goes Food & Beverage

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:58:33 +0000

Traditional Chinese Medicine, known for acupuncture and herbal medicine in the USA, enters a new arena of healthy food and beverage production. Tasly Pharmaceuticals (China) and SemBioSys (Canada) have recently teamed to develop and produce healthy living products including nutritionals, beverages and foods made from the oilbodies found in plants. Together, this venture has the capability of extracting and processing the oils and proteins of plants without causing them to denature. This is accomplished with a proprietary system of extraction using a continuous cold system. The cold system creates a more valuable and higher quality state of oils and proteins than is possible using conventional heat and hexane extraction methods.

Tasly Pharmaceuticals, in a joint venture with SemBioSys Genetics Inc., has received all approvals necessary to operate a newly formed company, Tasly-SemBioSys Bio-Pharmaceutical, Technology Co., Ltd. The focus of the joint venture is to develop and produce...

Acupuncture Research on Knee Arthritis Published

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 05:13:30 +0000

Research recently published in Focus On Alternative and Complementary Therapies concludes that acupuncture benefits patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. In this single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled study conducted at the Department of Orthopedics at the Tel Aviv Medical Center in Israel, researchers examined 41 patients over 45 years of age who suffered from osteoarthritis of the knee accompanied by moderate to severe pain. Patients who received corticosteroid injections into the knee within 4 weeks of the study were excluded from the selection process. Participants received either true acupuncture (verum acupuncture) or sham acupuncture in a comparative examination. The style of sham acupuncture was the use of simulated needle stimulation at acupoints with non-insertion of the needle. The sham acupuncture technique of using needles to stimulate non-acupoints was not used in this investigation. All participants received either verum acupuncture or sham acupuncture twice a week for 8 weeks in addition...

Acupuncture Helps Swallowing – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:09:19 +0000

New research published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine concludes that acupuncture has potential “therapeutic effects and long-term efficacy for neurogenic dysphagia.” Dysphagia is a medical term for difficulty with swallowing. Neurological dysphagia is due to disorders of the nervous system. Signs and symptoms include difficulty with food control in the mouth, difficulty initiating swallowing, choking, coughing, nasal regurgitation and a feeling of food getting stuck in the throat.

In this randomized, controlled study of 87 patients; an acupuncture group was compared with a sham acupuncture (non-acupuncture points used) and a control group. A total of 20 acupuncture treatments were administered over an approximately 45 day period. Patients in the acupuncture group responded significantly better than the other groups with acupuncture participants having better levels of food and fluid consistencies. The researchers concluded, “This study demonstrates that acupuncture may have therapeutic effects and long-term efficacy for...

Acupuncture Restores Digestion – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:27:54 +0000

New research finds that acupuncture relieves digestive impairment due to stress. This finding suggests that acupuncture is an effective modality for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (indigestion). Dyspepsia usually involves pain of the upper abdomen, bloating and sometimes nausea, heartburn and belching. Dyspepsia is also linked to GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Researchers measured that acupuncture “significantly restored the occurrence of gastric phase III” to dogs exposed to stress. Electroacupuncture to St36 (Zusanli, Stomach36) restored gastric phase III after stress induction had impaired this phase of digestion. Application of UB21 did not restore gastric phase III. Electrocardiography was used to measure the high and low frequency heart rate variability (HRV) bands of dogs exposed to acoustic stress (AS). The HRV was used as a measurement of sympathetic and vagal activity and AS was administered in the form of very loud music. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture at “St36...

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Agree On Sleep Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:27:53 +0000

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine theory predicted the effects of sleep deprivation as discovered in a new clinical study. New research concludes that sleep deprivation and odd hours of sleep lowers levels of insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar) and lowers the metabolic rate thereby leading to weight gain. Participants in the study averaged a drop of approximately 8 percent in the resting metabolic rate, which could lead to a gain of over 12 pounds of fat per year.

This does not come as a surprise to acupuncturists. Chinese medicine theory asserts that sleep hygiene is essential to good health. It is accepted within Chinese medicine that sleep habits affect serum lipid levels and the BMI (Body Mass Index) in light of recent medical studies. According to Chinese medicine, 8 hours is enough sleep for most individuals, however, more sleep is necessary for ill or weak patients....

Acupuncture Cost-Effective For Herpes Zoster Care - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:28:30 +0000

New research published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine finds acupuncture as effective as pharmacological drugs for the treatment of herpes zoster. The study also notes that acupuncture is more cost-effective as a treatment modality for this ailment. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral infection that causes painful skin rashes with blisters. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Adults who have had chickenpox earlier in life have a 50 percent chance of contracting a herpes zoster outbreak later in life, however, herpes zoster can attack at any age.

A total of 500 patients with herpes zoster were part of this randomized clinical trial. They were divided into 5 treatment groups to compare Chinese medicine with anti-viral drug therapy. Group 1 received acupuncture and electroacupuncture. Group 2 received moxibustion. Group 3 received red-hot needle treatment. Group 4 received tapping needle technique plus...

Acupuncture for Knee Pain & Function – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:54:22 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture “may improve knee pain and function.” The research notes that, “All the studies using non-placebo controls showed statistically significant improvement in knee pain and function for the acupuncture group.” The research reviewed 60 studies from which 13 met the inclusion criteria of a randomized controlled study. Four major groups were investigated. Group one examined post-operative knee pain. The second group looked at the effects of acupuncture on non-placebo controls and the third group examined non-penetrating placebos. A fourth group included penetrating placebos. Much of the public interest in acupuncture for the treatment of knee pain and dysfunction began with NIH (National Institutes of Health) research into the subject. A report of the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine specifically states that acupuncture is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knees.

Reference:
1. The effect of acupuncture (vs. different types of...

San Francisco Acupuncture College Gets Doctoral Accreditation

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:45:04 +0000

San Francisco acupuncture college, The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), received accreditation by the ACAOM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) for its doctoral program in acupuncture and oriental medicine. The DAOM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) program supplements ACTCM’s existing offering, the Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM). Other schools with ACAOM accreditation for the doctoral program are Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington; the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, Oregon; and the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. Several other acupuncture and Chinese medicine schools are candidates to receive the ACAOM doctoral program accreditation: Five Branches University in San Jose, California; South Baylo University in Anaheim, California; University of East West Medicine in Sunnyvale, California; and Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles, California.

The ACAOM is officially recognized...

Acupuncture Relieves Gynecologic Surgery Pain

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:58:58 +0000

Acupuncture reduces post-operative pain following gynecologic and abdominal surgeries. A new study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology concludes that, “Pain control after hospital discharge is suboptimal for many women after both vaginal and abdominal surgery.” The researchers add that there is a need to improve post-operative at-home pain control measures, “Given increasingly rapid hospital discharge….” Acupuncture helps to improve recovery times and improves at-home pain control.

In Anesthesiology, The Journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, research concludes that, “Preoperative insertion of intradermal (acupuncture) needles reduces postoperative pain, the analgesic requirement, and opioid-related side effects after both upper and lower abdominal surgery. Acupuncture analgesia also reduces the activation of the sympathoadrenal system that normally accompanies surgery.” In another study published in Pain, the Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, researchers conclude that, “Our findings demonstrates that preoperative treatment with low-EA (electroacupuncture)...

Acupuncture Halts Malaria

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:26:58 +0000

Acupuncture may provide an important role in the containment and treatment of malaria. A recent article published in The Lancet notes that strains of malaria resistant to medicines made from the Chinese medicine plant, Artemisia annua (Qing Hao), continue to spread. Resistance to chloroquine drugs emerged from its widespread use in the 1970s and now Artemisia derived drugs are facing the same resistant strain phenomena. The World Health Organization continues to recommend artemisinin drug therapies, however, the emergence of resistant strains of malaria points to a need for new drugs to be developed in the pharmaceutical pipeline. Prior to new drugs becoming available, research demonstrating the efficacy of acupuncture in the fight against malaria becomes increasingly more relevant.

In a study of 214 children that was conducted at Shanxi Medical University, it was discovered that acupuncture enhanced the efficacy of malaria treatments and “markedly” increased hematopoietic function...

Acupuncture Relieves Hemophilia Pain – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:50:30 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is an effective and safe form of pain management for patients with hemophilia. Hemophilia is an X chromosome genetic disorder wherein the body has an impaired ability to stop bleeding. Hemophilia is more common in males because females have two X chromosomes and are therefore less likely to have the defect on both X chromosomes. Although clotting is impaired with hemophilia, acupuncture was shown to be safe in this study. The study reports that “no reported increased bleeding risk as a result of acupuncture use” was found. A total of 14 acupuncture treatments were applied to the subjects of the study and over 75 percent of the subjects had a significant decrease in pain levels. The researchers note, “This study suggests that acupuncture therapy can be a safe additional modality for pain management therapies in persons with haemophilia, although larger randomized studies are...

Acupuncture Relieves Facial Nerve Pain – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 06:14:24 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by intense pain in the face and is considered one of the most painful experiences a human can possibly experience. It is estimated that one in 15,000 people suffer from trigeminal neuralgia. TN is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which is a bilaterally paired cranial nerve with three branches: ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve and the mandibular nerve. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensing pressure (tactition), temperature (thermoception) and pain (nociception). It is also involved in facial motor function for the muscles of mastication.

The study focuses specifically on Liver Yang excess type trigeminal neuralgia and compares deep needling with shallow needling acupuncture techniques. The acupuncture points used in the study are St7 (Xiaguan), LI4 (Hegu), LV3 (Taichong), UB2 (Zanzhu), St2 (Sibai) and Jiachengjiang (M-HN-18). In both the...

New Acupuncture Channel Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:16:02 +0000

New research published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine concludes that acupuncture at acupoint SP9 (Yinlingquan, Yin Mound Spring) increases blood flow/perfusion to the spleen and acupuncture at acupoint Liv8 (Ququan, Spring at the Crook) increases blood flow/perfusion to the liver. In addition, sham acupuncture did not increase blood flow to the liver or spleen. The results provide evidence of acupuncture channel and acupuncture point specificity. SP9 (Spleen9) and Liv8 (Liver8) specifically were shown to enhance blood flow/perfusion to the spleen and liver respectively. Both acupuncture points are located on the legs on acupuncture channels related to the spleen and liver respectively and both points stimulated blood flow/perfusion to their related internal organs.

Electroacupuncture (2 Hz) was applied bilaterally to SP9 and Liv8 in separate experiments. The mean blood flow/perfusion in both the spleen and liver was measured using a laser Doppler blood flow monitor before,...

Acupuncture Neuroanatomical Discovery

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:42:34 +0000

Researchers conclude that acupuncture points are related to both unmyelinated and myelinated afferent nerve fibers in a unique neuroanatomical structure not found in other areas of the body. The researchers used light microscopy on silver stained sections of acupuncture point P6 (silver-stained human cadaver sample) and used confocal light microscopy on a live subject for acupuncture points GB20 and SP6. Control sites were compared with the acupuncture points. At the acupuncture points, it was discovered that a nerve bundle extended to the dermal-epidermal junctions. Each bundle branched into 2 sections perpendicular to each other. This anatomical phenomenon was not observed at the control sites. The researchers concluded that this acupoint neuroanatomical finding suggests that, “acupuncture may incise afferent unmyelinated axonal branch points, disrupting both neural transmission to the spinal cord and crosstalk along meridians, while simultaneously stimulating larger, myelinated afferents, thus explaining both the immediate and long-lasting effects...

New MRI Acupuncture Research on Point Specificity

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:54:43 +0000

New acupuncture research concludes that, “Recent evidence shows that stimulation of different points on the body causes distinct responses in hemodynamic, fMRI and central neural electrophysiological responses.” The researchers note that fMRI and laboratory studies demonstrate unique changes within the body when specific acupuncture points are stimulated. The study demonstrates that specific acupuncture points have specific biophysiological effects. As a result, the researchers suggest further research to investigate these measurable, quantifiable and objective phenomena.

Researchers from the Department of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, examined the specific effects of needling different acupuncture points as compared with stimulation of non-acupuncture points and placebo simulated stimulation. The researchers note that “... many well-controlled studies do support the principle of point specificity.” They cite as example multiple studies of cardiovascular disease and note that real acupuncture points “elicit(s) significantly greater responses than stimulation of both non-acupoints and inactive...

Acupuncture Success for IVF Fertility Implants – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:55:19 +0000

New research measures the biochemical mechanisms by which acupuncture increases IVF (in vitro fertilization) success rates. The study notes that acupuncture improves both IVF success rates and successful pregnancy rates. In this randomized controlled study on laboratory rats, acupuncture was measured against a progestin group and a control group. The researchers concluded that, “Acupuncture could improve the poor receptive state of (the) endometrium due to mifepristone by promoting Th2 cytokines secretion and inhibiting Th1 cytokines to improve blastocyst implantation.” A blastocyst is the embryonic structure of approximately 700-1000 cells that forms 5 days after fertilization in humans. Cytokines are proteins secreted by cells and are cell-signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication.

Successful pregnancies are proportional to higher levels of Th2 cytokines.1 Higher levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) are present in healthy pregnancies whereas women with chronic miscarriages have higher serum levels of Th1 cytokines....

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Protect Liver – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 06:48:38 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture combined with oral curcumin intake provides significant protection against hepatic fibrosis. Researchers examined the efficacy of curcumin and acupuncture both separately and combined for their ability to prevent liver fibrosis. The researchers discovered a synergistic effect when curcumin and acupuncture are combined. In the study, histological and pathological findings for hepatic disturbances and fibrosis were measured.

The controlled randomized clinical trial was performed on rats. There were several study groups: control, model, sham acupuncture, verum acupuncture, curcumin and the combination group. Acupuncture was applied to Liv3 (Taichong, Great Rushing), Liv14 (Qimen, Cycle Gate), UB18 (Ganshu, Liver Shu) and St36 (Zusanli, Leg Three Miles). Curcumin is a principle polyphenol in turmeric (Jiang Huang), a member of the ginger family of herbs used for invigorating the blood in traditional Chinese medicine. Oral intake of curcumin was combined simultaneously with acupuncture in the combined therapy...

Scalp Acupuncture Fights Dementia – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:49:02 +0000

Researchers conclude that acupuncture is beneficial for the treatment of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by brain damage due to impaired blood flow to the brain. This is common after a stroke or a series of mini-strokes. Any condition that damages blood vessels that feed oxygen and nutrients to the brain may cause vascular dementia.

The study compared scalp acupuncture with standard body acupuncture. In this multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial, 184 subjects with vascular dementia due to Liver and Kidney deficiency received either scalp acupuncture or body acupuncture. The scalp acupuncture group showed significantly greater improvements in cognition than the body style acupuncture group. Social behavior scores improved significantly in both the body style and scalp acupuncture groups. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) differential diagnostic conditions improved significantly in both acupuncture groups as did the ADL (Activities of Daily Living) score. Overall, scalp acupuncture received higher...

Acupuncture CEUs Online Opens Discussion Forum

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:00:08 +0000

HealthCMi.com announces the immediate release of the Acupuncture Forum, a new way for acupuncturists and medical professionals to communicate. To use the acupuncture discussion board, participants click on the “Forum” menu item at healthcmi.com and login. Participants can post new topics and reply to existing topics from other users. It is an interactive open source web environment that allows acupuncturists, Chinese medicine students and medical professionals to ask questions, post insights, review case histories and share professional experiences.

HealthCMi launched the acupuncture forum in a response to requests from licensed acupuncturists. HealthCMi provides acupuncture CEUs for acupuncture continuing education credit and publishes the latest in acupuncture news and research. The acupuncture forum represents a new direction for HealthCMi towards facilitating knowledge sharing between clinicians, students, teachers and researchers.

Most online medical discussion groups are either email threads or plain text user groups. Now, HealthCMi provides a...

Acupuncture Improves Sleep - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:16:52 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture benefits sleep. A controlled trial conducted on pigs measured sleep outcomes when the subjects received acupuncture at acupoints GV20 and Dafengmen (an acupoint anatomically similar to human GV20, Baihui). Results were measured using an actigraph (Octagonal Basic Motionlogger) and by measuring catecholamine counts in the urine after the application of acupuncture. Pigs receiving acupuncture at Dafengmen for 20 minutes at a depth of 10-20mm showed significant values on the actigraph and urine analysis showed significant changes in the catecholamine count.

The researchers note that the traditional location of GV20 on pigs does not correspond anatomically to human GV20 and therefore Dafengmen was studied along with GV20. Dafengmen is located using the midline between the ears technique and therefore corresponds to human GV20. Sleep improvements were achieved with Dafengmen. The pigs were kept in a light, humidity and temperature controlled environment and acupuncture...

Acupuncture for Hemorrhoid Post-Op Pain Relief

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:10:18 +0000

Researchers conclude that acupuncture is an effective adjunct to standard analgesic pharmaceuticals in post-hemorrhoidectomy patients. A randomized controlled trial of 50 patients was divided into three study groups. The first group received only standard analgesic pharmaceutical drugs (diclofenac and metamizol internally with local lidocaine). The second study group received standard analgesic drugs alternating with acupuncture. The third group received standard analgesic drugs alternating with sham acupuncture. Sham acupuncture is the use of non-acupuncture point locations for needle insertion.

The acupuncture group and standard analgesic pharmaceutical drug only groups had similar reductions in pain after surgery. The sham acupuncture group did not perform well compared with the true acupuncture group- sham acupuncture did not provide the pain relief that true acupuncture provided. The researchers note, for example, that on the day following the surgery to remove the hemorrhoids; standard analgesic drugs and true acupuncture both provided significant pain...

Acpuncture & Herbs for Weight Loss – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:37:59 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are “more effective than placebo or lifestyle modification in reducing body weight.” The researchers note that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have fewer side effects than the pharmaceutical obesity medications sibutramine, fenfluramine and orlistat yet the acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine demonstrate similar efficacy. The researchers note that the findings are qualified by the caveat of a small sample size of 4,861 acupuncture and herbal treatment subjects and 3,821 control group subjects.¹

The authors note that, “The use of western anti-obesity drugs has been limited by side effects including mood changes, suicidal thoughts, and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications. The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine including Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and acupuncture provide an alternative established therapy for this medical challenge.”¹

Other New Research
Other new research on the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight...

Acupuncture Causes Brain Repair After Stroke - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:47:36 +0000

New research examines the role of acupuncture in nerve regeneration of the brain following a stroke due to cerebral ischemia - a condition due to restricted blood flow to the brain. The research cites the ability of acupuncture to “promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the brain… accelerate angiogenesis and inhibit apoptosis.” The researchers note that the Conception Vessel (CV, Ren channel) and Governing Vessel (GV, Du channel) are effective acupuncture meridians to “prevent and treat neural injuries following cerebral ischemia.”

Recent studies demonstrate that neural stem cells (NSCs) in the brain have the “ability of self-duplication, self regeneration and continuous differentiation into neuron and neuroglial cells.” Studies show that acupuncture on the Conception and Governing Vessels promotes “proliferation and differentiation of NSCs in the ischemic brain.” Specifically, GV20 (Baihui) and GV26 (Shuigou) regulate cells which “increase the release of nerve growth factors...

A Case for Acupuncture Exercise Enhancement

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:51:09 +0000

Researchers note that acupuncture causes improvements in exercise capacity. In a case history, researchers note “the original combination of acupuncture points, in association with moxibustion, appeared to result in the large improvement in his exercise capacity.” Researchers used 25x30 mm acupuncture needles to stimulate acupoints: St36 (Zusanli), GB34 (Yanglingquan), P6 (Neiguan), Lu1 (Zhongfu), UB17 (Geshu), CV4 (Guanyuan), CV17 (Shangzhong), UB23 (Shenshu) and UB52 (Zhishi). Moxibustion was applied to St36, CV4, UB23 and UB52. Researchers measured an increase in the maximal aerobic capacity (peak oxygen uptake) by 38% and peak ventilation increased by 13%. The researchers concluded that “acupuncture was demonstrated to be an efficient tool for improving the exercise capacity of a healthy, sedentary patient.”

The subject of the investigation was a 30 year old male who received a 1 hour acupuncture treatment, once per day, for ten days consecutively. Tests were performed using standard cardiopulmonary treadmill...

New University of California Acupuncture Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:43:32 +0000

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine conclude that acupuncture affects opioid mechanisms. Researchers from the Susan-Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine and Department of Medicine at UC, Irvine measured responses to electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at acupoints P5 (Jianshi) and P6 (Neiguan). The researchers note that for the very first time, “These data demonstrate for the first time that EA activates preganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the nucleus ambigus (NAmb).” The NAmb is part of the lateral portion of the upper medulla of the brain. This area of the brain is partially responsible for the emanation of the efferent motor fibers of the vagus nerve.

The results suggest that electroacupuncture interacts with nearby nerve fibers that contain encephalin. Enkephalin regulates nociception (partially responsible for pain perception) and binds to the body’s opioid receptors. The researchers conclude, “These results suggest that EA at the P5–P6 acupoints has the potential to...

Acupuncture Signals Brain Activity – New MRI Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:07:25 +0000

A new MRI study shows that acupuncture affects brain activity differently than needle stimulation at non-acupuncture points. Researchers sought to compare the central modulating mechanisms of acupuncture and sham acupuncture on the brain by measuring changes of amplitude low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) using fMRI technology. ALFF measures the intensity of regional spontaneous brain activity, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, medial prefrontal cortex and bilateral inferior parietal lobule.

One group received acupuncture at acupoint Sp6 (Sanyinjiao) and the other group received sham acupuncture. The needles were retained for 4 minutes during the fMRI neuroimaging process. The Sp6 acupuncture group changes were primarily in the inferior parietal lobe. The sham group showed enhanced activity in the precuneus, which is part of the superior parietal lobe of the brain. The Sp6 acupuncture also showed increased ALFF in the fusiform temporal gyrus and medial frontal gyrus. As a result, the...

Acupuncture Ups Anesthesia for Gynecological Laparoscopy

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:25:31 +0000

New research confirms that electroacupuncture improves outcomes for patients receiving general anesthesia during gynecological laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery using a laparoscope so that only a small incision is necessary. The scope passes a light source, camera (lens or charged couple device ‘CCD’) and surgical devices through a small incision. The researchers measured significant improvements in patient outcomes when combining acupuncture with general anesthesia. The best results were achieved when applying acupuncture to acupoints St36 (Zusanli) and Sp6 (Sanyinjiao) bilaterally. Acupuncture decreased the necessary dosage of anesthetic, stabilized the heart rate and blood pressure during surgery and improved the recuperative process.

Ninety patients were divided into three groups in this randomized controlled study. Group 1 received only general anesthesia during surgery. Group 2 received bilateral electroacupuncture at St36 and Sp6. Group 3 received bilateral electroacupuncture at LI4 (Hegu) and Liv3 (Taichong). Group 1...

Acupuncture Stops Indigestion - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:46:03 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is indigestion- also known as an upset stomach. It involves symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, an uncomfortable sensation of heaviness or fullness after eating, nausea, belching and heartburn. Dyspepsia is often linked to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers. In many cases, dyspepsia is not linked to an underlying organic disease. In biomedicine, dyspepsia is often treated with PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), which are a class of drugs known for the treatment of heartburn. However, long term use of PPIs is linked to gastric cell atrophy, which may lead to cancer.

Researchers examined a total sample size of 712 patients. They were randomly assigned to 6 groups. Group 1 received specific acupuncture points on the stomach (Leg Yangming) meridian. Group 2 received non-specific acupoints on the stomach meridian. Group 3 received acupuncture...

Acupuncture Helps Menstruation & PCOS - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:58:33 +0000

Researchers have discovered that both electrical and manual acupuncture “improve menstrual frequency and decrease circulating androgens in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).” PCOS is a common female endocrine disorder with side-effects including irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, anovulation, infertility, polycystic ovaries and excess quantities of androgenic hormones. Excess androgens may lead to acne, obesity due to insulin resistance, high cholesterol and hirsutism (excess facial and body hair).

The researchers induced PCOS in rats using 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to determine whether or not electrical or manual acupuncture was superior in the regulation of menstruation. The rats received acupuncture five times per week for 4-5 weeks. The electroacupuncture group received 2 Hz stimulation at the acupuncture points. Untreated rats served as the control group.

The manual and electroacupuncture groups showed normalization of estrogen activity and a decrease in androgens. In addition, the electroacupuncture group showed changes in the central opioid...

Dietetics for Acupuncturists Now in Paperback – New Release

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:54:56 +0000

Chinese Medicine Dietetics, Volume 1 is now available in paperback at Amazon and other bookseller outlets. Five years in the making, the authors have combined Chinese medicine dietetics with ‘western’ biomedicine. The book opens with a brief history and introduction to Chinese medicine theory and dietetics preparation techniques. Next, the focus shifts to a detailed look at individual foods and their uses for the healing of specific disorders. Cereals, tubers, oils, condiments, liquor, beans, fungi, fruits, vegetables and herbs are covered in detail. A special section looks at the healing properties of tea. It is a fresh look into the world of traditional Asian healing foods as well as the healing properties of foods from Europe and the Americas.

The authors created the book to better help students of Chinese medicine and licensed acupuncturists explore the foundations of dietetics. Prof. Jeffrey Pang, L.Ac. is the Department Chair...

Acupuncture for Whiplash - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:26:35 +0000

A new pilot study concludes that acupuncture reduces pain associated with whiplash. In this randomized controlled study, one group received acupuncture treatments at a rate of three times per week for 2 weeks and the control group was placed on a waiting list. Whiplash associated musculoskeletal disorders commonly occur due to automotive accidents and sporting incidents. Trauma to the neck leads to inflammation of the soft tissue, subluxation and displacement of cervical vertebrae and nerve root irritation. In many cases, the curvature of the spine straightens or malforms into a reverse curve formation due to the acute injury. This study concluded that, “Acupuncture treatment was associated with a significant alleviation of pain.”

More research continues to emerge showing the pain relieving effects of acupuncture. Last summer, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study shows that electroacupuncture, “inhibits osteoarthritis-induced pain by enhancing 5-HT2A/2C [serotonin] receptor activity.” Activation...

Acupuncture Relieves Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:40:51 +0000

A recent study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences concludes that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. There were 72 subjects in this randomized controlled study. The acupuncture treatment group received 8 acupuncture treatments over a period of 4 weeks and night splinting was used as an additional component to the medical are. The control group received night splinting, sham acupuncture (use of non-relevant acupoints in relation to carpal tunnel syndrome), vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. A follow up after the treatment regime measured a clinically significant nerve conduction velocity difference between the groups. The acupuncture group measured significantly better according to the nerve conduction study’s electrophysiological measurements. The researchers also conclude that acupuncture is effective in relieving the subjective symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.¹

This new acupuncture and carpal tunnel syndrome research from 2012 is not alone. Looking back...

New Research: Acupuncture treats Warts

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:37:44 +0000

A recent study published in the International Journal of Dermatology concludes that acupuncture shows promise in the treatment of flat warts. The study used a randomized, sing-blinded controlled research methodology on 60 subjects. A control group of 30 subjects received a topical ointment of tretinoin, often known by its brand names: Retin-A, Vesanoid, Avita, Refissa, Aberela, Airol. Tretinoin is often used for the treatment of acne but is also used in the treatment of warts. In the treatment group of 30 subjects, they received auricular acupuncture. Auricular acupuncture is the application of acupuncture needles to specific acupoints located on the outer ear. Subjects received acupuncture at a rate of one treatment per week for 10 weeks.

One subject in the control group recovered fully from the flat warts with no recurrence after six months. In the acupuncture treatment group, 16 subjects recovered fully with no recurrence after...

Acupuncture Affects Attention Brainwaves – New Study

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:18:32 +0000

A recent study concludes that acupuncture affects the attention function of the brain. The study measured the effects of acupuncture points Ht7 (Shenmen) and Lu9 (Taiyuan). Researchers discovered that Ht7 had a “greater influence on the attention function of the brain.” The goal of the study was to investigate the effects of needling Ht7 and Lu9 on human attention brain function and also to explore methods to research brain function as it relates to acupuncture stimulation.

The researches used EEG (electroencephalography) to measure ERP (event-related potentials). EEG measures electrical activity of the brain and ERP is a measure of brain responses related to thought and perception. ERP is an electrophysiological measurement of stimuli to the brain. Researchers looked for changes in P300, a brainwave reflecting cognitive function in decision making processes, after application of manual acupuncture at Ht7 and Lu9. A subset of P300 is P3a. This...

IVF Fertility Success with Acupuncture – New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:20:07 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture improves clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates for women receiving IVF (in vitro fertilization).¹ Twenty-four randomized controlled trials of 5,807 women examined the effects of acupuncture, electroacupuncture and laser acupuncture on IVF success rates. Control groups consisted of placebo acupuncture, sham acupuncture and no acupuncture. Researchers also discovered that live birth rates significantly increased when acupuncture was administered near the time of either oocyte aspiration or controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation. In yet another recent study published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, it was concluded that acupuncture helps to prevent egg implantation failure.² This study focused on the acupuncture points St36 and Sp6.

Reference:

1 Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cui Hong Zheng, M.D.; Ph.D.^a, Guang Ying Huang, M.D., Ph.D.^a; Ming Min Zhang, M.D.,...

Acupuncture Stops Migraine Pain Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:25:52 +0000

Several recent studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraines. Dr. Molsberger, MD, of the Canadian Medical Association writes “acupuncture is more effective than no acupuncture” and is at the very least “as effective as a B-blocker (beta blocker).” These conclusions were directly taken from studies showing the efficacy of acupuncture care. He also reports that acupuncture is “effective and safe.” Also reported was that acupuncture is “more effective than flunarizine in decreasing the duration of migraine attacks.” He follows reports of these studies with other studies showing the efficacy of acupuncture for treating headaches, arthritis, lower back pain and shoulder pain.

Dr. Molsberger’s report is not without controversy. He citied a study showing that true acupuncture and sham acupuncture are both effective in the treatment of migraines in the short term. However, the same study also notes that true acupuncture is more effective measured...

New Anti-Inflammatory Acupuncture Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:05:53 +0000

Researchers have measured that acupuncture on the external ear (auricular acupuncture) produces biochemical anti-inflammatory effects. In the study, researches note that auricular acupuncture affected both opioid mechanisms and cholinergic muscarinic mechanisms.

The researchers induced inflammation and edema in rats with an injection of an irritant while under anesthesia. Electroacupuncture was applied to ear acupuncture points and a marked decrease of inflammation was measured. The pain relieving and anti-edema effects of auricular acupuncture were disrupted with methyl atropine, which blocks peripheral muscarinic receptors. Naloxone, an opioid receptor blocker, did not antagonize the anti-inflammatory effects of the electroacupuncture. As a result, the researchers concluded that auricular acupuncture exerts its anti-inflammatory effects more significantly through cholinergic muscarinic mechanisms than through opioid pathways.

Acupuncture Tech
The researchers first tested for auricular acupuncture points on the ears of rats by measuring points of low impedance because low impedance is...

New Acupuncture Arthritis Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture were tested for their efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers measured key blood factors responsible for rheumatoid arthritis. The study measured that both acupuncture and electro-acupuncture significantly reduced both blood and synovial joint levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Electro-acupuncture was shown to have a greater effect in lowering VEGF than non-electrical acupuncture.

In this randomized controlled study, 63 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were split into two groups. One group received electro-acupuncture and the other received non-electrical acupuncture. Acupuncture points were selected on pain related points (Ashi points) and related Yang acupuncture channels. The patients were treated every other day for a total of ten treatments per course. Each patient received three courses of treatment. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture “could effectively lower the contents of TNF-α and VEGF in peripheral blood and joint synovia...

Acupuncture Reduces Dental Anxiety - New Research

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:08:02 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture helps to reduce dental related anxiety. In a patient-blinded randomized controlled investigation, researchers compared 182 patients. One group received true acupuncture at auricular points. The second group received sham acupuncture (non-related acupoints) and a third group did not receive acupuncture or any medical procedures for the treatment of anxiety. The researchers measured anxiety levels prior to getting acupuncture and 20 minutes after receiving acupuncture which was immediately prior to the dental work. Anxiety levels in the true acupuncture group reduced significantly and slightly in the sham acupuncture group. In the non-intervention group, anxiety increased.

The researchers concluded that auricular acupuncture is both minimally invasive and “effectively reduces state anxiety before dental treatment.” The researchers suggest that acupuncture may provide an option to patients suffering from anxiety prior to dental care.

Reference:
Michalek-Sauberer, Andrea, Gusenleitner, Erich Gleiss,...

New MRI Study Reveals Acupuncture Mechanisms

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:51:37 +0000

A recent study published in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging demonstrates the neurophysiological effects of acupuncture using MRI technology. The researchers applied acupuncture to acupoint GB40 (Qixu) and acupuncture point K3 (Taixi). Results showed that GB40 stimulation specifically enhanced “connectivity between the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and anterior insula.” The STG is part of the temporal lobe of the brain located above the area of the ear. The anterior insula of the brain is located between the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex. K3 (Taixi) showed different results. K3 (Taixi) increased the connection strength between the STG and the postcentral gyrus. This distinction between GB40’s enhancement of the precentral gyrus and K3’s enhancement of the postcentral gyrus demonstrates acupuncture’s causal specificity of stimulation to differing acupuncture points. The researchers conclude that, “The current study demonstrates that acupuncture at different acupoints could...

Acupuncture Reduces Stress – New Georgetown Univ. Study

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:49:45 +0000

New research published in Experimental Biology and Medicine (Royal Society of Medicine Press) concludes that acupuncture prevents the harmful production of chemicals created by stress. The researchers sought to measure the mechanisms by which acupuncture reduces chronic stress. When exposed to stress, a chemical is produced called neuropeptide Y (NPY). This is linked to stress induced physiological responses that are deleterious to health. In this study, acupuncture is shown to reduce production of this chemical thereby preventing the long-term harmful effects of chronic stress.

Electro-acupuncture was applied to acupuncture point St36 in laboratory rats exposed to stressful cold. The control group and the sham acupuncture group showed no change in NPY. However, the group receiving acupuncture showed a significant and long-term decrease in NPY production. As a result, the researchers conclude that electroacupuncture “is effective in preventing one of the sympathetic pathways stimulated during chronic stress, and...

Acupuncture Reduces Stress, Improves Memory – New Study

Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), MTCM — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:41:17 +0000

A new study measures that acupuncture biochemically reduces memory loss due to chronic stress. Researchers applied acupuncture at acupuncture point P6 (Neiguan, Inner Pass). P6 is located approximately two cun* proximal to the center of the wrist crease on the anterior surface of the forearm. The researchers measured biochemical and behavioral changes in laboratory rats. It was found that acupuncture stimulation at P6 increased AchE (acetylcholinesterase) chemical reaction activity in the brain.

AchE is an enzyme that converts the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetate and plays an important role in synaptic transmission. The study shows that rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) had significantly lower AchE activity in the hippocampus of the brain. It was discovered that acupuncture at P6 increased chemical reactivity of AchE in the hippocampus compared with the control group.

The researchers also conducted a passive avoidance test (PAT) to compare...

New Acupuncture iPhone and iPad App

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:07:10 +0000

The new iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad app for acupuncturists entitled ‘Manual of Acupuncture’ is loaded with user friendly features. This review focuses on our personal experiences with the iPhone version. Taken from the source text, A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman & Mazin Al-Khafaji with Kevin Baker, this app provides concise details on all major acupuncture points, many extra points, channels, extraordinary vessels and more. The Manual of Acupuncture iPhone app includes explanations of acupuncture point locations with supplementary photos and detailed videos. All individual point information includes the numerical-channel name, pinyin, English translation and Chinese characters. It also includes a reference search by indications. Other references include notes about cun measurements, location tips, needling directions and a glossary.

The Manual of Acupuncture iPhone app is incredibly intuitive. Easy touch responses to exact point and channel information is a snap. The iPhone app does...

Acupuncture CEUs Go Live With Dietetics

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:22:11 +0000

A five year collaborative effort led to the publication of Chinese Medicine Dietetics #1 for acupuncture CEUs (continuing education units) online. Prof. Jeffrey Pang, L.Ac. (Dept. Chair of Theory and Herbology at Five Branches University) and Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. worked to create this acupuncturist online course to meet the needs of today’s acupuncture students and practitioners of Chinese medicine. Prof. Pang saw the need to create a course that combined Chinese medicine theory and biomedicine in a comprehensive and systematic review of individual foods, food preparation techniques and recipes. He asked Adam White, L.Ac. to join him in this effort to make this work available in English. The collaboration resulted in a work that combines ancient principles with modern research in the field of dietetics.

Chinese Medicine Dietetics #1 is the first part of a two part series. Currently available online at healthcmi.com for 15 acupuncture...

Acupuncture Reduces Prostatitis Pain- New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:10:49 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture reduces prostatitis related pain. The study measured the effects of acupuncture on chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), also known as chronic prostatitis. CPPS involves prostatitis related pain of the pelvis and/or the perineum (between the anus and the scrotum in men). CPPS is not the type of prostatitis due to a bacterial infection. CPPS tends to wax and wane and the pain intensity level ranges from mild to severe. Post-ejaculatory pain is a textbook symptom of this disorder. There may be associated painful urination, back pain, abdominal pain, muscles aches, rectal pain and/or pain in the penis.

Biochemical Pain Reduction
The study showed that acupuncture reduces CPPS related pain and measured the biochemical mechanisms by which acupuncture achieves this clinical outcome. The researchers noted that, “the levels of Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in prostate fluid...

New MRI Acupuncture Research Shows Mind-Body Connection

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:56:39 +0000

New research concludes that “acupuncture may function as a somatosensory-guided mind-body therapy.” The research compared MRI readings of real acupuncture with sham acupuncture (needle stimulation at non-acupuncture point locations) at acupuncture point P-6 (Neiguan, Inner Pass). The MRI imaging showed that true acupuncture yielded greater activity over sham acupuncture in the dorsomedial prefontal cortex of the brain. Real acupuncture produced significantly “greater activity in both cognitive/evaluative (posterior dmPFC) and emotional/interoceptive (anterior dmPFC) cortical regions” and the MRI results showed that true acupuncture “increased cognitive load.”¹

Recent criticisms concerning the effectiveness of acupuncture have focused on the ability of sham acupuncture to produce clinical results. However, MRI studies show that true acupuncture produces clinical results by different cortical mechanisms than sham acupuncture.

NIH researchers question the validity of sham acupuncture control groups. Dr. R. E. Harris’s (NIH researcher, Ann Arbor, Michigan) research was able to prove that...

Acupuncture Treats Autism, New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:21:29 +0000

New research concludes that scalp acupuncture “can significantly improve the efficacy on autism, effectively relieve child autism symptoms and enhance the intelligence, language ability and social adaptive ability.”¹ Keeping in mind that this quote is a literal translation from the Chinese language, this study does not claim that acupuncture cures autism but finds that scalp acupuncture helps to improve the patient's symptoms when part of a comprehensive treatment program. Seventy causes of child autism were divided into a control group (40 cases) and an observation group (30 cases). The control group received only music therapy and the structure education method. The observation group received scalp acupuncture in addition to the therapies given to the control group. After 60 acupuncture treatments, the improvement scores were tabulated using the Clancy Autism Behavior Scale, Childhood Autism Behavior Scale (CARS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Gesell Developmental Scale. The study finds that...

New Research – IVF Fertility Success with Electro-Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:27:42 +0000

A randomized placebo-controlled study of 309 women concludes that electro-acupuncture “significantly improved the clinical outcome of ET (embryo transfer).”¹ IVF (in vitro fertilization) live birth rates jumped from 21.2 percent for women who did not use acupuncture to a 42 percent success rate for women who received acupuncture twice. The women received acupuncture 24 hours before the IVF procedure and 30 minutes after IVF. In another control group, women who only received acupuncture once, 30 minutes after IVF, had an increased success rate of 37.3 percent.

IVF is a treatment for infertility. This involves controlling a woman’s ovulatory process with medications, removing the ova (eggs) from the body, fertilizing the ova with sperm outside of the human body and then implanting the fertilized ova (zygote) into the uterus. Acupuncture for the treatment of infertility has received a great deal of press because singers Mariah Carey and Celine...

Anti-Cancer Herb New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:15:24 +0000

New research on the anti-cancer properties of the Chinese medicine herb Ban Zhi Lian emerges from laboratories and university research facilities. Acupuncturists have used this herb for generations as an anti-toxin herb and now modern research confirms its clinical efficacy. An aqueous extract of the herb Ban Zhi Lian (Scutellaria barbata) was found to have “anti-proliferative gene expression responses in human breast and prostate cancer cells” by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology.¹ Researchers at the Medical School of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Department of Oncology concluded that Ban Zhi Lian “has antitumor activity and seems to be safe and effective for the use of anti-tumor therapy.”² Other research finds that Ban Zhi Lian “exhibited potential anticancer activity… through induction of apoptosis.”³

This is a small sampling of the research into the anti-cancer properties of this herb. Clinically, Ban Zhi...

Massachusetts Acupuncture License in a Weekend

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 14:17:00 +0000

Do physical therapists qualify to perform a type of acupuncture, known as dry needling, without training and education in that profession? Peter Kelley, legal counsel for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professionals, confirms that the Board has not yet reached a decision on whether or not ‘dry needling’ will be officially added to the scope of practice for physical therapists (PTs). The Board is comprised of PTs, occupation therapists (OTs) and their assistants.

This proposal has come under strong opposition from organizations noting that ‘dry needling’ is a type of acupuncture. The Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Society of Massachusetts (AOMSM) notes that one dry needling training program for PTs is “a weekend-long course.” By contrast, licensed acupuncturists receive years of training, must receive a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited acupuncture school and must pass the NCCAOM Board exams.

AOMSM notes...

California Acupuncture Work Comp Physician Update

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:55:31 +0000

California acupuncture laws and regulations establish California licensed acupuncturists as treating physicians in the worker’s compensation system but not as primary care physicians. California worker’s compensation rules define a primary care physician as “a physician who has the responsibility for providing initial and primary care to patients, for maintaining the continuity of patient care, and for initiating referral for specialist care. A primary care physician shall be either a physician who has limited his or her practice of medicine to general practice or who is a board-certified or board-eligible internist, pediatrician, obstetrician-gynecologist, or family practitioner.”

The California labor code (3209.3) defines a treating physician: “Physician includes physicians and surgeons holding an M.D. or D.O. degree, psychologists, acupuncturists, optometrists, dentists, podiatrists, and chiropractic practitioners licensed by California state law and within the scope of their practice as defined by California state law.”

Acupuncturist...

New Research: Acupuncture treats Breast Cancer Lymphedema

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:58:38 +0000

Recent Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center research demonstrates that acupuncture significantly reduces lymphoedema related arm swelling in women after breast cancer surgery. Lymphoedema is a when there is fluid retention and tissue swelling in the body due to disorders of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system controls the return of interstitial fluid to the bloodstream. After breast cancer surgery, the lymphatic system can be damaged by lymph node surgery or radiation therapy. Symptoms may appear quickly or take several months or years to become apparent. Swelling of the arms and sides of the body is most common after lymphatic system damage due to breast cancer procedures.

The researchers at Sloan-Kettering in New York note that existing conventional treatments for lymphoedema are only “marginally beneficial, rarely reducing arm swelling in any meaningful way.” The new study concludes that acupuncture is safe and that some of the women in the...

California Acupuncture Board Voices Insurance Bill

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 05:28:19 +0000

A bill supporting acupuncture insurance coverage for Californians was brought to the attention of the California Acupuncture Board by a board member in a recent meeting. The California Acupuncture Board’s executive officer, Janelle Wedge, “noted that this is just in the beginning phase and subject to changes but will keep the Board apprised,” according to Board minutes. The California Acupuncture Medical Association (CAMA) urged the Board to support the bill to ensure consumer access to care and noted that California would become the second state to have such an acupuncture insurance provision should the bill pass.

The California State bill AB 72 (Eng) is a legislative requirement that all group health plan contracts and group health insurance policies provide acupuncture as a covered procedure. Current California law mandates that all such plans provide coverage for hospital, medical, or surgical expenses. The bill amends...

Acupuncture CEUs and Laws Update

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:50:16 +0000

Many changes to acupuncture laws, regulations and acupuncture CEU requirements have been enacted in recent years. However, six states remain without any acupuncturist licensing laws. Several states have stringent standards such as California and Massachusetts while some states do not require NCCAOM recertification or acupuncture continuing education.

Who is stringent?

California
California requires 50 acupuncture CEUs every two years to maintain the California acupuncture license. There are category 1 courses and category 2 courses. California licensed acupuncturists may take all their acupuncture CEUs in category 1 but are limited to 5 acupuncture CEUs for category 2. Category 1 courses are related to core curriculum such as Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture, herbs, western medicine and herbal medicine. Category 2 courses include practice management, insurance billing, business classes, Qi Gong and Tai Ji Quan. Acupuncturists may take up to 25 CEUs every two...

Acupressure for Bone Pain – Johns Hopkins/Univ. Maryland Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:17:52 +0000

New research demonstrates that magnetic acupressure reduces severe pain associated with bone marrow aspiration and biopsy (BMAB). Doctors and researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore) evaluated pain levels of cancer patients undergoing BMAB. The randomized study compared two groups, one receiving acupressure at acupuncture point LI4 (Hegu) and another group receiving sham acupressure at a non-acupuncture point on the arm. Median pain scores were similar but severe pain decreased dramatically for those receiving magnetic acupressure at the real acupuncture point.

The researchers cite the minimal training and expense needed to train someone to apply magnetic acupressure at acupuncture point LI4. Unlike acupuncture, which requires years of post-graduate training, acupressure at a single acupuncture point can be taught quickly and easily. No patients experienced any significant toxicities associated with the acupressure procedures.

The acupuncture point...

ACTCM Releases NCCAOM Acupuncture Exam Rates

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 22:05:04 +0000

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), located in San Francisco, has released its NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) acupuncturist exam pass rates for 2011. NCCAOM certification covers basic requirements for becoming a licensed acupuncturist in 43 states and Washington, DC.

NCCAOM Pass Rates
The ACTCM pass rate for the acupuncture and point location exam was 100 percent for first time takers and 100 percent for repeat test takers. The national average is 86.5 percent and 73.8 percent respectively. For the biomedicine exam, ACTCM graduates passed at a rate of 92.3 percent, beating the national average of 77.8 percent. The ACTCM pass rate for the Chinese herbology exam was 92.3 percent while the national average was 81.0 percent. Finally, the ACTCM pass rate for the foundation of Oriental medicine exam was 100 percent, beating the national average of 93.3 percent.

Acupuncture treats Parkinson’s Disease – Newest Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:30:48 +0000

New research shows that acupuncture has an antioxidant effect in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Mounting evidence shows that oxidative stress contributes to the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The new research shows that 100 Hz electroacupuncture applied to acupuncture points St36 (ZuSanLi) and Sp6 (SanYinJiao) has a neuroprotective effect on the brain because electroacupuncture is antioxidant. This study includes contributions from Xibin Liang, a researcher from the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University located in Palo Alto, California.

Researches determined that stimulation of St36 and Sp6 with electroacupuncture protects the brain by creating antioxidative and antiapoptosis effects. The electroacupuncture protected a part of the mid-brain called the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra is an important part of the brain in controlling movement. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in a part of the mid-brain called the substantia nigra pars compacta....

Acupuncture Stops Arthritis Pain with Serotonin – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:26:08 +0000

A National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study shows that electroacupuncture, “inhibits osteoarthritis-induced pain by enhancing 5-HT2A/2C [serotonin] receptor activity.” Activation of this serotonin receptor produces powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD and Shanxi Medical University in Shanxi, China showed that electroacupuncture attenuates osteoarthritis pain by activating serotonin receptors that, “play an important role in pain modulation at the spinal level.” The researchers also discovered that electroacupuncture activates serotonergic neurons that project into the spinal cord.

The study applied electroacupuncture to acupuncture points GB30 (Huantiao) and St36 (Zusanli) in rats with osteoarthritis. Thirty-two gauge acupuncture needles were inserted into the two acupuncture points on each leg with a 10Hz, 2mA, 0.4ms pulse width for 30 minutes for each acupuncture session. The results were tabulated in comparison to a sham control group. Electroacupuncture was shown to activate serotonin receptors, improve weight bearing,...

Acupuncture Alleviates Schizophrenia – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 06:55:45 +0000

New research concludes, “that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia would benefit from acupuncture treatment alongside conventional treatment.” Acupuncture was effective in alleviating schizophrenia and the side effects of psychiatric medication. Acupuncture also improved energy levels, sleep, physical disorders, and motivation.

Benefits of Acupuncture
Patients were treated with acupuncture at a rate of twice per week for ten weeks. Acupuncture caused a decrease in the, “side effects of antipsychotic medication; decreased auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations; decreased anxiety and paranoia; improved sleep patterns… increased motivation including increased sex drive and ambition to further themselves in education and work; improved socialization and concentration… reduced addictive behavior in relation to alcohol and cigarettes; improved diet and weight loss; and improved exercise regimes.”

About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by the inability to distinguish reality from unreal experiences, illogic, disconnected emotional responses, and unusual behavior....

Acupuncture Reduces Hot Flashes After Chemotherapy – Yale Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:59:40 +0000

A Yale University/University of Pittsburg study of women with hot flashes due to conventional breast cancer treatment reveals that women receiving acupuncture have less hot flashes. The randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial collected data “in the National Institutes of Health funded General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) associated with Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH). The study was approved by the Yale University Institutional Review Board (IRB). Interviews, acupuncture treatments, educational sessions, and laboratory test specimen collection for all study participants took place at the GCRC.”

The researchers measured a 30 percent reduction of hot flashes for women receiving acupuncture. The women received traditional acupuncture points indicated for hot flashes and menopausal symptoms including acupuncture points for sleep distubances, loss of concentration, pain, headaches, and anxiety. They received a total of eight, 20-30 minute, acupuncture treatments over a period of 12 weeks. The first...

Electro-Acupuncture is an Antidepressant – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:39:31 +0000

New research shows that electroacupuncture has an antidepressant effect and prevents atrophy of brain cells. Researchers measured that electroacupuncture prevents atrophy of glial cells in the hippocampus, a portion of the brain. The researches note that there is mounting data showing that major depressive disorder is linked to glia cell atrophy. Glial cells form myelin, a dialectric material necessary for the proper function of the central nervous system. Glial cells also supply nourishment and oxygen to brain neurons. The researchers posit that the antidepressant effect of electroacupuncture may be due to its ability to prevent “glial atrophy in the hippocampus.”

CUS (chronic unpredictable stress) induced depression model rats were used in the study. The study measured that a “daily session of EA [electroacupuncture] treatment significantly reversed the behavioral deficit of these depression model rats.” Electroacupuncture was applied to acupuncture points Du20 (Gv20, BaiHui) and AnMian (Ex17)...

Acupuncture for Labor Pain – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 19:00:25 +0000

Researchers examined existing scientific studies of acupuncture and acupressure and their effects on labor pain. The research included randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture or acupressure with placebo control groups. Both spontaneous and induced labor were included in the selection criteria.

The research finds that, “Less intense pain was found from acupuncture compared with no intervention,” for the treatment of labor pain. Also, the research found that acupuncture improved satisfaction with pain relief over a placebo control group and that, “Reduced use of pharmacological analgesia was found in one trial of acupuncture compared with placebo.” Of special interest, the researchers found that in 3 trials of 704 women that, “Fewer instrumental deliveries from acupuncture were found compared with standard care.” The researchers also found that in a trial of 322 women that acupressure reduced labor pain over a placebo control group.

Reference:
Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management...

Acupuncture Research – Enhanced Blood Flow to the Brain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:36:27 +0000

New research shows that acupuncture at acupoint GV20 (DU20, Hundred Meetings, Baihui) increases blow flow to the brain without raising arterial blood pressure or pulse rate. The researchers sought to measure cerebral blow flow in an attempt to understand the mechanisms by which acupuncture induces a therapeutic effect. GV20 is well regarded for it ability to treat disorders related to the head and brain. Indications for the use of GV20 include dizziness, hypertension, hypotension, deficient memory, ear ringing (tinnitus), headaches, diminished vision, windstroke, and syncope.

The researches measured increases in the blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) during acupuncture needling of GV20. Although blood flow increased, blood pressure and pulse rate did not change significantly. The researchers conclude, “The data suggest that GV20 acupuncture treatment increases cerebral blood flow. The results of this small-scale study provide preliminary evidence...

Acupuncture Cures Lazy Eye - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:03:02 +0000

A recent study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology reports that acupuncture is an effective therapy for a type of ‘lazy eye’ called anisometropic amblyopia. This condition is characterized by poor vision in an eye that may otherwise be considered physically normal. The researchers also note that acupuncture is a superior treatment modality to the current approach of patching the good eye to strengthen the lazy eye. The researchers conclude, “Acupuncture produced equivalent treatment effect for anisometropic amblyopia, compared with patching, and was statistically superior. Further studies are warranted to investigate its value in the treatment of amblyopia.”

Reference:
Jianhao Zhao, MD; Dennis S. C. Lam, MD, FRCOphth; Li Jia Chen, PhD; Yunxiu Wang, BMed; Chongren Zheng, DEpid; Qiaoer Lin, DN; Srinivas K. Rao, FRCS; Dorothy S. P. Fan, FRCS; Mingzhi Zhang, MD; Ping Chung Leung, MD; Robert Ritch, MD, FRCOphth....

NIH Recommends Acupuncture and Research Direction

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 06:30:41 +0000

A recent report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports “that many well-designed studies have found that acupuncture can help with certain conditions, such as back pain, knee pain, headaches and osteoarthritis.” Research includes various scientific approaches to validating and measuring the effects of acupuncture including MRI studies, biochemical and bioelectric analysis and clinical trials. The NIH also reports, “Studies have found it to be very safe, with few side effects.”

In the report, researchers at the NIH question whether or not attempting placebo controlled trials is an effective approach to measuring the efficacy of acupuncture. Dr. K. J. Sherman, an NIH researcher at Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, Washington notes, “I don’t really think you can come up with a great placebo needling.” Dr. R. E. Harris, an NIH researcher at the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan notes,...

Doctors Say Acupuncture Treats Endometriosis

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:04:42 +0000

A recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine cites acupuncture as effective for the treatment of pain related to endometriosis. The publication notes that a randomized, sham-controlled trial of women suffering from endometriosis pain demonstrated that acupuncture was an effective treatment modality. As a result, the author calls for larger studies to confirm the findings.

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition wherein uterine cells are located in areas of the body external to the uterus. These cells have similar hormonal responses as cells within the uterus. This can lead to lesions, pain and infertility. The pain is usually chronic and is associated with dysmenorrhea. It is estimated that endometriosis affects nearly 10 percent of women of reproductive age, 50 percent of women with infertility, and almost 60 percent of teenage girls with pelvic region pain. Treatments include surgery, oral contraceptives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs....

Acupuncture and Ginger Treat Morning Sickness

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:46:07 +0000

The New England Journal of Medicine recently published an article citing that acupuncture and ginger are potentially beneficial to pregnant women suffering from nausea and vomiting. Half of all pregnant women in the USA experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. About 35 percent of women experience moderate levels of nausea and vomiting. Hyperemesis Gravidarum, extremely severe morning sickness, affects approximately 1 percent of pregnant women. This raises concerns for electrolyte depletion, weight loss, and fluid loss.

Pharmaceuticals and Vitamins
The study notes that 10 percent of women with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy receive pharmaceutical medications and vitamin therapy. Antihistamines and prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide are often prescribed. Peripheral neuropathy due to complications from hyperemesis may be treatable with vitamin B6 and B12 supplementation and encephalopathy may be treated with thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation. The report cites a study...

Acupuncture Treats Depression – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:13:07 +0000

A new study concludes that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder. The Depression Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital located in Boston, Massachusetts demonstrated that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of clinical depression for patients who are non-responsive to conventional pharmaceutical antidepressant therapies.

The Massachusetts General Hospital study documents that existing clinical evidence supports acupuncture as a stand-alone therapy for depression. This study researched the ability of acupuncture to augment conventional antidepressant therapy when patients did not respond to their medications. The study concluded that acupuncture is effective as an adjunct therapy to antidepressants for both partial and non-responders. Acupuncture was administered one to two times per week during the study and the researchers concluded that acupuncture was “safe, well-tolerated and effective” for patients suffering from depression. Based upon their findings, the researchers conclude that additional controlled trials are warranted.

...

California Acupuncture Board Traumatology Defeated

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:59:11 +0000

A California bill requiring the California Acupuncture Board to create a new Chinese medicine profession called “Traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologists” has been narrowly defeated. Senator Leland Yee (D- San Francisco) introduced the bill (SB628) and has announced his intentions to reintroduce the bill next year.

The California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA) was a driving force opposing bill SB628 in the California legislature. CSOMA asserted that TCM traumatology is “part of the broader field of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, a field already regulated by the California Acupuncture Board.” According to California law, licensed acupuncturists may perform acupuncture and “perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupressure, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health....” The new traumatologist profession would have overlapped with the scope of practice of acupuncturists.

The Votes

Electro-Acupuncture Repairs Spinal Cord Injury – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:22:07 +0000

A new study has measured the effects of electro-acupuncture on the regeneration of the spinal cord following injury. The experiment was performed on rats with spinal cords that were demyelinated in the thoracic vertebrae region at T10. The research conducted by the Division of Neuroscience at Sun Yat-Sen University demonstrated that electro-acupuncture stimulated spinal cord repair.

The researchers investigated Governing Vessel stimulation with electro-acupuncture. One measurement was that of increases in the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). OPCs are considered a potentially viable treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and OPCs can potentially remyelinate the spinal cord. Electro-acupuncture on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) increased OPCs, an important factor in the functional recovery of demyelinated spinal cord. Electro-acupuncture also caused OPCs to differentiate into oligodendroycytes – another important factor in spinal cord repair.

Electro-acupuncture was measured to have increased neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) levels in addition to OPCs...

Massachusetts Acupuncture Insurance Coverage Legislation

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 06:48:47 +0000

Massachusetts State Representative William S. Pignatelli (Democrat; Lenox, MA) has introduced legislation to ensure acupuncture insurance coverage for all health insurance policies in Massachusetts. Supporters cite research demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of healthcare provided by licensed acupuncturists and the right to equal access to licensed medical providers. The bill (H.3519) has now been referred to the Massachusetts legislative committee on financial services and awaits further action. The bill has a total of 19 cosponsors.

The AOMSM (Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Society of Massachusetts) has worked to promote this legislation. The AOMSM notes research supporting the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture and the clinical efficacy of acupuncture as important factors in this legislation’s passage. The bill will provide acupuncture services for low-income families and requires that all insurance policies provide benefits for services performed by a licensed acupuncturist in Massachusetts.

Covered services performed by licensed acupuncturists are for both...

Acupuncture Research – Allergic Rhinitis Improvements

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:08:47 +0000

A recent study of 80 patients with chronic rhinitis concludes that acupuncture is an effective treatment therapy. Persistent allergic rhinitis affects approximately 30 percent of the global population. Western medicine approaches include the use of antihistamines, decongestants, mast-cell stabilizers, intranasal corticosteroids, and surgical procedures.

Acupuncture points LI20, YinTang, and GB20 were the key points in the study. Supplementary points included LI4, St36, and Cv6. The acupuncture group had significantly better outcomes than either the control group or the sham acupuncture group. Each acupuncture session was 25 minutes and patients were given 16 acupuncture treatments at a rate of 2 per week. Results were tabulated after a three month follow-up. Both nasal symptoms and eye symptoms associated with chronic rhinitis improved significantly for the acupuncture group. Members of the acupuncture group were also able to reduce consumption of relief medication. The study concluded that acupuncture is “safe and...

California Acupuncture Board Trauma

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:36:06 +0000

The California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA) has taken strong opposition to bill SB628 in the California legislature. Senator Leland Yee (D- San Francisco) introduced SB628 that requires the California Acupuncture Board to create a “Traumatology Committee.” The new committee will be responsible for certifying a new profession called “Traditional Chinese Medicine traumatologists.” Under SB628, the newly formed Traumatology Committee will be composed of six members. Four of the six members will be licensed physicians and surgeons or members representing their interests.

CSOMA opposes the bill for several reasons. Under SB628, applicants may only apply for this certification between January 1, 2012 and December 15, 2012. After that, no new applicants will be allowed and there will be no future opportunities to obtain this certification from the Traumatology Committee. This makes SB628 a unique and unusual bill. It creates a medical profession and then only allows one...

Acupuncture Stops Shoulder Pain? New Research.

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:14:23 +0000

There has been a great deal of controversy over the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain related conditions. Can acupuncture stop shoulder pain? A randomized, blinded, patient-blinded, multi-center research report published its conclusions. Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum (Orthopedic Surgery and Research) conclude that acupuncture is an effective alternative to conventional orthopedic treatments for chronic shoulder pain. The specifics of the results draw clear demarcations.

A total of 424 patients were studied in 31 orthopedist offices. Each received 15 treatments over a period of 6 weeks. The orthopedists were trained in acupuncture and administered the acupuncture treatments. Three groups were compared. The first group of patients received textbook acupuncture (verum acupuncture). The next group received non-relevant needle puncture (sham acupuncture). The final group received conventional orthopedic care.

Results showed greater range of motion including abduction and arm-above-head-test for the acupuncture group over the sham and...

Acupuncture Benefits Phoenix Suns Grant Hill

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:07:27 +0000

Grant Hill uses acupuncture to lift his energy level and to benefit his legs. Hill is a 37 year old NBA forward on the basketball team the Phoenix Suns. At the acupuncture office Hill notes, “I do it for energy sometimes and also help for recovery with the legs.” He notes of acupuncture, “it doesn’t hurt… they try to treat the body overall. Instead of looking at a problem in the body, they try to find the cause of the problem and fix that.” During his acupuncture appointment, he discussed with his acupuncturist that other Phoenix Suns basketball players have received acupuncture including Kevin Johnson, Steve Nash, Charles Barkley, and Jason Kidd. Charles Barkley received acupuncture in the 1990’s that allowed range of motion to be restored to his neck. Other Phoenix Suns players that have received acupuncture include Hot Rod Williams and Jeff Hornacek. Other basketball players...

Acupuncture Treats Rare Immune System Disease - HIES

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:13:48 +0000

New research concludes that acupuncture “is a clinically useful and safe therapy for symptom management in patients with HIES.” HIES Syndrome is Hyper-IgE Syndrome, also known as Job’s Syndrome. The research was conducted at The Clinical Research Center of the National Institutes of Health.

Hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE) syndrome, HIES, is a rare hereditary disease characterized by frequent staphylococcal infections, retained primary teeth, skin rashes, lung infections, and a high concentration of serum IgE. Early signs include permanent retention of primary teeth or a delay in the loss of primary teeth. Various presentations of eczematous dermatitis appear and pneumonias are common. Laboratory tests may be normal in infants. However, HIES patients develop IgE levels that are often greater than 10 times the norm. In addition, HIES patients have significantly raised eosinophil levels. Recurrent staphylococcal boils in HIES patients are often treated with antibiotics and infected abscesses may be...

New Acupuncture Study: Acupuncture Reduces Cancer Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:30:59 +0000

A recent study finds that acupuncture is effective for reducing pain in cancer patients. It is estimated that upwards of 70 percent of cancer patients do not get adequate pain relief. The new study and detailed review of randomized controlled trials shows that acupuncture has a role in pain management for cancer patients.

Over 40 percent of patients with early to moderate stage cancer suffer from moderate to severe pain. Over 90 percent of individuals with advanced stage cancer suffer from moderate to severe pain. Pain is due to pre-existing conditions, tumor growth, bone metastases, cancer treatments, and progression of the disease.

Acupuncture for the treatment of patients with cancer became recognized as an important treatment application following a 1997 National Institutes of Health study showing that acupuncture is effective for treating nausea due to chemotherapy. Since that time, acupuncture has been shown to treat many...

Acupuncture Stops Menstrual Pain: New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:52:04 +0000

Acupuncture was shown to be effective for the treatment of menstrual pain. A recent study of patients with primary dysmenorrhea measured significant pain relief by needling acupuncture point Sp6. The studies quantified these results against a non-acupuncture control group and a GB39 acupuncture point control group. Blood samples were taken of participants during the study. It was shown that although acupuncture decreased menstrual pain, it was not related to plasma levels of prostaglandins. The researchers concluded that the analgesic effects of Sp6 are not mediated by prostaglandin changes in the bloodstream. The researchers checked levels of 4 main prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2a, TXB2, 6-keto PGF1a).

Sp6, San Yin Jiao, is the Three Yin Intersection acupuncture point. It is the meeting point of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels. Sp6 tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi, benefits the Kidney and Liver, regulates menstruation, activates the channels and stops...

Top Ten Foods Benefiting the Heart

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:19:56 +0000

Tasly pharmaceutical corporation has published its top ten list of healthy foods for the heart. Tasly is known for producing the first FDA phase-two approved Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of coronary heart disease. Topping the list is oatmeal. Oatmeal contains omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. Oatmeal is known for lowering LDL cholesterol. Tasly is recommending steel-cut oats over instant oatmeal because steel cut oats have a higher fiber content. Salmon takes the number two slot for its omega-3 fatty acid content and for containing carotenoid astaxanthin, an antioxidant. The number three slot goes to avocado for its monounsaturated fat content. Avocados lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. Dr. Sinatra of Tasly notes that avocados allow for the absorption of carotenoids including beta-carotene and lycopene. Olive oil takes the number four position with its abundance of monounsaturated fats. Nuts take the fifth slot, including walnuts,...

New California Acupuncture Bill Traumatology

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 05 May 2011 07:26:07 +0000

An amendment to current acupuncture law has been introduced into the California State legislature by Senator Yee. The bill, SB628, creates a new licensing process for qualified applicants to become ‘certified traumatologists.’ The bill defines traumatology as the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders through the stimulation of acupressure points with hands-on techniques. Treatment modalities defined in the bill include traction, massage, and manipulation techniques “to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships, a technique called bone-setting.” The bill calls for the California Acupuncture Board to establish the criteria required for the certified traumatology license and establishes fees and licensing parameters. The bill also requires certified traumatologists to “maintain a relationship with an orthopedic surgeon when involved in manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships.”

Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Traditional Medicine
The bill cites the first written documentation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as appearing in...

Acupuncture Research Understates Efficacy

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 02 May 2011 00:33:43 +0000

Acupuncture research may be minimizing the true value of acupuncture treatments. A new study shows that only 25 percent of randomized controlled studies of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic lower back pain “were rated good in respect to Chinese textbook acupuncture standards.” A group of 15 experts from 9 countries outside China were asked three questions about acupuncture and its use in randomized controlled studies. How does it rate in terms of Chinese textbook standards? How does it rate compared with the individual expert’s style? How does it rate compared with the standard acupuncture procedures in the expert’s country? The study showed similar results with a 25% rating of good for all three questions.

Scientific Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain has been proven effective in many scientific studies meeting Chinese textbook standards. Doctors from the University...

Acupuncture Gets Military Support For Gulf War Illness Treatment

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 01:25:46 +0000

The Department of Defense has made a $1.2 million research grant to the New England School of Acupuncture (located in Newton, Massachusetts). The goal of the study is to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of Gulf War Illness (GWI). The study is a double-blind, randomized investigation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will assist investigators in the recruitment of patients with GWI. Participants will receive bi-weekly acupuncture treatments. The acupuncturists performing the research will have a 5 year minimum of clinical experience and will also receive a 20 hour training in the symptoms of GWI.

The etiology of GWI is not fully understood within the parameters of conventional medicine. GWI is a syndrome that includes symptoms such as fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, sleep and mood disorders, and difficulty with concentration. GWI may include PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome), depression, anxiety disorders, digestive disorders, irritable bowel...

Acupuncture Benefits Menstruation Treats PCOS – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:26:36 +0000

A study recently published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism concludes that low frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual frequency and balanced sex steroid levels in women with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Hyperandrogenism is a primary symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hyperandrogenism is a medical disorder wherein excess androgens are produced. Primary symptoms are hirsutism (hair growing in areas where it would not normally occur), vertex alopecia (balding), deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, acne of the chin, neck and thorax; and menstrual irregularities. Hyperandrogenism was measured in this study by determining the total concentration of testosterone, androgens, estrogens, androgen precursors, and glucuronidated androgen metabolites.

Amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea are common problems associated with PCOS. The study measured that electro-acupuncture improved menstrual regularity in women with PCOS. The sex steroid levels in the electro-acupuncture group improved significantly and acne markedly decreased. The study...

Acupuncture Takes Pressure Off Glaucoma – New Eye Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:55:33 +0000

New research shows that acupuncture benefits patients with glaucoma. Acupuncture was shown to improve intraocular pressure (IOP) and retrobulbar circulation (circulation behind the globe of the eye). Acupuncture was applied to UB2, Tai Yang (M-HN9), ST2, ST36, SP6, K3, Liv3, GB20, UB18, and UB23 bilaterally. Color Doppler imaging confirmed the improvement in circulation behind the eye. The improvements in IOP and eye circulation suggest that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Glaucoma can cause blindness. Western medical treatments focus on controlling IOP and retrobulbar hemodynamics. The study concludes that acupuncture is effective in controlling these factors. Using color Doppler imaging, the researchers discovered that acupuncture lowers IOP and vessel resistance in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

The acupuncture needles were retained for 15 minutes on the anterior and posterior sides of the patients during each session. UB2, Taiyang, ST2, St36, SP6, K3, and...

Acupuncture benefits the Heart – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:19:23 +0000

New research from the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience shows that acupuncture controls the heart rate and increases the strength of cardiac autonomic function. This new research indicates that the use of specific acupuncture points may help to prevent heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) and arrhythmias. Researchers conducted a study of acupuncture points CV17 (Shanzhong) and CV16 (Zhongting). CV16 did not produce therapeutic results but CV17 worked. Needling acupoint CV17 decreased the heart rate and increased the power of the high-frequency component of the HRV (heart rate variability), an index of the body’s ability to maintain control of the heart beat rate and rhythm through vagus nerve activity. The researchers conclude that CV17 “causes the modulation of cardiac autonomic function.”

HRV (heart rate variability) is the variance in time interval between heart beats. Reduced HRV is linked to mortality after myocardial infarction and a lowering of HRV...

Acupuncture Proven for Stroke Rehabilitation – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:21:12 +0000

New research demonstrates that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of post-stroke hand movement and walking dysfunction. Researchers from the China Rehabilitation Research Center of Rehabilitation (College of Capital Medicine University, Beijing) investigated the use of acupuncture points TB3 (Zhongzhu) and TB5 (Waiguan) in relation to restoring hand function following a stroke. A randomized trial of 60 patients was divided into a treatment group and a control group. Both groups received physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other standard rehabilitative procedures. Both groups were evaluated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to measure changes in walking, hand function, and activities of daily living (ADL). The group receiving acupuncture at TB3 and TB5 showed significant improvement over the control group in all areas of measurement. The acupuncture group demonstrated superior hand function, greater walking ability, and enhanced ADL. The researchers conclude that the combination of acupuncture with...

Santa Barbara Goes Detox with Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:43:05 +0000

The Santa Barbara City Council, California, has approved $865,000 for an alcohol and drug abuse recovery center that uses acupuncture detox protocols as one of its treatment modalities. The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) will operate the 12-bed center in the West Downtown area of Santa Barbara. CADA incorporates group therapy and acupuncture as part of its substance abuse program. Notably, CADA uses licensed acupuncturists to perform acupuncture services. Licensed acupuncturists are also responsible for the administration of a special detox herbal formula for recovering addicts. The CADA program is modeled after the Lincoln Hospital Division of Substance Abuse (Bronx, New York) program.

Each participant stays at the detox center for two weeks and receives one-on-one counseling, group therapy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. The Clean and Sober Court system, developed in cooperation with Santa Barbara Fighting Back and the Santa Barbara Police Department, gives nonviolent...

Washington Acupuncture Insurance Investigation

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:29:41 +0000

Charges have been imposed because acupuncture benefits were unfairly denied by Aetna, a health insurance company. The Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) fined Aetna Life Insurance, Co. of Hartford, Connecticut a total of $65,000 for failing to pay for medically necessary acupuncture benefits on 220 health insurance claims. Aetna was also ordered to refund health insurance policy-holders a total of $16,427.64 for refusing to pay for acupuncture services that were included in their policy packages.

The investigation began when the Washington OIC requested an internal audit of acupuncture payments by Aetna. Initially, Aetna responded by saying that only two health insurance claims were wrongfully denied. Aetna proposed corrective action for the two claims and for untimely processing of other claims. This was accepted by the Washington OIC but the investigation remained open. A secondary acupuncture benefits audit was conducted by Aetna and the company denied...

New Acupuncture & Herbs Scholarship Program Announced

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:23:59 +0000

One of the largest herbal corporations in the USA has announced a scholarship program in the field of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Mayway USA, located in Oakland, California; is providing four separate scholarships for students of acupuncture, herbs, and oriental medicine. Three scholarships provide $1500 towards education in acupuncture and herbal medicine. One of the $1500 scholarships is earmarked for Master’s degree programs and another is earmarked for doctoral programs. An additional $2,000 scholarship is offered for students in a Master’s degree program.

Applicants must submit an essay that, according to Mayway requirements, “demonstrates critical thinking and professional academic writing skills.” The essay question is, “How can Chinese medicine practitioners effectively advocate the safety and efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine?” It is not surprising Mayway should put students to the task of answering this question. Mayway has been an early adopter of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) international...

Colorado Acupuncture Insurance Bill Sails

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:43:17 +0000

The Colorado Assembly has approved a measure to ensure that licensed acupuncturists are reimbursed for acupuncture services for all insurance policies that provide acupuncture as a benefit. The Colorado Senate has unanimously passed the bill in subcommittee and the bill has been referred the whole Senate for a formal vote. Under current Colorado law, insurance companies can deny reimbursement to licensed acupuncturists for acupuncture services even if the patient’s policy explicitly states that acupuncture coverage is a benefit. Insurance companies can deny reimbursement by stating that only MDs or chiropractors can be reimbursed for acupuncture services. The bill, HB1186, fixes this problem by adding acupuncturists to the list of “health care providers that cannot be denied.” The bill is supported by the Acupuncture Association of Colorado. The bill also protects acupuncturists from discrimination by insurance companies from the use of multiple reimbursement fee schedules that could be used...

Acupuncture in the Movies with 9000 Needles

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:48:19 +0000

9000 Needles is a documentary about Devin Dearth’s recovery efforts and acupuncture treatments following a stroke in the brain stem. The movie has tremendous emotional impact and highlights Devin’s strength of will, the love a supportive family and community, and the deficits in the US healthcare system. 9000 Needles won numerous awards including best documentary at the Phoenix Film Festival, best feature length at the Docuwest Film Festival, and best documentary at the Temecula Valley International Film Festival.

The journey starts with Devin’s life as a body building champion and father. Following his stroke, his medical health insurance covers minimal basic care and he is dismissed without additional medical support. Devin is despondent and left without the hope of a recovery from the severe side effects of the stroke. Devin’s brother suggests traveling to Tianjian, China to receive integrated healthcare that incorporates Western medicine, physical therapy, acupuncture,...

Acupuncture Software Is In, Incentives Out

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:22:57 +0000

The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) has recently approved new medical office EHR (Electronic Health Record) software packages, which can be used for acupuncture practices, medical offices, dental practices, and chiropractic offices. CCHIT is a nonprofit organization approved by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The HHS awarded a contract to the CCHIT to develop an inspection process to determine which software packages meet stringent government EHR standards for functionality, interoperability, and security. There has been a strong push by the US federal government, including President Obama, towards EHRs.

Web Browser and Apple Platforms
Two of the most recent CCHIT certifications have been given to MacPractice and Office Ally. What is most interesting is that neither of these systems are dependent on Windows PC operating systems. MacPractice is on the...

Acupuncture treats Crohn's Disease - New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:17:35 +0000

A recent study shows that acupuncture is an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease. The study was conducted by researchers at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and was published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of acupuncture on intestinal fibrosis in cases of Crohn’s disease. The researchers measured the effects of acupuncture on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and type I collagen (Col I) in the intestines of laboratory rats with Crohn’s disease. After the use of acupuncture, the expressions of Col I and bFGF reduced markedly in rats with Crohn’s disease. The research proved that acupuncture treatment reduces abnormally high levels of these substances. By reducing the abonormally high levels of Col I and bFGF, acupuncture prevents fibrosis in the intestines of those with Crohn’s...

New California Acupuncture Schools

HCMI AdminServices — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:50:57 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board has released updates concerning applications for new California acupuncture schools. Oversight of acupuncture education is under the purview of the California Acupuncture Board and many new schools are applying for approval. There are approximately 20,000 acupuncturists in the USA and about half of them are practicing in California.

New Acupuncture Schools: Overview
Nine Star University in Sunnyvale, CA has had a recent site visit by the California Acupuncture Board and the application is pending final approval. The Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Honolulu, Hawaii has completed the application review process and requires a site visit. The Hongik International University in Los Angeles, CA has completed the application review process and further information has been requested by the California Acupuncture Board. The Health Medicine University in Palo Alto, CA has submitted an application and a review is...

California Acupuncture gets Health Insurance Coverage

Acupuncture Consortium — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:46:41 +0000

A bill to require California based health insurance policies to provide acupuncture coverage has been introduced into the California State Assembly by Assemblyman Mike Eng. The bill includes all healthcare insurance policies, including disability insurance policies, with the exception of HMOs (Health Maintenance Organization) and those that are “specialized health care service plan contracts.” If signed into law, the bill will take effect on January 1, 2012.

A similar acupuncture bill was shot down with a veto in 2008 by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger was also responsible for dissolving the California Acupuncture Board, leaving the profession without oversight for nearly an entire year until public pressure forced him to reinstate the California Acupuncture Board. Now, with Governor Jerry Brown in office, the bill may survive the legislative process. In 1975 during his first term, Governor Jerry Brown signed a law legalizing the practice of acupuncture by...

Acupuncture treats Plantar Fasciitis - New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:33:21 +0000

New research proves that acupuncture relieves the pain of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually perceived on the underside foot/heel and is often most painful with the first footsteps of the day. Also, plantar fasciitis may cause pain upon dorsiflexion (raising the ankle so that the foot is lifted towards the shin).

This randomized, controlled study is interesting in that only one acupuncture point was tested for efficacy. In most studies, a combination of points are used to determine whether or not acupuncture is effective for reducing pain. The study tested point P7 (Daling, “Big Tomb”). P7 is located in the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist between the tendons of the m. palmaris longus and m. flexor carpi radialis on the palmer side of the body. P7 is a Shu-Stream point and Yuan...

Acupuncture Treats Retinitis Pigmentosa - New Research

HCMI AdminServices — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:46:09 +0000

Mounting evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disorder that may to lead to blindness. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion concludes that acupuncture treatment protects the optic nerve from damage caused by intraocular pressure by alleviating stresses on retinal and optic nerve axonal ultrastructures.¹ The Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine published that the use of Chinese medicine improved retinal cone activity for patients with retinitis pigmentosa, even in cases of advanced retinal degeneration. Using electroretinograms for the investigation, the study also concludes that, “TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) treatment could also enhance the bioactivity of (the) nerve network and therefore have a definite significance in retarding the progression of disease and keeping the central vision.”² In another study, injections of She Xiang into acupuncture points UB18 and UB23 helped patients with...

New Acupuncture Bill in Colorado allows Counselors to Treat

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:51:27 +0000

The Colorado legislature has just passed a bill allowing ear acupuncture to be performed by psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, MDs, chiropractors, nurses, physician assistants, and addiction counselors. The bill, if signed into law by the governor, would require these professionals to obtain NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) certification so that they may perform ear acupuncture. The goal of the bill is to allow more professionals to use ear acupuncture for the purposes of treating mental and behavioral health issues and chemical dependency.

Quantity and Quality
Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, supports the measure because she notes that it will make acupuncture “more widely available and make it available at a lower cost.” The Acupuncture Association of Colorado has not taken a stance on the bill. Acupuncturists have expressed concern that minimally trained healthcare professionals may deliver acupuncture at a lower...

Acupuncture CEUs - Continuing Education changes in 2011

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:41:03 +0000

Acupuncture CEUs toughen in the USA. Many changes to acupuncture CEU requirements have caused a great deal of confusion. Acupuncturists seeking to renew their licenses may learn that they have not completed new requirements for acupuncture CEUs. The largest concern is over new NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) requirements.

NCCAOM Acupuncture CEUs / PDAs

NCCAOM acupuncture diplomates have learned of recent requirements for ‘safety and ethics’ courses but may not realize that even newer requirements have emerged. The NCCAOM now requires CPR certification in addition to four hours of ‘safety and ethics’ acupuncture CEUs. Last year, CPR certification was not a requirement and the recent confusion has been caused by last year’s acceptance of CPR certification towards the ‘safety and ethics’ acupuncture CEU requirement. The NCCAOM has separated these requirements and CPR no longer counts towards the ‘safety and ethics’ requirement....

Acupuncture treats Concussions, Insomnia, Headaches, & PTSD

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:57:06 +0000

Acupuncture for the treatment of concussions, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, and post traumatic stress syndrome gets increased use in the US military. In the most recent issue of Stars and Stripes, Dr. Stuessi (a Navy sports medicine physician who works in a special concussion restoration care center) notes, “I’ve found phenomenal, off-the-charts results doing acupuncture for sleep, for dizziness and headaches.” The US military has documented the usefulness of acupuncture since 1967 when an Army surgeon wrote an article on the efficaciousness of acupuncture in Military Medicine magazine. Since that time, doctors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington now recommend acupuncture for the treatment of physical pain due to injuries.

The Air Force runs a full time acupuncture clinic at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Col. Richard Niemtzow, an Air Force physician, first offered acupuncture in 1995 at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey....

Acupuncture Reduces Operation Anxiety - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:15:37 +0000

A recent randomized, double-blind study concludes that both auricular acupuncture and body acupuncture are effective in reducing pre and post-operative anxiety. Pre and post-perative anxiety has been identified in approximately 80 percent of patients, which prompted this investigation. The study was conducted by experienced acupuncturists at the Xi Jing Hosptial (Xi’an, China).

The ear acupuncture group received needle stimulation at point ear Shenmen. The body acupuncture group received needle stimulation at Du20, SiShenCong, Yin Tang, Liv3, and St36. The needles were 0.25-.30 mm in diameter and ranged between 25-40 mm in length. Needle depth ranged from 0.2 cm to 0.5 cm. Acupuncture therapy was administered for a period of four weeks at two sessions per week for a total of eight acupuncture treatments. The treatment principles were to increase lucidity, tranquilize by nourishing the Heart, calm the nerves, and regulate the Qi.

Reference:
The final California Acupuncture Board exam results have been released for late 2010. Passing the California Acupuncture Board exam is a requirement for acupuncture licensure in the State of California. Looking at the statistics, South Baylo University sent the largest number of students to sit for the acupuncture exam. A total of 84 first time takers and 120 total takers (including re-takers) represented South Baylo University. The passage rate was 77% and 63% respectively. The number two slot for the sheer number of students sitting for the acupuncture exam was very close between the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (26 first time takers and 35 total with a pass rate of 88% and 74% respectively), the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (33 first time takers and 48 total takers with a passage rate of 64% and 65% respectively), and the University of East West Medicine...

A Manual of Acupuncture: Closer Look

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:50:37 +0000
The book A Manual Of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman, Mazin Al-Khafaji, with Kevin Baker is an acupuncture textbook covering the 14 major channels, extraordinary points, and general acupuncture information. One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its careful reference to classical acupuncture literature when discussing the function of acupuncture points. Its general layout, table of contents, index, and method of detailing acupuncture point information makes this book very user friendly and a pleasure to read. Noteworthy are the illustrations that make point and channel location a very simple task.
A special section labeled “location note” is included with most acupuncture points. This section makes finding acupuncture points a highly accurate and straightforward process. The commentaries on acupuncture points are highly detailed with rich historical clinical references and quotes from classical Chinese medicine texts. Moreover, an ample list of acupuncture point combinations for various applications...

Acupuncture Cures Chronic Sinus Congestion – New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 06:28:22 +0000
A new clinical study examined acupuncture for treatment of chronic rhinitis. Rhinitis is nasal congestion usually accompanied with post-nasal drip. There is irritation and inflammation of nasal tissue. In western medicine, this is ascribed to a viral or bacterial infection (or other antigen such as pollen) that stimulates mucus production. The study examined a test group of 85 patients and notes that chronic rhinitis is due to wind-cold or wind-heat obstructing lung Qi. These perspectives, both from Chinese medicine and allopathic medicine, are reconcilable in that wind-cold and wind-heat typically involve either a microbial infection or another antigen-antibody response.
If untreated, chronic rhinitis can last many years. Rhinitis can involve many complicated patterns such as epistaxis (nose bleeding), thick yellow or profuse white phlegm in the sinus and throat, coughing, insomnia, unclear thinking, difficulties with olfaction, dyspnea, asthma, and many other clinical...

Acupuncture Restores Sense of Smell - New Study

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 07:15:16 +0000

Acupuncture Helps Olfaction

A recent controlled study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery notes that acupuncture is effective for restoring the sense of smell. The researchers studied participants with dysosmia (loss of sense of smell) due to viral infections. Acupuncture was applied to acupuncture points Du16 (Fengfu), Du20 (Baihui), LI20 (Yingxiang), Lu7 (Lieque), Lu9 (Taiyuang), St36 (Zu San Li), and K3 (Tai Xi). The needles were manipulated by an expert acupuncturist with more than ten years of professional experience and were retained for 30 minutes. Several acupuncture treatments were administered over a 10 week period. A statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in the acupuncture patients. A control group receiving standard vitamin B complex therapy did not improve greatly.

Acupuncture and Pharmaceutical Drugs
Also of interest is that the patients chosen for this study had already...

Acupuncture helps Infants with Colic, New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 22:15:05 +0000
New research shows that acupuncture reduces crying in infants with colic. A randomized, controlled, double-blind study of 90 infants ranging from 2 – 8 weeks of age were given six acupuncture treatments over a three week period. Acupuncture was applied to acupuncture point LI4 for 2 seconds to the treatment group of infants during each acupuncture session. The results conclude that “acupuncture shortened the duration and reduced the intensity of crying in infants with colic.” [1]
Approximately 10 percent of newborn children experience colic. In western science, the etiology is often attributed to gastrointestinal disorders and allergic reactions to milk from cows. In some cases, colic may be behavioral manifestations from emotional imbalances due to parent-infant interaction difficulties. The latter western etiology may be interpreted as Liver Qi stagnation and the former diagnoses involve Spleen and Stomach disharmonies and food stagnation. The importance of acupuncture in the...

Laser Acupuncture Stops Vomiting in Children: New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:12:25 +0000

Laser acupuncture reduces post-operative vomiting in children by 60% according to new research published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia. A recent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of laser acupuncture applied to acupuncture point P6 in the treatment of postoperative vomiting in children concludes that laser acupuncture reduces vomiting by 60% for children undergoing strabismus surgery.

Laser acupuncture at P6 (Neiguan) was applied for 15 minutes before anesthesia and 15 minutes after arriving in the recovery room with a low-level laser diode for a period of 30 seconds each time. The output of the laser is a continuous 10mW with a wavelength of 670nm. The study concludes that the “incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the acupuncture group.”

The study also notes that the timing of the acupuncture treatment is of key importance. The authors cite that stimulation with the laser acupuncture must precede...

Acupuncture Treats Sleep Apnea - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:39:33 +0000

Acupuncture Improves Sleep

A recent study shows that acupuncture as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has immediate effects in reducing nocturnal respiratory events, sleep disruptions, and desaturations (low oxygen levels in the blood). The researchers hypothesize that this improvement is due to acupuncture’s effects on serotonergic pathways and also acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects. Both manual acupuncture and 10Hz electro-acupuncture techniques were found effective. Both techniques produced superior clinical outcomes compared with 2Hz electro-acupuncture.

Acupuncture Technique used by Acupuncturists
The researchers used classical acupuncture techniques and acupuncture points in their study. The acupuncture points chosen for the study were: Lu6, Lu7, LI4, LI20, GV20, CV23, St36, St40, Sp6, K6, and extra point Shanglianquan (located near the hyoid bone). Copper-handle 40 X 0.25mm needles were used and inserted to traditional depths. Electro-acupuncture was applied to the neck points CV23 and Shanglianquan and a separate pair were connected...

New Study finds Acupuncture Effective for Bedwetting

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:59:55 +0000

A new study shows that acupuncture is an effective treatment for nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting). Nocturnal enuresis is involuntary urination during sleep and is most typical among children. Most children overcome this disorder by age seven but clinical conditions may persist indefinitely in some patients if left untreated.

In a surprising finding, acupuncture was shown to be more effective than bedwetting alarms. Bedwetting alarms, a standard in conventional medicine, detect moisture and wake the patient with an audible tone. The study also concluded that electro-acupuncture achieved better clinical results than acupuncture without electricity. The researchers note that, “Acupuncture can influence spinal micturition centers and parasympathetic innervation to the urinary tract and is known to modulate brain function via the descending serotonergic system.”

Nocturnal Enuresis According to Chinese Medicine Theory
Nocturnal enuresis is caused by deficiency of Kidney Qi leading to the...

Acupuncture Helps Children with Autism - New Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:31:42 +0000

New research demonstrates that a session of 12 acupuncture visits using electro-acupuncture improves functions in children with autism. Electro-acupuncture caused improvements in language comprehension and self-care ability for the children in this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, clinical trial of acupuncture for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Electro-acupuncture also caused significant improvements in social initiation, receptive language, motor skills, coordination, and attention span. Improvements in motor coordination include better writing ability. Participants were better able to write words within set lines and squares. One participant had significant improvements in swimming ability and improvements in paper cutting were also noted. Interesting motor improvements include better walking posture, speed of walking, and ability to ascend and descend stairs.

Over 70% of the children with ASD were compliant and adapted easily to the acupuncture therapy while 8% were not compliant. This was the first study ever conducted using...

Acupuncture Manipulations Advances Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 06:15:34 +0000

HealthCMI Book Review

Diagrams of Acupuncture Manipulations by Professor Liu Yan is an acupuncture needling technique book featuring everything from basic needling skills to expert acupuncture techniques. The diagrams are simple drawings that clearly delineate the information needed to understand the acupuncture methods presented. The text accompanying the diagrams is written in both English and Chinese making this book accessible to a very wide audience. The text is both clear and concise and is successful in communicating the acupuncture methods and their clinical applications for most of the acupuncture procedures presented.

This is definitely a book specifically designed for practicing acupuncturists. We would like to have seen the acupuncture points labeled with letter-number combinations but only the Chinese characters and English pinyin names are presented. We do like that needling sensations are carefully described along with exact needling methods for each clinical application presented.

Acupuncturist’s Herbs Investigated by NIH

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:59:06 +0000

The NIH (National Institutes of Health) has awarded funding for the study of the safety, effectiveness, and functions of herbs including Da Suan (garlic), Dang Gui, Qing Hao (Artemisia), Gan Cao (licorice), and Shan Yao (yam). Acupuncturists have used these substances for over a thousand years but now three divisions of the NIH have funded research to better understand the role of these herbs.

The garlic research will map the molecular pathways in which garlic stimulates cell function. Artemisia research will explore its molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in preventing metabolic syndrome which is a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. The licorice research takes a close look at the impact of licorice on women’s estrogenic hormones. The yam research investigates its effects on bone, uterus, breast tissue, breast cancer metastasis, and brain activity. The medical benefits of these herbs have been utilized by acupuncturists for...

Computer Engineering Proves Acupuncture for Stroke Victims

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:23:32 +0000

A recent study shows that acupuncture increases brain activity in stroke victims. Using MRI technology, researchers documented that real acupuncture increased brain activity and functionality and that sham acupuncture and a blank control group did not increase brain activity and functionality. Sham acupuncture is the placement of acupuncture needles in nearby incorrect locations and the control group received no medical treatment. In this study, real acupuncture was proven to benefit ischemia stroke victims using acupuncture in a quantifiable and repeatable study.

The study was conducted in an animal experiment setting on rats and was conducted by a joint effort by Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China; Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; and the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The scientists conclude that the immediate effect of acupuncture in the stimulation of brain activity...

Governor Brown & Whitman on Acupuncture and Health Care

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 06:14:02 +0000

As the California governor’s race heats up, California acupuncturists may wonder where they stand with the candidates. Jerry Brown, the Democratic candidate, is the most predictable. In his first term as Governor of the State of California, he legalized the practice of acupuncture and supported the passage of several laws supportive of the acupuncture profession. Jerry Brown also supported chiropractors, osteopaths, and lay midwives. His track record is clear. A win for Brown is assuredly good news for acupuncturists.

Outgoing Governor's Position

This would be a major change in the political winds for acupuncturists in California. Recently, Governor Schwarzenegger made aggressive moves to dismantle aspects of the laws protecting the rights of acupuncturists and their patients. He removed acupuncture from the Medi-Cal system which is designed to help the poor. As a result, acupuncturists can no longer take Medi-Cal insurance....

New NCCAOM Acupuncture Continuing Education Requirements

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 04:54:01 +0000

Acupuncturists who are NCCAOM Diplomates must meet new requirements issued by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). In addition to the minimum of 4 PDAs of Safety and Ethics category acupuncture continuing education courses, the NCCAOM now requires a separate CPR certification. The NCCAOM notes that, “CPR certification is required within the four-year recertification cycle. The CPR card does not need to be current but must have been issued within the last four years.” Another change is that CPR continuing education units (CEUs/PDAs) may no longer count toward the Safety and Ethics requirement. This makes getting Safety and Ethics acupuncture CEUs a little bit tougher. In the past, acupuncturists could use CPR training hours towards the Safety and Ethics requirement.

The Safety and Ethics requirement is relatively new and the recent exclusion of CPR PDAs towards this requirement may make acupuncture license...

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Chinese Medicine

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 07:00:35 +0000

Book Review

Acupuncturists have an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the classics with Dr. Maoshing Ni’s translation of The Yellow Emperor Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (Neijing Su Wen). This ancient work, considered to be over 2,000 years old, is considered a central text of both Taoism and Chinese medicine. It is characterized by its clinically accurate translation and readability. The Neijing Su Wen is essentially conversations between Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor, and his ministers. This dialog reveals many universal truths that govern health, well being, and the nature of our world.

Dr. Maoshing Ni expertly brings this text to life with an incredibly transparent translation style. It is not only an enjoyable read but also a clinically valuable window into the world of Chinese medicine theory. There is literally no need to rely on references to footnotes and outside sources to obtain...

New Technology combines Electro-Acupuncture with Heat

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:53:30 +0000

Acupuncture Product Review: HT-4

We tested the HT-4 electro-acupuncture device on our workbench and in an acupuncture clinic. The HT-4 delivers both electrical stimulation and heat to the acupuncture needle simultaneously. The Lekon Digital Acupuncture Needle Warmer & Electro-Stimulator, model HT-4, is one of the most interesting electro-acupuncture devices to become available with its unique combination of heating and electro-stimulation. It offers point detection and control over amplitude, timing, mode, cycle, and heating. Solenoid controls allow for easy manipulation for up to four channels on this device (each channel has two needles). The modes include continuous wave, disperse-dense wave, several ‘massage’ programs, and a tapping wave. All are variable and allow for fine adjustment. The heating option allows selected channels to have the needles warm up to approximately 113 degrees farenheit. This gives a therapeutic effect similar to that of moxibustion.

In the Clinic

...

Outrage over Acupuncture Evidence Attacks NIH

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:53:40 +0000

Doctors from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore and the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington published a case vignette in the New England Journal of Medicine recommending acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain. The article cites that patients with lower back pain account for over $90 billion in annual health care expenses in the US. The doctors conclude that acupuncture is an effective means for treating lower back pain based partly on a recent study of 6,359 patients published in Spine¹. For the lower back pain patient in the case study presented, 10-12 acupuncture treatments over an 8 week period are recommended.

The doctors cite physiological phenomena that measure the effects of acupuncture. Local anesthesia at needle insertion sites block the the analgesic effects of acupuncture showing that acupuncture is dependent upon neural innervation². Acupuncture has been...

Illinois bans herbs from acupuncture CEUs

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:08:56 +0000

The State of Illinois does not allow its licensed acupuncturists to receive continuing education credit (acupuncture ceus) from courses containing herbal medicine content. Even if continuing education courses are officially approved by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), Illinois will not allow the courses to count towards acupuncture CEU (continuing education unit) credit if the course contains any herbal medicine information.

Current Illinois State law prevents acupuncturists from using herbal medicine as part of their scope of practice. The NCCAOM has an herbal component in their testing and accrediting process but the state has no provision to accept the herbal component. Other states accept the NCCAOM herbal testing procedures. California, Florida, and Texas have their own testing procedures that allow herbal medicine to be included in an acupuncturist’s scope of practice.

Chinese Medicine Procedures
Herbal medicine is central to...

Acupuncture proven to turn breech fetuses

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:04:05 +0000

New research shows that acupuncture is an effective method for turning breech fetuses to the proper position for a healthy vaginal delivery. Five different randomized studies conducted by the Department of Fetal Medicine at Hautepierre Hospital in France demonstrate that needling acupuncture point UB67 (located on the 5th toe) is an effective means for turning a breech fetus. Another study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (which includes a lead researcher from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts) concludes that needling acupuncture point UB67 “reduces the number of breech presentations at term, thus, reducing the number of caesarean sections, and is cost effective compared to expectant management, including external cephalic version.” The latter study included stimulation with both acupuncture needles and moxibustion at acupoint UB67. Moxibustion is a technique used by acupuncturists to stimulate an acupoint with heat by burning a specially prepared mixture of...

Acupuncture proven to fight breast cancer treatment side effects

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:36:48 +0000
New research reveals that acupuncture is more effective for treating hot flashes than venlafaxine (Effexor) for patients receiving conventional antiestrogen hormone treatment for the treatment of breast cancer. The Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan published its finding in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study cites research proving the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes during menopause and therefore investigates the effects of acupuncture during breast cancer treatment. Results showed that acupuncture had successfully eliminated all cases of hot flashes and benefitted patients suffering from mental depression. The study also documents that there were no side effects due to the acupuncture treatments but that venlafaxine caused adverse effects including nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and anxiety. The study further documents that acupuncture increased sex drive, mental clarity, and the overall energy levels in the patients.

Out of a...

Weight-Cholesterol Loss From Pu-erh Tea

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:46:57 +0000

New research shows that pu-erh tea causes healthy weight loss. The study conducted by the Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory and the College of Food Science and Technology at the Yunnan Agricultural University notes that pu-erh significantly reduced total body weight, adipose pads, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The dangerous LDL cholesterol is lowered by pu-erh tea but the healthy HDL cholesterol is unaffected. The testing was performed on rats and the results showed clear evidence that the rats lost weight and recovered from hyperlipidemia. It is postulated that the fat reduction may be triggered by pu-erh’s ability to boost enzymes such as lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, and hormone-sensitive lipase.

Pu-erh originates from a type of wild broad leaf tea plant from southwest China. Pu-erh tea (Camellia Sinensis) is typically aged and is classified by the year and region where it was produced. Older pu-erh tea is more valuable...

Flawed research slams acupuncture on labor induction

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:43:03 +0000

The BJOG has published flawed acupuncture research claiming that acupuncture cannot induce labor. Perhaps one of the more difficult and lengthy treatments to perform, labor induction is typically over 70% effective with acupuncture. However, the proper protocols and procedures require a 3-6 hour acupuncture treatment in many cases. The study from Denmark published in BJOG merely used two 30 minute appointments. The study also failed to use the proper type of acupuncture needle. Choosing an ultra-thin needle for the study, the researchers failed to follow correct equipment procedures. The correct needle has a slightly thicker gauge. In addition, no report of standardizing the depth of needle insertion was reported. Moreover, the needles were applied by nurse midwives and not by skilled, licensed acupuncturists and electroacupuncture was not applied. Finally, points UB67, LI4, SP6, and GV20 were chosen by the researchers. However, standard procedure throughout China includes points UB31,...

Research shows herbal benefit in Parkinson’s Disease

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:03:00 +0000

New research shows that the herbal formula Yi Gan San exhibits neuroprotective effects and rescues dopaminergic neurons from toxicity. The Acupuncture & Meridian Science Research Center at Kyung Hee University conducted research showing that Yi Gan San is correctly used for the management of neurodegenerative disorders. Yi Gan San showed significant neuroprotection in an induced Parkinsonian mouse model. The study notes that “in the mouse Parkinson's disease model, treatment with Yi-Gan San also significantly improved motor functioning and prevented dopaminergic loss.” In another study, 'The Journal of Brain Disease' reported that Yi Gan San may be helpful in treating schizophrenia and many neuropsychological disorders because it has been shown to restore glutathione levels in the brain. In yet another study published in 'Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry', the Shimane School of Medicine concluded that Yi Gan San is a serotonin modulator and is a “safe and useful”...

Kombucha Tossed from Whole Foods on TTB Guidance

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:03:37 +0000

Whole Foods and New Leaf markets have pulled Kombucha Tea from the shelves after the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (TTB) issued guidance on Kombucha’s alcohol content levels. The TTD began investigating Kombucha Tea after receiving inquires from the states of Maine, Minnesota, Arizona, and Vermont. Kombucha is a fermented tea and is usually marketed as a non-alcoholic beverage. Non-alcoholic beverages may contain trace amounts of alcohol up to 0.5 percent by volume. The TTB notes that some Kombucha products have alcohol contents that substantially exceed 0.5 percent. The TTB has not determined the full scope of which brands exceed the legal limit for non-alcoholic beverages in its ongoing investigation.

All Kombucha products exceeding 0.5 percent must comply with the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act). This act covers regulations for permitting, labeling, and advertising. All Kombucha teas exceeding 0.5 percent alcohol by volume...

3 iPhone Apps for Acupuncture Education

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:57:20 +0000
This month we review three iPhone apps for acupuncturists and their patients. iFitness covers exercise, TCM Clinic Aid is a clinical application app, and QLecture Acupuncture LITE is an acupuncture channel video lecture for the iPhone.

iFitness

iFitness is a first rate iPhone app. It features pictures, videos, and descriptions of exercises that are laid out in a very user-friendly format. iFitness covers weight lifting, isotonics, cardiovascular, and stretching exercises. Major categories include: abdominals, arms, back, chest, legs, shoulders, cardio, and stretches. The descriptions and visuals are very clear. It is easy to use correct form when following the iFitness advice. iFitness allows the user to setup their own routines and also customize and track workouts. It includes a weight monitor, BMI calculator, and a section for tracking body measurements. At HealthCMI, we give iFitness our highest rating. It...

Acupuncture Stops Pain & Treats Infertility

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:41:53 +0000

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience created a media buzz that hit many major news outlets. The study concludes that adenosine is released during acupuncture treatments. Adenosine is a neuromodulator with anti-nociceptive attributes. A nociceptor is a sensory receptor that responds to stimuli by conducting nerve signals to the spinal cord and brain. The process itself is referred to as nociception and commonly results in the perception of pain. Lead investigator Maikin Nedergaard, co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York stated, “We have produced the first evidence that acupuncture releases a natural pain-relieving molecule into the body…. Adenosine is a key to reducing pain during acupuncture treatment.”

Adenosine and the Heart

Adenosine not only blocks pain transfer but also promotes sleep due to its role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Adenosine also...

San Francisco Giants & New York Yankees Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:15:18 +0000

What do the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants have in common besides baseball? It’s acupuncture. Both teams employ a staff acupuncturist and the players are happy to share their clinical successes with the public. It is not uncommon for both amateur and professional athletes to use acupuncture. From olympic gymnastics to professional basketball, acupuncture has an important role.

New York Yankees

New York Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett gets acupuncture from the team acupuncturist. When Burnett was considering signing with the Yankees, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman sweetened the deal by promising to sign on a team acupuncturist. Burnett says of acupuncture, “There’s no doubt in my mind that I think it’s helped… I found that I responded really well to the acupuncture….”

San Francisco Giants

Looking at the West...

Acupuncture and Herbs iPhone Apps

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:56:42 +0000

There are many iPhone apps for licensed acupuncturists. Today, let’s look at Ben Cao, Pocket TCM, and Points. The first two are Chinese herbal medicine iPhone apps and the last is an acupuncture app. These apps provide acupuncturists with educational opportunities for clinical cross referencing and acupuncture continuing education studies.

Ben Cao is an excellent herbal medicine iPhone app. Individual herbs can be looked up by pinyin, pharmaceutical name, English name, category, and channel. Formulas can be referenced by pinyin, English name, and category. There is also a ‘symptoms’ reference which allows users to research both individual herbs and formulas by indications. This is a handy and useful tool for licensed acupuncturists looking to refine or cross reference herbs and formulas. Yet another search reference tool is the ‘syndromes’ tool which allows users to look up herbs and formulas by the Chinese medicine differential diagnosis. In all...

Wisconsin Ginseng Disaster

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:55:11 +0000

Wisconsin’s ginseng crops were devastated in May due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl have requested federal disaster relief for the area. Feingold has urged the Department of Agriculture to provide emergency credit and assistance to farmers so that they can salvage their crops before they are completely lost. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle has asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare Marathon County, Wisconsin a disaster area so that the necessary relief can help to save the crops. Disaster declaration will allow farmers to obtain crop insurance payments and emergency loans.

Wisconsin produces 95% of ginseng in the United States. Marathon County accounts for most of the ginseng produced in Wisconsin. Licensed acupuncturists use ginseng in herbal formulas to benefit their patients. Over the counter sales and exports to China account for a large percentage of ginseng sales....

New Research- Ginseng Fights Rheumatoid Arthritis

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 16 May 2010 20:01:19 +0000

New research has discovered that several ginsenosides, biologically active compounds found in the herb ginseng, have strong anti-inflammatory effects. The research demonstrates that ginsenosides can reduce inflammation in septic shock, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatitis including psoriasis. In the laboratory, researchers have applied this knowledge by creating a new ginsenoside called G-Rp1. This ginsenoside, made from the ginsenosides G-Rg5 and G-Rk1 found in ginseng root, exhibits an even stronger anti-inflammatory effect than naturally occuring ginsenosides. Further, all of the aforementioned ginsenosides have important immunosuppressive effects in fighting autoimmune diseases.

The immune system response defends the body from pathogens such as toxic materials, microorganisms, and viruses. Inflammation is the first step towards eliminating these pathogens created by the immune system response. One important chemical created by the immune system response is TNF-alpha. It creates redness, pain, and swelling to help fight off invading pathogens. However, unregulated excess TNF-alpha in...

Acupuncture Not Legal

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 14 May 2010 04:05:30 +0000

A consortium of professional acupuncturist associations have combined to help make acupuncture legal in every state in the US and to promote Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) education, research, and outreach with the AOM National Organizations Strategic Plan. There are no laws governing acupuncturists in Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Alabama. Two of the most recent states to legalize the acupuncture profession are Delaware in 2008 and Kentucky in 2006. One of the first states to create oversight for the practice of acupuncture was California in 1972 when the California Board of Medical Examiners began regulating acupuncture for use in medical schools. In 1975, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law legalizing the practice of acupuncture by licensed acupuncturists and the California Acupuncture Board was created. In an interesting turn of events, Jerry Brown is again running for Governor which may support efforts to enhance accessibility...

Health Reform Law Provides Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:50:45 +0000

The terms acupuncture and acupuncturist do not directly appear in The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that was signed into law by President Obama. However, the health reform law cites three indirect instances inclusive of acupuncturist services. The term ‘licensed complementary and alternative medicine practitioners’ appears in the law and pertains to licensed acupuncturists.

The first mention is in section 3502 of the 2,393 page healthcare law. Section 3502 charges the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the responsibility of establishing “a program to provide grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities to establish community-based interdisciplinary, interprofessional teams (referred to in this section as ‘health teams’) to support primary care practices.” Acupuncturists are “eligible entities” as "licensed complementary and alternative medicine practitioners" meaning that they may receive funds from the government in the form of a grant or contract to meet healthcare...

Acupuncture Medicare Benefits & Veteran Support

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:51:15 +0000

NCIRE - The Veterans Health Research Institute (Northern California Institute for Research and Education) has submitted a formal request to the 12th US Congressional Districts’s Citizens Oversight Panel to fund the “Resilience and Wellness Center for the U.S. Warfighter” project. The NICRE supports medical research at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (SFVAMC) and works in conjunction with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), VA, DoD, and industry. The project seeks to develop treatments for military injuries and deploy them worldwide. This includes training healthcare providers and researchers methods to approach wellness for warfighters and veterans.

Primary areas of focus are psychological health, reintegration, post-traumatic stress, brain trauma, Gulf War illness, heart disease, cancer, infectious diseases including HIV and hepatitis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and chronic kidney and liver diseases. The project seeks to build a prototype resilience and wellness mental and physical health center in...

Acupuncture Combats Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:47:21 +0000
The NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) reports that acupuncture demonstrates effectiveness in the treatment of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that may occur after violent assaults, military combat, disasters, or any incident in which severe physical harm is threatened. In a randomized controlled study, Dr. Michael Hollifield, MD, and his team at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky; concluded that acupuncture yields beneficial therapeutic results similar to that of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Acupuncture is gaining wide acceptance in areas where both physical and mental trauma are serious issues. Doctors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington now recommend acupuncture for the treatment of physical pain due to injuries. Acupuncture is now used in war zones. The Air Force runs the only acupuncture clinic in the US military located at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland....

Infertility Cured with Chinese Herbs

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:00:42 +0000
Dr. Ting Ting Zhang presented advanced methods for treating infertility at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco, California. New research shows that both common and rare Chinese herbal medicines vastly enhance both the process of conception and subsequent nutrition to the fetus thereby creating a healthy pregnancy. Dr. Zhang was granted a special visa from the Chinese government to bring this vital information to the United States for an acupuncturist continuing education conference at ACTCM. Dr. Zhang is the Gynecology Department Chair of Yue Yang Hospital at the Shanghai University of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is renown for her experience in the field of infertility. Dr. Zhang unveiled new ultrasound and hormone testing research revealing that special Chinese herbal medicines promote ovulation and egg development, increase sperm motility and count, and prevent miscarriage. Further, western data confirms that Chinese herbal medicine greatly...

California Acupuncture Board Moves On Drugs

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:09:56 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board, a division of the California State Department of Consumer Affairs, is considering changes to its examination and book reference list. Notably, Tina and John Chen’s books CHINESE MEDICAL HERBOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY and CHINESE HERBAL FORMULAS were cited as having received many support letters from the acupuncture community. This topic coincides with the Board’s discussion of pharmaceutical drugs and their interactions. The Chen books detail drug-herb interactions and include coverage of contraindications, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicology. Robert Brewer, Chair of the California Acupuncture Board, agreed to continue discussions on booklists, recommended books, and the booklist review process including a discussion of the NCCAOM’s (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) booklist and review process.

The California Acupuncture Board Executive Officer, Janelle Wedge, introduced new herbs and herbal formulas to be added to the Acupuncture Board’s list as recommended by Subject...

President Obama Supports Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:50:00 +0000

1-14-2010: Healthcare reform may include alternative medicine therapy language. In a recent town hall meeting in St. Louis, MO, President Obama noted that he supports acupuncture. A licensed acupuncturist noted that the National Institutes of Health and the Wold Health Organization have “discovered through their studies that alternative medicine is often more cost-effective and very effective”. The President replied, “it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments — or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions”. He also discussed the challenges of integrating preventative medicine into policy making noting that the new Secretary of Health and Human Service, Kathleen Sebelius, former governor of Kansas, is charged with the task of implementing effective healthcare solutions.

In the St. Louis 4-29-09 meeting, Obama noted that policymakers are reticent...

Acupuncture Stops Heartburn

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:03:18 +0000

12-30-09, Capitola, CA: A recent study notes that “acupuncture proved to exert a great influence in minimizing the heartburn in pregnancy.” The study further concludes that “Acupuncture, as was demonstrated in this study, seems to be an effective means of reducing the symptoms and improving the quality of life.” The study also concludes that acupuncture care for heartburn “can reduce the need for medication.” Heartburn symptoms decreased significantly for 75% of pregnant women receiving acupuncture in this randomized, controlled study compared with 31% in the control group. Acupunct Med 2009;27:50-53

The professors running the research project suggest that reducing the need for medication is a distinct advantage to the use of acupuncture care for pregnant women. The study also notes that there were no important adverse effects of acupuncture care and further concludes that acupuncture improved the quality of life for the pregnant women.

The study maintained the use of predetermined acupuncture...

Acupuncture Eczema Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:55:10 +0000
December 11, 2009, Munich, Germany: Dr. Florian Pfab, professor at theTechnical University of Munich, notes that a recent study confirms the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of eczema. The German study showed that acupuncture reduced skin inflammation after the skin has been exposed to pollen or dust mites. The study included a sample size of 30 test patients.

California Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:45:53 +0000

4-29-09, Sacramento, CA: Due to budget cuts, the State of California will eliminate acupuncture as a benefit from the Medi-Cal system as of July 1, 2009. The California State Medical Association (CSMOA) now lobbies for restoration of acupuncture benefits in the Medi-Cal system. The Medi-Cal system was known for limiting acupuncture visits to 2 patient visits per month per patient and reimbursing at a rate of only $16.22 per visit for follow-up office visits. Initial examination office visits were limited to reimbursement rate of $27.03 per visit. The majority of acupuncturists in California were not able to use this program due to its unusually low reimbursement rates.

Acupuncture for Hot Flashes

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:56:42 +0000
9-22-08: Washington, D.C.: Acupuncture is as effective as venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, in treating hot flashes and night sweats. A team of researchers led by Dr. Eleanor Walker of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit announced this finding and noted that acupuncture’s benefits have a longer duration and are without harmful side effects. Effexor is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant. Half of the forty-seven breast cancer patients who took part in the study received acupuncture and half took Effexor. Each group received 12 weeks of treatment. For the acupuncture group, the women experienced reduced symptoms for 15 additional weeks. For the Effexor group, the women experienced reduced symptoms for 2 additional weeks. The report was presented at the Boston meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology. The researchers noted that the women receiving acupuncture reported no side effects from acupuncture and also more energy, a sense of wellness,...

Acupuncture for Fertility, Menstrual Pain, and Headaches

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:26:05 +0000
A recent University of Virginia Health System study concludes that acupuncture is effective for treating infertility related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Acupuncture was also shown to restore regular periods for women with amenorrhea. In another recent study reported in the ‘American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology’, acupuncture was proven to relieve menstrual pain. The study concludes that “acupuncture should be considered as a viable option in the management of these patients.” In yet another study reported in the journal ‘Cephalalgia’, German researchers concluded that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of headaches. This conclusion parallels that of a study conducted recently by Italian researchers that was published in the March 2008 issue of the journal ‘Headache’ which concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraines.

NCCAOM Promotes National Acupuncture Recognition

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:06:14 +0000
August, 2008: The NCCAOM is working with the CCAOM, AAAOM, FAOMRA, ACAOM, and the NAF to have “acupuncturist” listed as a distinct profession by the US Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, “acupuncture” is only listed as a treatment modality technique under the professions of nursing and chiropractic. Other than this listing for chiropractors and registered nurses, there is no other recognition for acupuncture in the bureau’s listings. This clerical oversight hampers the progress of acupuncture in the US. Inclusion of “acupuncturist” as a distinct profession will facilitate improvements with insurance reimbursements and possibly the institution of Medicare coverage. This will also help to create legal protections for the profession regarding the use of medicinal herbs. The NIH (National Institutes of Health) will also provide direct funding for grant research once the listing is created. As it stands today, the NIH cannot provide direct funding due to this...

Delaware Licenses Acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:45:12 +0000
June, 2008: Delaware now has an acupuncture licensing law regulating acupuncture standards. The existing 27 acupuncturists in the state will be grandfathered in as licensed practitioners. A local acupuncturist, the Maryland Acupuncture Society, and the Delaware Medical Society promoted the bill to bring acupuncture as a licensed profession to Delaware.

California Acupuncture Insurance Program

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:46:58 +0000
February 2008, Sacramento, CA: The California Acupuncture Bill, AB54, passed in the California State Assembly. According to the California State Assembly analysis of the bill, AB54 "requires every health plan contract and health insurance policy sold on a group basis that provides coverage for hospital, medical, or surgical expenses to provide coverage for expenses incurred as a result of treatment by acupuncturists." Democratic Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally of Los Angeles authored the bill and it passed 46 to 27. This California acupuncture program also has strong support from San Francisco Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. AB54 must make its way through the Senate before the summer recess for this acupuncture insurance coverage bill to have a chance to become law.

Tiger Ban and Chinese Medicine Education

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:22:54 +0000

Santa Cruz, CA, Feb. 2008: China imposed a ban on the trade of tiger bones in 1993. There has been continuing pressure on the Chinese government to lift the ban. The tiger product ban has significantly contributed to the survival of the few remaining tiger populations in the wild. One source, reported in China’s Xinhua news agency, requests that the bones of deceased tigers in a Heilongjiang Siberian tiger refuge be allowed for sale to help fund expansion of the refuge. Conservationists note that easing the ban and allowing the legal sale of tiger products opens the door for the poaching of wild tigers.

China has about 30 tigers in the wild and has several breeding centers which house approximately 5,000 tigers. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES), a consortium of 171 member countries, has supported the ban and has resisted pressure to lift...

Acupuncture Education and Hypertension

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:20:38 +0000
Seoul, Korea: January 24, 2008 - A recent study from Seoul, Korea concludes that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of hypertension. A radomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial measured significant reductions in blood pressure for patients treated with acupuncture. More significantly, the study measured lasting results using acupuncture for the treatment of hypertesion (Neurological Science, v29, s1, 2-07, pp98-103(6)).

Nausea and IBS treated with Chinese Herbal Medicine

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 01:53:23 +0000
The 'Annals of Oncology' published a study concluding that Chinese herbal medicine is effective in reducing nausea for chemotherapy patients. The double-blind placebo controlled randomized study of Chinese herbal medicine notes that Chinese herbal medicine “does have a significant impact on control of nausea” ('Annals of Oncology' 2007 18(4):768-774). Interestingly, the report cites an earlier study that appears in the 'Journal of the American Medicine Association' (JAMA. 1998;280:1585-1589). In it, the study concludes that Chinese herbal medicine is effective for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Acupuncture as effective for migraines as drugs

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:05:59 +0000
An important study on acupuncture for the treatment of migraine headaches concludes that acupuncture is “of comparable efficiency to several proven drug therapies for the treatment and prevention of migraine.” The treatment of migraines, a disabling and often severely painful form of headache, was researched across 25 randomised controlled trials involving 3,004 patients.    Acupuncture was concluded to be superior to a wait list, sham acupuncture, and comparable to drug therapy for the treatment and prevention of migraines in the study (Scott SW, Deare JC. Acupuncture for migraine: a systematic review. ‘Aust J Acupunct Chin Med’ 2006;1(1):3-14).

Acupuncture for Labor Pain

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:47:40 +0000
Labor pain has been treated with Chinese Medicine for over a thousand years and now receives attention by modern researchers.   A recent study (Smith C, Collins CT, Crowther C. Acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour: a systematic review. 'Aust J Acupunct Chin Med' 2007;2(1):25-32) concludes that “ Acupuncture may be beneficial for the management of pain during labour.” The focus of the study was to examine the effects of acupuncture and acupressure on labor pain and its relationship to maternal and perinatal morbidity. Women receiving acupressure noted less anxiety and labor pain in clinical trials. Women also showed significant benefits from acupuncture for pain management during labor. The women studied were in either spontaneous or induced labor of the first or second stage. The 'Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine' published these findings in 2007.

Acupuncture in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Colorado, and Oregon

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:21:30 +0000

How many acupuncturists are in the US? California (CA) leads the December 2007 count with over 6,680 acupuncturist. Florida (FL) gets the silver medal with over 1,350 licensed acupuncturists. Texas (TX) has approximately 680 acupuncturists followed by New York (NY) with 678, Colorado (CO) with 675, and Oregon (OR) with 659 acupuncture practitioners. Massachusetts (MA) has 573 acupuncturists and Maryland (MD) rings in with 509.   Illinois (IL) has 491 licensed acupuncturists and New Mexico (NM) pulls through with a respectable 416 acupuncturists. Overall, it is estimated that there are over 17,000 licensed acupuncturists in the US and approximately 4,000+ acupuncture students. CA and FL have their own acupuncture licensing boards and the NCCAOM offers certifications for all other states that have legislation supporting the licensure of acupuncture.

Pediatric Ear Infection Continuing Education Course

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:05:36 +0000

HealthCMI announces the course ‘Chinese Medicine Pediatrics and Ear Infections’ for January 2008. This course covers the clinical treatment of pediatric otitis media (middle ear infections / inflammation) including acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxa, and shoni-shin treatment modalities. It is approved for 7 NCCAOM national continuing education points, 7 Florida CE's, and 8 California acupuncture CEU's. As with all HealthCMI acupuncture courses, it is approved for continuing education credit in all states that license acupuncturists in the US and parts of Canada.

Ear infections account for approximately 30,000,000 pediatrician office visits per year in the USA and nearly 50% of all anitbiotic prescriptions for children. Otitis media occurs predominantly in children between the ages of 4 months and 5 years of age and the majority of children in the USA have had an ear infection before the age of 3. It is estimated that the allopathic medicine related...

Green Tea and EGCG Catechins

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:34:38 +0000
EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) is a catechin found in green tea. A recent study states that EGCG protects the skin from UV radiation damage and tumor formation. This study can be read in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2007, v. 18:5, p287-296, S. Katiyar, C. Elmet. The article is entitled “Green tea and skin cancer: photoimmunology, angiogenesis and DNA repair.” EGCG has received a lot of attention in the scientific world but is one of many catechins that has potential health benefits. Catechins are flavonoids found in many plants but are especially abundant in tea (Camellia Sinensis). Catechins are also found in chocolate, wine, fruits, and vegetables. Studies suggest that they may help reduce atherosclerotic plaques and carcinogenesis. Catechins in green tea have been shown to convert carcinogens into benign substances.

Kentucky legalizes acupuncture

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:00:00 +0000
In April of 2006, Kentucky enacted a law to regulate and therefore legalize a license process for acupuncturists. In Kentucky, a licensed acupuncturist uses the term "certified acupuncturist" (C. Ac.). Herbal medicine was not mentioned in the law and acupuncturists must pass the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) exam. That leaves the countdown at six. There are six states without laws regarding the practice of acupuncture: Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama. In some of these states, an M.D. or D.O. may practice acupuncture. Due to the lack of oversight, the physicians are not required to have a substantial formal education in acupuncture or Chinese Medicine. Of historical record, it was 1973 when Maryland, Nevada, and Oregon created the first laws providing for the legalization and training of acupuncturists. In California, acupuncturists were commonly arrested and prosecuted for engaging in...

FDA Ruling on Dietary Supplements Update

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:54:18 +0000

The final ruling for 2007 by the FDA on GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices) for dietary supplements has been issued. Look forward to updates as to how acupuncturists and acupuncture schools will be affected by this course of regulatory action. It is possible that acupuncture college pharmacies may be affected and that individual acupuncture practices may also be affected. Under the new ruling, the FDA now mandates that "manufacturers are required to evaluate the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their dietary supplements."

New California Acupuncture Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:00:00 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board has changed the continuing education requirements for licensed California acupuncturists. The 30 hours of acupuncture continuing education units required every two years has been increased to 50 hours of acupuncture continuing education units (CEU’s) every two years in order to maintain an acupuncture license. Twenty-five CEU’s of the total 50 CEU’s may be acupuncture distance learning credits. All acupuncture courses for continuing education credit at HealthCMI are California Acupuncture Board approved as well as NCCAOM, CTCMABC, and Florida approved. This makes all HealthCMI certificates for acupuncturists approved in every state that licenses acupuncture.
To view online courses CLICK HERE. To learn more about California acupuncture continuing education legal requirements click: California Acupuncture Continuing Education . For Florida click: Florida Acupuncture Continuing Education . For NCCAOM national click: NCCAOM Acupuncture Continuing Education .

PanAfrican Acupuncture Project update

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 06:24:14 +0000
The PanAfrican Acupuncture Project (PAAP) initiates acupuncture training for medical professionals in Africa. Since 2003, PAAP has trained many medical workers in Uganda including nurses, midwives, and nurse midwives. In April of 2007, PAAP returned to Africa to continue with this important and vital relief program. PAAP has plans to expand training programs to Malawi, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.

Laser Acupuncture for California?

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 05:09:25 +0000
The February 2007 California Acupuncture Board meeting included a discussion of the use of low-level laser stimulation in acupuncture. A motion was seconded to consider the expansion of the acupuncture scope of practice for California licensed acupuncturists to include the laser therapy. It was noted that the FDA has not approved low-level lasers yet and that a further discussion of training, education, and safety standards is required. Learn more about the educational requirements associated with lasers and acupuncture in our online news updates for HealthCMI.

NCCAOM New Continuing Education Requirements

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Sun, 13 May 2007 20:00:00 +0000

The NCCAOM now requires acupuncturists seeking acupuncture license renewal to obtain four hours of continuing education credit in the area of ethics and safety. The NCCAOM allows courses in First Aid and CPR to fulfill this requirement.

Acupuncture for Knee Pain and Dysfunction Research

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:00:00 +0000
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have proven that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and functional impairment of the knee. The report was published in the 12-04 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. The report specifically states that acupuncture is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knees.

Laser Acupuncture for Infantile Digestion Problems

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 20:00:00 +0000
A recent study in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (24 : 280-281, 2004) entitled the Treatment of Infantile Diarrhea by Acupuncture and Laser Irradiation- A Report of 60 Cases by Ding Duming of the People's Hospital of Danyang Municipality reports that acupuncture combined with laser acupuncture is effective in the treatment of infantile diarrhea. The report notes that the laser therapy has the action of restoring "affected tissue to its normal function." Also, the report shows the effects of acupuncture and laser acupuncture in the repair of intestinal mucosa through the process of stimulating epithelial cells.

Celebrity Athletes Using Acupuncture Update

HealthCMi CEUs Online — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:00:00 +0000
The October 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated Magazine writes that Morten Anderson, field goal kicker for NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, receives two acupuncture treatments per week as part of his ongoing healthcare program. At age 47, he is the second oldest player ever in the National Football League and is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer. He has set the NFL record with the most games played at over 368 and has scored in excess of a record breaking 346 consecutive games. Other NFL greats to utilize acupuncture include Joe Montana and defensive lineman Michael Strahan. Turning to NBA basketball, Dwayne Wade uses acupuncture for knee and shoulder pain. Other basketball stars using acupuncture include Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and Vladimir Radmonovic. In professional golf, Fred Couples is noteworthy for having utilized acupuncture to treat severe back pain.