Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Michael

Low back pain is the number one reason Americans miss a day of work.

Many cases of back pain resolve on their own, and require no treatment.  For others, chronic back pain can be a constant source of extreme discomfort and a diminished quality of life.

 

Injury, degeneration, tight muscles and intervertebral disc prolapse are just a few common causes of low back pain.

Western medicine prescribes medication, physical therapy and possibly surgeries such as a laminectomy or discectomy. But, these do not always provide relief.

There is some solid evidence that supports acupuncture as an effective and safe treatment for chronic low back pain.  In fact, according to one German Acupuncture Trial (GERAC), acupuncture out performed conventional therapy.

In 2009 The British Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence recommended acupuncture as a first line therapy for chronic low back pain.

In 2007 the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommended acupuncture as a second line therapy for chronic low back pain.( American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147  (7): 478-491.)

I have seen many people benefit from acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  A combination of acupuncture, tui-na (Chinese Medical Massage) and Chinese herbal medicine can offer patients a safe alternate to conventional western medicine.

Generally I recommend 6-8 visits to see how patients respond. Some patients may experience relief very quickly while others may respond more slowly.

In Good Health,

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Minnesota Clinic of Integrated Medicine

952-294-9978

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Is acupuncture safe?

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Michael

Is acupuncture safe?  This is a great question, and one I’m surprised I don’t get asked more often.  This blog will hopefully shed some light on the safety of acupuncture.

Any serious injury related to acupuncture is one to many!  But, it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits of any form of health care.  After all, we are putting needles in you (sterile, single use ONLY).

So, is acupuncture safe?  The simple answer is, “statistically yes”.  When performed by a trained, licensed and board certified acupuncturist, acupuncture is accepted as a safe form of therapy.

Let’s take a look at some of the potential adverse reactions associated with acupuncture.  I will break this up into two categories; minor adverse reactions and severe adverse reactions.

Minor adverse reactions associated with acupuncture include: pain at the site of insertion, bruising and or bleeding on the surface or under the skin, dizziness during or after the treatment, and feeling a bit “loopy” after a treatment.  These side effects are usually self limiting and cause no lasting harm.  The majority of reported adverse reactions fall in this category.

More serious adverse side effects have also been associated with acupuncture.  These include: infection, nerve damage, pneumothorax (puncturing of  the lung).

Before you freak out and cancel your next appointment, let’s take a look at the stats.

I will give you ball park numbers, then try and back them up with specific studies and stats.

According to a very large German Study, around 1 in 10,000 people experienced a severe adverse reaction:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture#Adverse_events . http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19420954 .

If we put that into perspective, 1 in 10,000 are your odds of being struck by lightning in your lifetime:  http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/medical.htm .

The odds of pneumothorax are around 1 in 100,000. But this adverse event is almost completely avoidable by a competent practitioner.

If you are considering acupuncture, make sure you discuss this with your practitioner.  Ask tough questions.  If they tell you acupuncture is “100% safe” they either lack understand of the research or are full of crap.

Make sure your practitioner uses single-use-sterile needles, has a Masters degree in acupuncture and knows how to practice safely.  You can even ask them if they have ever experienced a severe adverse reaction in their clinic.  I mean, I’d wanna know!

Training, knowledge of when to properly refer patients, and red flags help us minimize risk to our patients.

So, to to recap, when performed by a trained and licensed professional, acupuncture is considered a safe form of therapy. According to the German study cited above, your chances of having a severe adverse reaction associated with acupuncture are about the same as being hit by lighting.

Weigh the risks and benefits and make an educated choice.

In Good Health,

Michael Egan, LA., MaOM, Dipl OM

info@performanceacupuncture.net

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Addison’s disease and Acupuncture / Traditional Chinese Medicine

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Michael

Addison’s disease (a.k.a. adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism) is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of certain hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone.

Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Muscle weakness and fatigue, weight loss and decreased appetite, darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation), low blood pressure & blood sugar, salt craving, depression irritability, nausea, diarrhea and muscle/joint pain.

Addison’s disease is very serious condition that may require taking medications such as oral corticosteroids for the rest of your life.  If you think you suffer from the above symptoms it is essential that you see your doctor.

The most common cause of Addison’s disease is autoimmune, but it may be caused by infection or physical damage to the adrenal glands.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Addison’s disease may fall under several pattern diagnosis based on the manifesting signs and symptoms. The symptoms often fall under the pattern diagnosis of “Qi deficiency, Blood Deficiency, Kidney Yin or Kidney Yang deficiency” or a combination of patterns.  The Kidneys in Chinese Medicine are the basis for yin and yang of the entire body. They are sort of the “fire and water” for  all the basal metabolic processes in the human being.  This is a very interesting correlation to the signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease in modern medical terms.  The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys like a mushroom cap and help regulate the body’s metabolism and stress response.  Another interesting parallel of Addison’s  is that in TCM, we say “the kidneys open to the ears”, and one of the possible symptoms of Addison’s disease is a calcification or hardening of the external ear (pinna).

In TCM we always treat based on the pattern differentiation. A combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be used to support western medication. If the Kidney Yang is deficient we will use  treatments that “Tonify the Kidney and Fortify Yang” Acupuncture points such as Bl 23 (Shen Shu) which are on the back in close proximity to the adrenal gland may be used. Warming therapies such as the application of moxibustion may be applied as well.

Herbal formulas such as Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, You Gui Wan or Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan may be prescribed. All of these formulas tonify the Kidney yang, and one of the main herb in all these formulas is Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata). Shu Di Huang is often used to treat many endocrine and hormonal disorders.(1)Herbs such Zhi Gan Cao (honey fried licorice root) have also been shown to have an marked effectiveness in the treatment of Addison’s.(2)

Modern Medicine offers very powerful medications for the treatment of Addison’s disease. But, these medications are not without potential side effects. When prescribed by a trained practitioner of Chinese Herbal Medicine, herbs are generally considered safe.  With the prospect of being on medication for the rest of one’s life TCM may be an alternative therapy that could help.

In Good Health,

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

info@performanceacupuncture.net

Sources:

1. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/rehmann.htm

2. John and Tina Chen, “Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology”  Art of Medicine Press.

 

 

 

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Acupuncture and Herbs for Seasonal Allergies

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Michael

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for seasonal allergies including hay fever.

In Chinese Medicine theory, allergies can be caused by a number of different pathologies.  Generally we say they are due to some type of “wind” invasion.

Even 2,ooo years ago, the ancient Chinese new that factors were carried by the wind, and “attacked the head and nose”.  The human body then has a multitued of reactions to this wind.  We say it can transform into wind-heat, wind-cold, and wind-damp.

The other factor may be an underlying constitutional or environmental imbalance. Diet, for example, can play an extremely important part in your response to allergens. The elimination of certain foods such as excess sugar and dairy can yield tremendous results for certain people.

The treatment of seasonal allergies with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is usually two-fold. First, treating the acute signs and symptoms of allergies. Such as sneezing, headache, scratchy throat.  One herb that may be very helpful is Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower). In Chinese medicine we say Ju Hua “dispels wind-heat and benefits the eyes”  This may manifest as scratchy/itchy red eyes and irritability.  Sounds very similar to allergy symptoms.

The second step in treating seasonal allergies is to trying to help your body combat the allergen.  This usually includes using herbs and acupuncture to strengthen your body.  A very famous formula often gets used in the remission stage of allergies; Yu Ping Feng San (jade windscreen powder). “Jade” in Chinese culture means precious, “Ping” means screen, “Feng” means wind.  So basically, it is a precious formula for protecting your body from “wind”.  This is very much like immune function in modern medicine. The primary herb in this formula is “Huang qi” (astragalus) which is a great herb promoting immune function.

Every person on the planet is different, and we all have a unique reaction to the food we eat and the environment we live in. The beauty of Chinese Medicine as that it treats every person as a “whole person” and aims to help each person restore balance in their lives. And, since every person is unique, treatment needs to be modified for the right person at the right time.

If you would like more info on the treatment of allergies with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, feel free to contact me for a free phone consultation.

In good Health,

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

Performance Acupuncture, LLC

info@performanceacupuncture.net

 

 

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Acupuncture and tennis elbow

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Michael

I discovered acupuncture as a treatment for tennis elbow not as a practitioner, but as a patient.  A chronic case of extreme pain and weakness in my right arm was not only affecting the quality of my workouts, but really reducing the quality of my life.

A shot of cortisone and other “conventional” forms of treatment simply did not help. I went into the YOSAN College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and asked if they could help me. I received between 6 and 8 treatments of acupuncture with electric stimulation, modified my workouts and did some simple gentle exercises. The pain vanished, never to return. This experience led me to pursue a path in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Tennis elbows (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition of the elbow as a result of overuse and inflammation or injury to the muscles and tendons of the forearm.  Left untreated, this can result in a chronic and extremely painful condition.

Your doctor may suggest R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and the use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication). Or, possibly a cortisone shot. But, cortisone injections are not without their side effects. One, is that it may cause deterioration of the cartilage in the joint. These shots cannot be given as an ongoing therapy.

Acupuncture and TCM may also offer patients an effective and safe form of therapy.

Acupuncture works by promoting circulation to the local area and helping the body to heal itself. Small sterile needles are inserted into both pre-existing acupuncture points and very tender or “ashi-Points” on the elbow/forearm.  The use of Tui-na (Chinese medical massage) may also be used, along with the topical application of herbs to help reduce pain, swelling and promote circulation to the area.

It is also essential to address proper body mechanics and make sure you are not continually aggravating or re-injuring the elbow.  For many tennis players it may be an improper use of the backhand. But, this injury is not limited to tennis players.

If your tennis elbow is keeping you sidelined, give acupuncture a try. It worked for me!Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., Performance Acupuncture,LLC

info@performanceacupuncture.net

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Acupuncture and Chinese herbs for Menopause

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Michael

Night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes, fatigue. For women suffering from menopause and peri/post menopausal conditions, these symptoms are hard core and unrelenting.

As the female body ages, the ovaries produce less hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to a cascade of physiological changes.

ABC news recently showed one study that suggests acupuncture is an effective treatment for menopause symptoms.

The ancient Chinese believed women followed a natural cycle every 7 years. Through growth, development and reproduction, every 7 years there was a rather profound change.  And 7X7=49!!!  Bingo! Menopause is a natural cycle of life. Yet for those suffering from it, it feels anything but “natural”.

In Chinese Medicine we talk about “yin and yang”. Yin and yang are metaphors that compare things. Good examples are fire and water. Fire is “yang” in nature compared to water which is “yin”. Normally, fire and water are balanced in the human body (homeostasis). But, when one aspect is excessive or deficient, balance is off.

So in menopause, we often see hot hot and more hot! And, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis, we actually have a pattern of disharmony called “Yin deficiency with empty heat”. In other words, not enough water to balance the fire. But, it’s not quite that simple. Sometimes we see patterns that are more complex. For example, you may have hot flashes one minute and feel freezing the next!  This is a very common complaint I see in clinic.

 

Chinese medicine has many effective treatments to help balance the body and reduce the symptoms of menopause.

A combination of acupuncture, herbs and dietary therapy can greatly reduce the  symptoms of menopause. I have had patients express to me the profound improvement in the quality of their lives after they discovered acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

One very famous herbal formula Liu wei di huang wan (Rehmannia 6) can be very effective in helping women suffering from menopause. And, some research has suggested that this formula helps balance the endocrine system.

The beauty of Chinese herbal medicine is that when prescribed by someone with the appropriate training, each formula can be modified to treat each individuals unique pattern. Therefore treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

If you would like more info on the treatment of monopause with acupuncture and TCM, please feel free to contact me.

In good Health!

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., Performance Acupuncture, LLC

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Acupuncture is an effective treatment for Migraine Headaches

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Michael

More and more people are looking for non-drug solutions to the debilitating effects of chronic migraine and tension headaches.  As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, I have seen first hand, the ability of acupuncture to effectively treat migraine headaches.

This is part of a testimonial from a patient:

” …my migraines have reduced dramatically in both frequency and intensity. For the first time in years I am not constantly worrying about whether I’m going to have enough medicine to get me through the month or if a migraine is going to ruin my ability to work or participate in life.” B.

The prestigious Chochrane Review recently showed that acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraine prophylaxis.

The exact cause of migraines is not clearly understood by modern science. But, according to the Mayo Clinic, some of the underlying causes may be:  Stress, changes in sleep patterns, changes in weather, foods and hormonal changes in women. Ironically, many of these same causes have been described by Chinese medicine for centuries.

In Chinese Medicine, each person is different and unique. We not only treat the symptoms, but also try to address the root disharmony and help the body heal itself. Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins which not only modify the perception of pain, but also create a cascade of reactions that help the body restore homeostasis “balance”.

If you would like more information about acupuncture and the treatment of migraine or tension headache, feel free to contact me.

In Good Health,

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., Performance Acupuncture, LLC

info@performanceacupuncture.net

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Acupuncture & Fibromyalgia

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Michael

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that affects the quality of life for thousands of people. It is characterized by widespread musculoskelatal pain, sleep and mood issues and chronic fatigue.  It is more common in women than men, and can often be accompanied by other health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.

From a modern western medical perspective, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not currently understood. It may often follow emotional or physical trauma.

There are no specific tests such as MRI, to give a definitive diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Rather, it is diagnosed by meeting certain symptomatic criteria.  These criteria are based on the American College of Rheumatology’s “the ACR 1990″ and include the following symptoms:

  • A history of widespread pain lasting more than three months—affecting all four quadrants of the body, i.e., both sides, and above and below the waist.
  • Tender points—there are 18 designated possible tender points (although a person with the disorder may feel pain in other areas as well).

Your western MD might prescribe medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or anitdepressants to help with pain, mood and sleep symptoms. He or she might also suggest acupuncture as an alternative.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be an effective therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

A study published in the Mayo Clinic’s June 2006 edition of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that,” …acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists fibromyalgia as one of its  conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine theory states; “where there is pain, there is lack of free flow of qi and blood”.  This can be due to a deficiency or excess of the body, or a combination of both. “Qi” in broad sense can mean “vital function”. It can be due to a number of underlying TCM patterns. These patterns may include:

  • Liver & Spleen disharmony (pain, fatigue, irritability, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches and insomnia)
  • Qi and blood deficiency (dull pain, dizziness, easily fatigued, pale face, lips and nails, palpitations, anxiety, poor appetite and excessive blood loss)
  • Kidney deficiency (low back and knee soreness, feelings of a cold body, loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, extreme prolonged stress or fatigue and overwork)

Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tuina (Chinese medical massage), dietary therapy as well as tai qi and qi gong (breathing and movement exercises) can offer patients suffering from fibromyalgia another means of treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to release endorphines, and improve circulation which, can modify the experience of pain and stimulate the bodies own healing response.

If you would like more information on the use of acupuncture treatment for fibromyalgia, please feel free to contact me.

In good health,

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

Performance Acupuncture, LLC

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Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Chronic Sinus Problems

Posted on January 2, 2011 by Michael

Chronic sinus problems can be a very difficult condition to deal with and treat.  For many people the symptoms of facial pain, nasal discharge, fatigue, chronic infections and chronic use of antibiotics can be an ongoing health concern.

Western Medicine offers antibiotics and possibly anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone.

Sinusitis refers to an inflammation of the the sinuses due to a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. These symptoms usually follow a common cold. Rhinitis is usually less severe and involves irritation or inflammation of nasal tissue.

Traditional Chinese Medicine  (TCM) offers a number of different therapies to help people overcome acute and chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

In TCM, acupuncture and herbs are used to help people deal with acute and chronic sinus problems. But, since each person and each condition are different. It is not a “one size fits all” approach.

Acupuncture points on the head and face can be very effective for relieving facial pain and opening up the sinuses. Other points such as Zu san li(St 36) can help increase white blood cell count and build immunity of the body.

Chinese herbal medicine can be another effective means for dealing with not only the symptoms, but addressing the underlying cause of chronic sinusitis.  Herbs such as Ju hua (chrysanthemum flower) and Xin yi hua (magnolia flower) can be combined with other herbs to address the overall pattern of disharmony. Many of the herbs we use are now understood to have natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities.

The herb huang qi (astragalus) can also be effective for building the immune system.

When using Chinese herbs, it is essential to see someone trained in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to make sure you are getting the appropriate treatment and to avoid unwanted side effects.

While no medical system is 100% effective 100% of the time, Asian culture has been successfully treating many conditions for hundreds if not thousands of years. If you would like more information on acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine, please feel free to contact me.

In good health,

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., Ma.O.M.

Performance Acupuncture,LLC

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Seasonal Affective disorder and Acupuncture

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Michael

Winter blues got you down?

I know that living through a Minnesota winter can be a challenging time, even if your feeling great.  Decreased daylight, a lack of exercise and an increased response to the normal cycles of life can become overwhelming to many people.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can severely affect the quality of life for many people. Epidemiological studies estimate that its prevalence in the adult population of the US ranges from 1.4 percent (Florida) to 9.7 percent (New Hampshire).

Symptoms of SAD may include: sadness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, a feeling of worthlessness and an inability to find pleasure out of life.

In Chinese Medicine Theory, winter is the time of “Yin”.  Things are moving inward, daylight is declining, darkness is more dominant.  The normal movement of life is slowing and declining.  The more energetic, warming and outward moving aspects of life “Yang” are decreased.  This is a normal cycle of life. But for many it can prove to be a very difficult time.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Acupuncture has been proven in controlled trials to be an effective treatment for depression.

Along with Chinese Herbal Medicine and lifestyle changes, Traditional Chinese Medicine can be an effective treatment for SAD.

If you find your depression debilitating, or if thoughts of suicide occur, it is best to contact your primary care physician, or contact the suicide prevention line: 1-800-273-8255

If you would like to try acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for SAD, feel free to contact our clinic for more information.

In good health,

Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

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