March 2022

The feeling we know as nausea – being sick to your stomach or wanting to vomit – is a common symptom that can be caused by several different reasons.

No matter why you feel nauseated, keep in mind that acupuncture is one method to alleviate discomfort. In this article, we will explore acupuncture benefits for nausea in detail.

Acupuncture Benefits for Nausea

Several studies show that acupuncture can help to relieve nausea.

A research in 2003 shows that acupuncture also impacts the upper gastrointestinal tract, reducing acid secretion and repressing gastric arrhythmias. Clinical research has found acupuncture to be effective for nausea, whether it’s due to motion sickness in travelers, morning sickness in pregnant women, or chemotherapy-induced nausea in cancer patients.

Another study in the same year assessed if acupuncture, along with ondansetron treatment, decreased nausea and vomiting associated with cyclophosphamide infusion in patients suffering from rheumatic diseases. 39 patients were provided acupuncture treatment in the ear or at point PC6 to reduce vomiting and nausea. The patients reported the seriousness of nausea and number of vomiting bouts at the beginning of chemotherapy and after four, eight, twenty-four, forty-eight, and seventy-two hours.

The results revealed that, unlike ondansetron, combined acupuncture-ondansetron treatment considerably reduced the severity of nausea and the number of vomiting bouts twenty-four and forty-eight hours after the participants had received acupuncture. The results of the study clearly indicated that combined treatment with acupuncture and ondansetron lowers the duration and severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea along with the bouts of vomiting as opposed to ondansetron alone in participants suffering from rheumatic diseases.

A study from 2002 undertook a single-blind randomized controlled trial to see if acupuncture decreased nausea, vomiting, and dry retching and improved the overall health nof pregnant women.

The trial was undertaken at a maternity teaching hospital in Australia, where five hundred and ninety-three pregnant women with symptoms of nausea or vomiting were randomized into four groups – ordinary acupuncture, sham acupuncture, no acupuncture (placebo), or pericardium 6 (p6) acupuncture. The treatment was given every week for four weeks.

The results showed that women who received ordinary acupuncture reported reduced nausea throughout the trial and reduced dry retching from the second week as compared to women in the control group. Participants who received p6 acupuncture reported reduced nausea from the second week of the trial and reduced dry retching from the third week as compared to participants in the control group. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that acupuncture is effective for women who undergo dry retching and nausea in the first few months of pregnancy.

Furthermore, a study published in the journal Autonomic Neuroscience in 2006 summarized existing knowledge about the impacts of acupuncture-point stimulation on vomiting and nausea. It concluded that there is good clinical evidence from over 40 randomized controlled trials that acupuncture has some effect in attenuating or preventing nausea and vomiting.

Last but not least, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published an article that assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture-point stimulation on delayed and acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. The review concluded that electroacupuncture was beneficial for chemotherapy-induced acute vomiting.

What Is Nausea?

Nausea is stomach discomfort and the sensation of wanting to vomit. It can occur before vomiting (or throwing up) the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

Signs and Symptoms of Nausea

Typically, when you are experiencing nausea, you feel sick to the stomach. According to Stanford Health Care, other signs and symptoms of nausea include:

• Urge to vomit
• Sweating
• A build-up of saliva in your mouth
• Weakness

Causes

Nausea is one of the most common symptoms that people experience. In some cases, nausea gets better on its own after a couple of hours or days and doesn’t come back.

Severe nausea that appears suddenly along with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever might indicate a gastrointestinal bug.

Some gastrointestinal infections, like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, can be dangerous in very young people and those with weaker bodies or immune systems

Some other possible causes of nausea include:

• Pancreas or liver problems, such as fatty liver disease or gallstones
• Neurological problems, like a traumatic brain injury
• Endocrine system issues, such as hypothyroidism
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcers
• Other disorders, like Meniere’s disease that can lead to dizziness
• Appendicitis, particularly if a person has stomach pain that starts in the center of the abdomen and shifts to the lower right side.
• Endometriosis
• Problems with the ovaries, such as a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion
• A blockage in the intestines or stomach
• Migraine headaches

Nausea that lasts several weeks can be because of an underlying chronic disease. Nausea that lasts for a little while might indicate an infection. However, recurring nausea might be a sign of a chronic illness or food sensitivities.

In some rare cases, nausea might indicate a severe infection or a medical emergency.

Final Word

If you are struggling with nausea and/or vomiting, you should surely opt for acupuncture to alleviate your symptoms.

At the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) Main Clinic, we specialize in offering treatments for many different conditions.  Call 713-780-9786 for an appointment.  We also see patients at Houston Methodist Hospital Wellness Services.  Call 713-441-5980 for an appointment.

Hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia. These are just a few of the symptoms that a woman going through menopause experiences and which can make her life miserable. While the process is a natural part of aging, it can have a seriously adverse effect on your lifestyle and mental health.

Since the condition can make you lose focus, it can have a serious effect on your income generating and relationship building capabilities, both which can add stress to your life. The study also showed that depression and anxiety were the two main mental health concerns menopausal women face.

Menopausal transition can be quite subtle so most women don’t even know they are going through it. While it is a natural part of aging, it can have devastating effects if the symptoms are not managed.

What is Menopause?

A woman’s ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones, during the first and last menstrual cycle. These hormones work together to prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy. Besides this, these hormones are maintain skin health and mucous membrane integrity in the human body. The linked study showed that cervicovaginal fluid from post-menopausal and women who experienced abnormal vaginal flora was less viscous and was also higher in pH compared to premenopausal women and women with normal vaginal flora.

The hormonal levels deplete with time particularly during perimenopause i.e. the years leading up to menopause. During this time, egg production in the ovaries starts to reduce and the woman stops having her period when the last egg is released. If the woman does not have her period for 12 consecutive months, menopause is the usual diagnosis.

Some women may get menopause at a young age or as a side effect of a treatment. This includes radiation or removal of both ovaries as a treatment for ovarian cancer. This type of menopause is called artificial or induced menopause and its symptoms are quite similar to that of natural menopause.

Common Symptoms

The start of menopause can be quite subtle for most women, but some women can experience noticeable and uncomfortable physical symptoms. The symptoms are usually signs that that the ovaries are producing less and less estrogen. Some of the common ones include the following:

• Hot flashes.
• Breast tenderness.
• Periods that may be lighter or heavier than usual.
• Skipping or irregular periods.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Aches and pains.
• Hair thinning or hair loss.
• Weight gain.
• Racing heartbeat.

Out of all of these symptoms, hot flashes are the bane of menopausal women. During a hot flash, you may start to sweat profusely, get red in the face and feel hot and cold all over. These symptoms can alleviate with time, but some women can suffer from it for the rest of their lives.

Acupuncture Benefits for Menopause

Acupuncture has been proven to be beneficial for menopausal women as is apparent from this study. 209 women between the ages of 45 and 60 experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) were recruited for the study and received over 20 acupuncture treatments over the first six months (for the acupuncture group) and for the six months after that (for the control group).

The aim of the trial was to determine the nature and effect of acupuncture compared to no acupuncture. Following the completion of a 2-week diary, women who reported 4 VMS per day (which was the criteria of the study) underwent acupuncture by a specialist and control group participants were told they would be treated in the next six months.

Participants who were assigned to acupuncture received over 20 treatments by one of four acupuncturists (who had 8 to 33 years of experience in the practice) herbal medicines were not used.

Each woman was asked to record their VMS frequency and its severity during the treatment phase and were also given tally counters that could help them keep track of the number of hot flashes throughout their day. At the end of the study, researchers discovered that women in the acupuncture group experienced a 36.7% VMS frequency decline at six months and at 12 months, the reduction from the baseline from the same group was 29.5%.

This meant that the VMS decline was mostly maintained due to acupuncture treatments. The participants in the acupuncture group also reported fewer sleep problems and at 12 months also showed that the effects of acupuncture treatments were maintained for all of the outcomes.

In comparison, women in the control group did not receive any acupuncture needling treatments in the first six months of participation. They experienced a 6% increase in VMS frequency compared to the significant decline of said symptoms in the group that received acupuncture treatments.

At the end of the study, researchers concluded that a steady course of acupuncture treatments can reduce VMS significantly and maintain frequencies compared to no acupuncture treatments.

Conclusion

Whether you are going through perimenopause, menopause or post menopause, you are in significant pain even if it is not physical. At the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) Main Clinic, we offer acupuncture treatments that can help you gain control of your symptoms. You can call 713-780-9786 for an appointment. We also offer treatments at the Houston Methodist Hospital locations at 713-441-5980. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!

Besides menopause, some of the other common conditions we are proficient at treating include back pain, neck pain, headaches, tennis elbow, sports injuries, arthritis pain and more. We are committed in providing a quality of care that is par excellence and also embrace the tenets of Western science to promote the integration of TCM practices into mainstream biomedicine.

When your knee hurts, day after day, you are unable to walk easily. Climbing up and down the stairs is a big challenge. You are unable to sleep through the night because of the pain. It just doesn’t let you live freely!

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain. It leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain, making it difficult to flex and extend your knee.

Doctors throughout the USA are striving to avoid prescribing medication, especially opioids, for chronic pain. Fortunately, acupuncture is emerging to be a cost-effective method to treat pain with very little risk for the patient.

As a matter of fact, the national guidelines for physicians recommend acupuncture as one of the treatments for osteoarthritis-induced knee pain.

Acupuncture Benefits for Knee Pain

Acupuncture can offer much-needed relief for those experiencing knee pain.

When the acupuncture needles are placed on the body, a signal is sent to the brain that might trigger the release of endorphins – often referred to as “feel good” hormones. According to scientists, this can help reduce pain. In addition, acupuncture can also decrease the production of cortisol (a hormone that helps control inflammation) in the body. With fewer pain sensations along with reduced inflammation after acupuncture sessions, knee function and mobility can potentially improve on a short-term basis.

In 2019, acupuncture received a conditional recommendation in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in the American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the management of the osteoarthritis of the knee, hand, and hip.

What Does Research Say About Acupuncture for Knee Pain?

Several clinical studies support acupuncture’s ability to alleviate knee pain. A particular study of 18,000 participants found that acupuncture is beneficial for managing several conditions that lead to chronic pain, including knee pain.

This study discovered considerable differences between actual and “fake” acupuncture during the trial. This shows that acupuncture does effectively minimize inflammation and pain.

Another scientific review analyzed past studies on pain management interventions post knee surgery and discovered that acupuncture delays and decreases the use of opioid medication to alleviate post-surgery pain.

Osteoarthritis

A systematic review examined ten randomized control studies to identify if acupuncture decreased pain and enhanced joint function in people suffering from chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Participants were provided between six to twenty-three sessions of acupuncture at least once a week for three to thirty-six weeks. The analysis found that acupuncture can enhance long and short-term mobility and physical function and appears to offer short-term pain relief (for approximately 13 weeks) in people suffering osteoarthritis-induced knee pain.

Chronic Knee Pain

A particular study discovered that acupuncture is usually quite effective in the short term. In the research, both laser and needle acupuncture leads to mild improvements in pain at 12 weeks.

What Is Knee Pain?

Many individuals experience knee point at some point in their lives. Exercise, sports, and other activities can lead to tendinitis, muscle strains, and other serious injuries to the cartilage and ligaments.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact number of individuals who suffer knee pain in their life. However, we do know the rates of how many individuals experience pain severe enough to opt for knee replacement surgery. In 2017, there were over 950,000 knee replacement surgeries performed in the USA alone.

The severity of knee pain can differ widely and depends on factors like your age and the cause of knee pain. For some individuals, knee pain can be so severe that it hinders everyday activities. However, for others, mild knee pain can be a chronic obstacle to the active lifestyle they want.

The location of knee pain can also differ from person to person. For instance, according to the Clinical Journal of Pain, the most commonly reported location of knee pain is in the middle of the knee, in the joint that connects the thighbone with the shinbone. Other than that, individuals also experience knee pain is in the kneecap area.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

The severity of knee pain can vary, from a minor ache to debilitating and severe pain. Thus, the symptoms of chronic knee pain are also different for each person. Some of the other symptoms and signs accompanying knee pain include:

• Difficulty walking or weight-bearing due to instability of the knee
• Difficulty climbing up or going down the stairs due to ligament damage
• Limping because of discomfort
• Swelling and redness
• Inability to bend the knee
• Inability to extend the knee
• Dull, burning discomfort
• Sharp, shooting pain in the knee
• Constant ache.

Causes of Knee Pain

There are three main causes of knee pain:

• Acute Injury includes a torn ligament, meniscal tear, or a broken bone.
• Medical Conditions including infections, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic Use and Overuse Conditions include chondromalacia, osteoarthritis, patellar syndromes, bursitis, tendinitis, and IT band syndrome.

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine View Knee Pain?

According to traditional Chinese medicine, knee osteoarthritis is categorized into –

1. Yang deficiency cold stagnation
2. Kidney essence deficiency
3. Blood stasis and collateral stagnation.

The key symptoms of yang deficiency cold stagnation include stiffness, pain, and impaired function in the knee joint that gets better with warmth and worse with cold. The patient generally experiences fatigue, coldness, and heaviness in the limbs.

The primary symptoms of kidney essence deficiency include dizziness, tinnitus, and limited motion.

The main symptoms of blood stasis and collateral stagnation are limited motion, purplish lips, fixed pain, and a dark face.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing knee pain, you should surely think of getting acupuncture treatments to relieve the pain associated with your condition. Nevertheless, it is vital that you obtain treatment from a professional who has met standards for training and education in acupuncture.

American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the only acupuncture and herbal clinic affiliated with a specialized medicine institution in Houston. You can call us today at 713-780-9786 to book an appointment with us today.  The college also offers acupuncture treatments at Houston Methodist Hospital.  Call 713-441-5980 for an appointment.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that not only takes over the body, but also the mind. The afflicted process pain differently than those that do not have the condition. Most patients are hypersensitive to pain that a healthier individual may brush off. The condition is more common in women than in men and its prevalence is 2% to 3% in the US.

The disease can affect people of all ages and this sadly includes children. However, fibromyalgia usually manifests in people during middle age so you have more chances of developing it as you get older.

The good news is that acupuncture has shown to be highly efficient in treating fibromyalgia symptoms compared to conventional medication. The traditional Chinese medical practice can be used to manage the pain of the condition that can otherwise bring down your quality of life.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, long-term illness that can cause severe muscle and joint pain and fatigue all over the body. The pain may come and go depending on the severity of your condition. Plus, it makes patients hypersensitive to pain inasmuch that even the slightest caress can send them reeling in pain.

The causes of this chronic condition are still unclear and they may be different in different people. Fibromyalgia is not considered an autoimmune, joint or muscle disorder. It is often triggered by other underlying conditions such as arthritis, spinal issues and injuries. In some cases, emotional stress can also trigger the painful condition.

Common Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is thought to be the amalgamation of several physical, physiological and biological factors working together so pinpointing the exact cause is difficult if not impossible. Doing so can lead to inefficient and dangerous treatment decisions. Here are some of the symptoms that may point to the condition:

Widespread musculoskeletal pain

The main complaint that fibromyalgia patients report is widespread and deep seated musculoskeletal pain that manifests in the upper and lower body. The pain is usually localized in the neck and shoulders. While the pain seems muscular, many patients also complain of joint pain.

Fatigue

The consistent pain that is indicative of fibromyalgia causes stress which in turn causes fatigue that rarely alleviates. Most patients toss and turn at night and report stiffness in the morning. This is understandable as patients are hypersensitive to pain to the point that even minor activities may trigger it. Since their pain prevents them from getting a full night’s sleep, they are far from refreshed in the morning.

Cognitive issues

Known as ‘fibrofog’ patients who suffer from fibromyalgia often have difficulty concentrating and taking care of daily tasks that require multi-tasking. According to the results of a study, this condition is better characterized by a subjective rather than an objective cognitive impairment. Increased perceived cognitive difficulty was correlated with symptom severity, In other words, we can say that the stress caused by the pain disoriented patients. Understandably, some of the other symptoms that occur concurrently with this one include myalgia, pharyngeal pain, polyarthritis, headaches, restless sleep and prolonged fatigue.

Miscellaneous symptoms

Some of the other symptoms that fibromyalgia patients report include:

• Chronic headaches.
• Paresthesias in both arms and legs.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Dry eyes.

Acupuncture Benefits for Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture has been used to treat fibromyalgia for thousands of years. As per the meridian theory, the treatment works to promote qi or blood flow to regulate the balance of yin and yang. That is why a specialist will treat symptoms individually rather than focusing on only the pain that the condition is known for.

Acupuncture can relieve the pain that is preventing you from living a normal life. Increased blood flow has been associated with pain relief, so this is understandable. TCM states that nerve trunks, nerve branches and nerve plexuses in the walls of blood vessels are common acupoints and most of these are located along nerves. Acupuncture stimulates these points to trigger qi or blood flow that in turn can ease pain.

Acupuncture needling techniques triggers a mechanical signal is known to signal connective tissue deformation and mechanical signal transduction that can lead to a downstream healing effects. The deformation activates triggers nociceptors and mechanoreceptors when waves of the mechanical signal spread to different sites.

Final Word

Acupuncture is a suitable treatment option to treat fibromyalgia symptoms that traditional medicine may exacerbate. However, you may be recommended a treatment plan that includes both treatment options depending on your specific condition. Fibromyalgia symptoms can differ from one person to the next.

At the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) Main Clinic, we offer treatments that are conducted by trained, experienced and licensed acupuncturists on staff. Book a consultation today by dialing 713-780-9786.  The treatment is also available at all ACAOM at Houston Methodist Hospital locations at 713-441-5980. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!

For couples navigating the possibility of assisted reproduction, many will find themselves considering an IVF or an IUI cycle to become pregnant. IUI entails a combination of hormones to stimulate a woman’s ovaries and the insertion of sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to boost the probability of conception. On the other hand, IVF uses various surgical procedures and medicines to facilitate the sperm in fertilizing an egg and assisting the fertilized egg implant in the uterus.

If you’re like most undergoing IVF or an IUI cycle, you will want to know what you can do to increase the chances of success. Acupuncture treatment during IVF or an IUI cycle can optimize your body for conception and boost the probability of pregnancy. Acupuncture works by improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, reducing stress, and regulating hormones. All these things combined grow your chances of taking a baby home with you.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about acupuncture for fertility, including how fertility acupuncture works, where to find an acupuncturist with the relevant training, and much more.

a. Research on Acupuncture for Fertility, IUI, and IVF

The Chinese have used acupuncture to regulate the female reproductive system for thousands of years. Laboratory and clinical studies show that acupuncture impacts the peripheral and central nervous systems. Accurately-placed needles prompt the brain to release endorphins that regulate the hormone levels in the body and moderate the stress response.

Here is a complete breakdown of acupuncture research involving fertility, IUI, and IVF.

1. Enhancing Embryo and Egg Quality

To ensure the health of your future child, you have to start with healthy eggs. Research reveals that acupuncture can improve the quality of the egg and embryo, resulting in higher chances of a successful pregnancy.

In a particular study, researchers studied the impact of acupuncture on females who had previously been diagnosed with infertility. The research revealed that acupuncture could help to enhance the high-quality egg rate and high-quality embryo rates for females experiencing infertility. (Fang Lian, 2015)

2. Boost IVF Success

Acupuncture can lead to the success of IVF treatments in several ways. Research supports the ability of acupuncture to improve pregnancy outcomes, clinical pregnancy rates and assist couples with a history of IVF failure.

In a certain review of past studies, researchers investigated 30 trials with over 6,000 participants treated with IVF and acupuncture. Based on the results of the research, researchers came to the conclusion that acupuncture can improve clinical pregnancy rates in women going through IVF treatment. (Yi Qian, 2017)

Another research looked at how acupuncture can improve IVF results. Researchers discovered that after multiple acupuncture treatments, participants experienced lower stress, better patient satisfaction, and enhanced endometrial thickness. (Lee E Hullender Rubin, 2018)

3. Beneficial for IUI

There is very little research investigating the impact of acupuncture on IUI specifically. One notable study from Israel revealed that women who used a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs with their IUI cycle had a pregnancy rate of 65.5 percent. On the other hand, women who did the IUI alone had a pregnancy rate of 39.4 percent.

In addition, the live birth rates were 41.1 percent in the women who used acupuncture and 26.9 percent in the group that used IUI alone.

b. What Is Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive within 12 months or longer of unprotected sex. Since fertility in females is known to decline steadily with age, certain healthcare providers assess and treat females aged 35 years and above after 6 months of unprotected sex.

c. Anatomy and Structure Associated with Infertility

A problem with the woman’s anatomy and structure can prevent the sperm and egg from meeting. One of the most common problem is blocked Fallopian tubes. A blockage of one or both the tubes can prevent the sperm from meeting and fertilizing an egg.

There can be several potential causes of Fallopian tube blockage:

• Hydrosalpinx, when a Fallopian tube is filled with fluid.
• Tubal adhesions or scarring from salpingitis, a previously untreated or undetected infection of the tubes.
• Endometriosis lesions within the uterine lining.

D. Western Medical Reasons For Infertility

Several things can lead to infertility. It can either be a problem with the female reproductive system or male reproductive system, or both. Here are the things that can impact fertility.

Female Infertility

• Endometriosis – The tissue lining the uterus implants outside the uterus.
• Ovulation Issues – The woman doesn’t make sufficient hormones to develop, mature, and release a healthy egg.
• Infection – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is caused by a sort of bacteria like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It can impact the Fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, or all of these.

Male Infertility

• Reduced or little sperm production. Without sufficient healthy sperm, the probability of fertilization decreases.
• Abnormal sperm function.
• Hormonal disorders

Chromosome defects – Certain defects are associated with male infertility.

E. How Does Chinese Medicine View Infertility

According to Chinese medicine, the causes of female infertility include menstruation abnormalities, congenital issues, organ dysfunctions, issues of the the blood or Qi, malfunctions in the Ren or Chong meridians, and others.

Based on mechanisms and symptoms, female infertility can be categorized into at least five major patterns, including kidney vacuity, congenital deformity, liver depression, blood stasis, and phlegm-damp. Chinese medicinal therapies for female infertility include Chinese herbs with single formula therapy, menstruation cycle therapy, pattern identification, moxibustion, and acupuncture. (Lin, 2008)

Last Few Words

Even though acupuncture is regarded as an alternative treatment, its efficacy in treating infertility is remarkable, and many patients are now using it as a conjunction to fertility treatments. Make sure to speak with an expert to get the relevant treatment.

At American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) Main Clinic, we offer one of the best treatments in traditional Chinese medicine to patients. Schedule a consultation with us by calling 713-780-9786. Patients can schedule appointments at any ACAOM at Houston Methodist Hospitals at 713-441-5980.  Apart from acupuncture for fertility, we also specialize in cupping, herbal medicine, and various other treatments.

Bibliography

Fang Lian, C. C. (2015). Improvement of the oocyte quality with electroacupuncture in infertility patients of kidney deficiency pattern. 109 – 113.

Lee E Hullender Rubin, B. J. (2018). Acupuncture and in vitro fertilisation research: current and future directions. Acupuncture in Medicine.

Lin, C.-S. (2008). Female infertility from the perspective of Chinese medicine. Hu Li Za Zhi.

Yi Qian, X.-R. X. (2017). Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 543 – 558.

Endometriosis is a painful disorder that can have a devastating effect on your quality of life and future if it is not treated on time. The condition can make menstruation unbearable and lead to fertility issues that can haunt you for years.

If you have the condition, you are not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis affects roughly 10% of women and girls across the globe who are of reproductive age. The variable and broad symptoms of the condition can lead to years of misdiagnosis and women who suffer from it rarely know they have the condition at all.

Acupuncture has been known to be a natural and noninvasive approach to the condition that also complements medical treatments. The treatment corrects the underlying imbalance in the body that causes its painful symptoms. To understand how the treatment can work to alleviate those symptoms, we need to do a deep dive into the condition itself.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis or ‘endo’ gets its name from the endometrium, the tissues that lines the uterus wall or womb. The condition manifests when tissue that is similar to that lining starts to grow outside the uterus in areas of the body that it doesn’t belong on.

These include the ovaries, over the uterus, fallopian tubes and tissues that keep the uterus in place. While the tissue can extend to other organs, such as the lungs, lower limbs and diaphragm, it is rare.

Common Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include the following:

Spotting or bleeding and digestion issues.

Women who suffer from endometriosis have reported bleeding or spotting between periods. This can or may not be accompanied by indigestion.

Infertility

Perhaps the most heartbreaking symptom of all. Endometriosis can lead to infertility issues. While some women can get pregnant with the condition, they may find it difficult compared to healthier women.

Pain ranging from mild to severe

This is the most common symptom of the condition. Endometriosis pain can differ for different women afflicted with the condition:

• Highly painful menstrual cramps which may get worse with time.
• Long-term pain in the pelvis and lower back.
• Pain during or after sex which manifests deep in the body.
• Intestinal pain and painful bowel movements.
• Pain during micturition (the act of urination) during menstrual periods. Some women may also find blood in their stool or urine.

The pathogenesis of pain associated with the condition is not clear but most doctors believe that it is caused by endometrial lesions as well as sensitized and peripheral sensitization. While surgical intervention can reduce the pain significantly, there is a 40% to 50% chance of postoperative recurrence.

Acupuncture Benefits for Endometriosis

Traditional medical treatments for endometriosis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the location of the tissue growth and whether you are trying to get pregnant. Treatment options often include pain and inflammation relief medication, surgery, hormonal therapies and in severe cases, a hysterectomy.

While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cannot cure endometriosis, it has several benefits that make the condition manageable:

Improves blood flow

The main thing that your acupuncturist will do is correct the underlying imbalance in the body that is causing endometriosis symptoms. That is done by correcting arterial blood flow in the uterus. In the case of endometriosis, a fresh supply of blood can reduce inflammation that is a constant source of pain for patients.

To stimulate blood flow in the lower part of the body i.e. the area where the affliction is, your acupuncturist may place needles in your lower abdomen and pelvic area. However, the placement can differ for different patients depending on the severity of their condition. The aim is to stimulate the body into sending natural blood flow to specific areas of the body. More blood flow means reduced endo-based inflammation which means less pain.

Corrects hormone imbalances

Besides improving blood flow to particular areas of the body, acupuncture benefits for women with endometriosis also address hormone imbalances. Acupuncture has been found to release norepinephrine, a state in which the body can start healing itself. At this stage the endocrine system starts to function at optimal levels.

Reduces pain

Additionally, acupuncture is also known to alleviate pain due to its analgesic effects. The analgesic principle of the traditional Chinese practice is based on zang-fu organs and meridians. As per traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in endometriosis, pain is caused by the stagnating blood or qi (energy) in the uterus. Acupuncture can improve blood flow which in turn can alleviate pain.

Optimizes the endocrine system

Endometrioses is a complex multi-faceted, inflammatory and gynecological condition. Tissue growth is dependent on estrogen levels  and 90% of the hormone is produced by membrane and granular cells of the ovary. The ovary produces estrogen in response to certain hormones but it may be compounded by androstenedione from the adrenal glands. As per studies, acupuncture is known to reduce estradiol levels which in turn reduces the growth of ectopic endometrium.

Final Word

Thanks to acupuncture, endometriosis is no longer a death knell for women who wish to be mothers and wish to live a pain free life. As studies have shown, acupuncture benefits not only treat the underlying causes of the condition, they can also help patients manage the pain and discomfort that result from it.

At the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) Main Clinic, we offer treatments that are conducted by trained, experienced and licensed acupuncturists on staff. Book a consultation today by dialing 713-780-9786.  Acupuncture is also offered at all ACAOM at Houston Methodist Hospital locations at 713-441-5980.

Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can both cause severe pain in the joints. Fortunately, acupuncture can help and offer much-needed relief.

Acupuncture Benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

According to researchers, acupuncture therapy can be useful in alleviating causes and symptoms of carpal tunnel and other chronic pain ailments.

A recent study published in 2017 aimed to investigate the effect of acupuncture on carpal tunnel syndrome. In the study, 80 individuals were divided into three groups.

The first group was treated with verum electroacupuncture at the wrist. The second group received acupuncture therapy in an ankle on the opposite side of the affected wrist. Lastly, the third group was provided sham acupuncture treatment as a control. All the groups received 16 sessions of treatment over a period of 8 weeks. The participants were assessed once the treatment ended and then re-assessed three months later.

The results revealed that the two groups that received acupuncture showed physiological changes along with pain relief. Moreover, the group that got acupuncture treatment in their wrists displayed more benefits than the people who got acupuncture treatment in their ankles.

Another research completed the treatment and assessment of 26 patients with confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome. The participants were divided into two groups, where one received acupuncture and the other received electroacupuncture on both upper limbs. The findings of this research showed that electroacupuncture could improve symptomatology, whereas acupuncture can exert positive therapeutic effects for patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, as shown by improved grip strength, physical provocation sign, electrophysiological function, and symptomatology.

Acupuncture Benefits for Tendonitis

Research also shows that acupuncture is useful in treating tendonitis.

A research from 2012 presents evidence to suggest that acupuncture might have a role in treating tendinopathy by facilitating tendon blood flow and fibroblastic activity.

Another randomized control trial in 2013 examined if acupuncture treatment would lead to improvements in people suffering from chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The participants included 64 randomized patients between the ages of 18 and 70 years with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The research concluded that acupuncture intervention could improve pain and activity in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy as compared to eccentric exercises.

Moreover, a study published in the World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion examined the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture for treating Achilles tendonitis. Sixty patients suffering from Achilles tendonitis from the age of 18 to 55 were randomly divided into two groups – the electroacupuncture group and the low-frequency impulse group.

The research concluded that electroacupuncture has a better therapeutic effect as compared to low-frequency impulse therapy in treating Achilles tendonitis, which can improve or eliminate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a fairly common condition that leads to numbness, pain and tingling in the arm and hand. The condition usually happens when the median nerve gets compressed or squeezed as it travels through the wrist.

In many individuals, carpal tunnel syndrome worsens over time. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Tingling, pain, and numbness in your thumb and the first three fingers of your hand
• A burning sensation that goes right up your arm
• Wrist pain that leads to sleeping difficulties
• Weakness in hand muscles.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a result of several different reasons, including:

• Repetitive motions such as typing, playing the piano, or any other repeated movement that overextends your wrists.
• Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis

What Is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis (also known as tendinitis) is a condition where the connective tissues between your bones (tendons) and muscles get inflamed. It usually happens in the knee, elbow, hip, Achilles tendon, shoulder, and base of the thumb. Tendonitis can either be acute or chronic in nature.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

The symptoms happen where the tendon attaches to a bone. They typically include:

• Redness, swelling, and heat
• Pain which gets worse with movement
• A lump might develop along the tendon
• A sensation that the tendon is grating or crackling as it moves.

If there’s a rupture, a gap might be felt in the line of the tendon, making it difficult to move. Symptoms might last from a few days to multiple weeks or months.

Cause of Tendonitis

Tendonitis is mostly caused by repetitive action. You might develop tendonitis if you often make the same movement while working or playing sports. Tendonitis can also be caused by:

• Aging
• Injury
• Particular diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
• Some antibiotics

Athletes who play particular sports, such as golf, tennis, basketball, or bowling, are at an increased risk of tendonitis. You might also be at an increased risk if your job demands overhead lifting, physical exertion, or repetitive tasks or motions.

Last Few Words

If you are experiencing tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, you should surely think of getting acupuncture treatments to relieve the pain associated with your condition. However, it is imperative that you get treatment from a professional who has met standards for training and education in acupuncture.

American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the only acupuncture and herbal clinic affiliated with a specialized medicine institution in Houston. You can call us today at 713-780-9786 to book an appointment with us today.  ACAOM also offers acupuncture services at Houston Methodist Hospital Wellness Services.  Call 713-441-5980 for an appointment.

Back pain from sciatica can cripple your lifestyle in more ways than one and you are not alone. Chronic lower back pain is common in people between the ages of 24 and 39 and even those who are 20 to 59 years of age. However, sciatica usually manifests in individuals who are 40 years of age or older and those who have genetic predispositions to the condition.

If you have both conditions or have sciatica that has led to lower back pain, traditional medical practices and treatments may not be enough to alleviate your pain and discomfort. Acupuncture has been known to alleviate both by relaxing tight muscles, increasing blood circulation and by regulating the nervous system.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a debilitating condition in which the afflicted feel pain or paresthesia in the sciatic nerve. In about 90% of cases, the condition is caused by a herniated disc (i.e. when disc material presses against a nerve root thus compressing delicate nerve tissue which can lead to chronic pain) but tumors and lumbar stenosis are also probable causes. The condition is also known as lumbar radicular pain (LRP) as per how patients understand their diagnosis.

The Sciatic Nerve

To understand how and where sciatic pain originates, we need to go in-depth into the nerve that said pain originates from. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and it originates in the lower back. It travels posteriorly through the lower limb and right down to the heel. In doing so it innervates a large part of our skin, the muscles in our thigh, leg and foot.

Form and Location

This critical nerve is responsible for sensory and motor functions of the lower body and allows us to walk, lift weights, run, climb and stand smoothly. A healthy sciatic nerve cannot be palpated or felt easily. It is well protected nestled near the muscles of the buttocks. However, a compromised nerve can become inflamed and emerge from that nestled position which can lead to chronic pain, tingling and weakness in the lower back, buttocks and legs.

The nerve originates from the lower back and goes right down to the foot. It is considered to be a mixed nerve which means that it consists of both motor as well as sensory fibers which allow our lower body to function and feel sensation.

The nerve is a mix of five nerve groups that emerge from the lower lumbar and upper sacral spine i.e. L4, L5 and S1 to S3. All of these nerves are located right near the piriformis muscle and merge to form a thick sciatic nerve.

Common Causes

Some of the common causes of sciatica or lower back pain include the following:

Bulging or herniated disc

Lumbar bulging or a herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica. Age and time can cause spinal discs to dry out and wear out which can lead to tiny tears. When this happens, supporting ligaments also start to weaken which cause the disc to bulge or slip out of position. A herniated disc can rub against or place pressure on surrounding tissue and structures which includes the sciatic nerve root.

Spondylolisthesis

If a small stress fracture in the spine causes a vertebral body to slip forward on another, it leads to spondylolisthesis. If for example the L5 vertebra slips forward over the S1 vertebra, it can pinch nerves which can lead to sciatica.

Acupuncture Benefits for Back Pain and Sciatica

Acupuncture has been used widely in Chinese clinical practices and can be traced back at least 3000 years. The treatment is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which focuses on the flow of vital energy or qi which circulated between our organs along channels called meridians.

The treatment is an established adjuvant modality for treatment for chronic pain as it stimulates inhibitory nerve fibers thus reducing transmission of a pain signal to the brain. When needles are placed on specific acupoints on patient’s body, they activate a number of fibers (Aβ, Aδ and C) which can have an analgesic or pain relieving effect.

The analgesic effect is due to release of beta endorphins that the needles stimulate the body into releasing thus affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin. When these are released they act as a lock and key for a receptor in the body that helps us reduce our perception of pain. When these endorphins flood our system, they induce feelings of relaxation that can boost our body’s natural healing mechanism. This in turn reduces the sciatic inflammation which can otherwise lead to serious lower back and lower body pain.

To achieve this result, your acupuncturist may use distal acupuncture treatments in which points that are further away from the affected area are needled to signal the body’s natural healing ability to treat that area.

Final Word

The bottom line is that acupuncture works where traditional medicine may fall short when it comes to treating sciatica and back pain. Your doctor may recommend a treatment plan that involves both treatments to manage your specific condition.

At the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) Main Clinic, we offer treatments that are conducted by trained, experienced and licensed acupuncturists on staff. Book a consultation today by dialing 713-780-9786.  The treatment is also available at all ACAOM at Houston Methodist Hospital locations at 713-441-5980. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!

Arthritis impacts millions of people all over the world. It’s a fairly common condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can largely impact an individuals ability to function normally. Both these conditions involve symptoms ranging from slight discomfort to excruciating pain.

Acupuncture Benefits for Arthritis

Several individuals who use acupuncture to treat arthritis say that their quality of life has improved. As per the Arthritis Foundation, the primary benefits of acupuncture treatment include:

• Improved sleep because of melatonin release
• Enhanced feeling of well-being due to serotonin release
• Stress relief, after the stimulation of oxytocin and endorphins
• Pain relief, as acupuncture stimulates nerve fibres to block pain signals.

What Does Research Say About the Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Arthritis?

There is ample research highlighting the benefits of acupuncture for arthritis.

An article from 2008 reviewed randomized controlled trials of the effects of electro- or needle acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis. Ten trials comprising approximately 1,500 participants met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. This research offered evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for physical dysfunction and pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

In a study conducted in 2019, the researchers aimed to objectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. 105 participants were equally divided into three groups. The first group received acupuncture using the traditional Chinese medicine method, the second group received sham acupuncture, and the third group received no treatment.

The results of the research found that participants who received treatment using the traditional Chinese medicine approach experienced less pain along with better quality of life, improved arm and hand strength, and improved overall health.

Another review from 2018  investigated the detailed existing scientific information about the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis using 43 studies. The researchers concluded that acupuncture alone or combined with other treatment methods is beneficial to relieve the clinical conditions of the disease without any reported side effects. In addition, the review also concluded that rheumatoid arthritis could improve quality of life and function and is definitely worth a try.

Moreover, since clinical trials of acupuncture treatment suggest that acupuncture might be effective for offering pain relief, acupuncture might be a suitable option for individuals suffering from chronic pain. A relatively recent review that encompassed data from over 20,000 patients and 39 trials concluded that acupuncture is effective for treating headache, osteoarthritis pain, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or several joints. There are many different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Nevertheless, the most common type of arthritis includes osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage – the slippery, hard tissues that cover the ends of bones where they form a joint – to break down. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the immune system attacks the joints, starting from the lining of joints.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Stiffness, swelling, and joint pain are the most common symptoms of arthritis. Your symptoms might worsen in the morning when you get up after lying down or resting.

Some symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Popping or clicking when bending
• Buckling or instability of the joints
• Limited motion that sometimes goes away after movement
• Scraping or grating feeling in the knees
• Bony growth in the fingers
• Weakness of muscles around the joint

Here are some symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis:

• Multiple affected joints
• Morning stiffness that can last for 30 minutes or more
• Fatigue
• Onset in smaller joints such as hands and feet
• Same joints on both sides of the body are impacted
• Inflammation of the mouth and eyes
• Low-grade fever
• Inflammation of the blood vessels and heart muscles
• Decrease in red blood cells

Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis might be caused by:

• Age (osteoarthritis is common in adults over 50)
• Obesity
• Injuries
• Wear and tear of a joint due to overuse
• Muscle weakness
• Family history or genes
• Autoimmune disorders

Last Few Words

Acupuncture can be a useful tool to help manage pain and other arthritis symptoms. At the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) Main Clinic, we specialize in offering treatments for many different conditions. We are the only herbal and acupuncture clinic affiliated with a specialized Oriental medicine institution in Houston.

Schedule an appointment at 713-780-9786 or at Houston Methodist Hospital Wellness Services at 713-441-5980!