How You Can Benefit From Acupuncture
Posted: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
by Steven Sonmore
Acupuncture Resources for Twin Cities
Acupuncture Preventative Healthcare
An ambitious athlete runs beyond her physical limits, refuses to rest enough, and finds herself suffering from plantar fasciitis. An overworked attorney sleeps only four hours a night and complains of migraines. A young woman eats too much sugar and not enough protein, and she experiences dizziness, irregular periods, and anxiety. What's happening here? All of these people are resisting the natural laws that govern the universe. As a result, they're having health problems.
The Chinese medicine practitioner treats with acupuncture and prescribes Chinese herbal formulas, but also counsels the patient with dietary therapy and ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. Our medicine is personalized to balance each individual and customized based on specific diagnoses. In other words, we devise the best plan for you to attain optimal health and longevity.
Pain Be Gone
Acupuncture plays a vital role in the reduction or elimination of pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing. Here's an example: A new patient comes to our clinic with lower back pain. On a scale of 0-10 with 10 representing the worst pain and 0 representing no pain, his pain level is at an excruciating 9. After a careful diagnosis, a treatment plan is devised. Acupuncture points on only his arms and legs (none on his area of pain) are needled. After several minutes, his pain is reduced by 60%.
Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.
By reducing acute pain, acupuncture can also reduce the occurrence of chronic pain. It can prevent the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient's condition.
In a 2004 study published in Acupuncture in Medicine, researchers looked at the cost effectiveness of acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee compared to the cost effectiveness of pain killers. 75% of the test patients received at least a 45% reduction in their knee pain with acupuncture, and the pain relief lasted past the one-year follow-up. Many of those who experienced that minimum 45% pain relief decided to quit their prescription pain medication completely after receiving the acupuncture.
Save Big Money
When the doctors did a cost analysis comparing the cost of acupuncture therapy (which was up to 15 treatment sessions) to the cost of pain medication and doctor office visits, they saw a drastic reduction in subsequent medical costs, dropping from $1.10 per day to 21 cents per day after treatment. That represents a $325 savings per patient the first year (even after factoring in the cost of the acupuncture treatments). The conclusion was that patients saved money, were free of the inconvenience of taking a pill several times each day, and had significantly less pain than those who took drugs alone.
In an independent 1992 study in Scandinavia , 25% of the patients who were awaiting knee replacement surgery canceled their scheduled surgery after receiving acupuncture, saving $9,000 per patient.
Beyond Treating Pain
Acupuncture research proves that acupuncture treats more than just pain. We are general practitioners. Many people know we can relieve your aches and pains, but did you know we can also help you get over colds and flu faster, help you with digestive and bowel problems, and more? Acupuncture treats many internal problems like urinary frequency, acid reflux, chronic fatigue and IBS.
Prevention of Infectious Disease
There is a saying in Chinese medicine: " Superior medicine prevents disease, and inferior medicine treats disease." Now, with concern about the H1N1 swine flu virus traveling around the world, you may want to get your immune system boosted. The truth is that bacteria and viruses tend to adversely affect people who have weakened or compromised immune systems. Many Chinese herbs and formulas have been shown to significantly boost the immune system. One of the main benefits of Chinese herbs is their wide spectrum antibiotic effect for both bacterial and viral infections. Most of these herbs are extremely safe and do not have the same unpleasant side effects as drugs. In fact, the hospitals in China that did the best against SARS combined both western and Chinese medicine.
Balancing Mind, Body, & Spirit
Stress is common in our very fast-paced American lifestyle. Many of us worry about keeping our jobs and having enough money. When we're in a constant state of stress, we suffer from "fight or flight syndrome," which is destructive to your body and can lead to serious health problems. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will help you mentally and emotionally. It is very effective for depression, anxiety, and stress.
Acupuncture Works and is Safe
Acupuncture is based on a complete system of healthcare that includes diagnosis, prevention, Chinese herbal formulas, exercise, and food cures. Research explains in detail how acupuncture works via the nervous system, immune system, and blood system. A licensed, seasoned practitioner can offer you health solutions without the kind of worries caused by pharmaceuticals and invasive medical procedures. The best thing about acupuncture is that it treats the entire body without serious adverse effects, and it promotes optimal physical, mental, and emotional health.
If you are a woman or man seeking better health and want to be pain free and live in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul, Twin Cities area be sure to click this link to sign up for our newsletter to learn more. http://www.orientalmedcare.com/
An ambitious athlete runs beyond her physical limits, refuses to rest enough, and finds herself suffering from plantar fasciitis. An overworked attorney sleeps only four hours a night and complains of migraines. A young woman eats too much sugar and not enough protein, and she experiences dizziness, irregular periods, and anxiety. What's happening here? All of these people are resisting the natural laws that govern the universe. As a result, they're having health problems.
Pain Be Gone
Acupuncture plays a vital role in the reduction or elimination of pain by reducing recovery time and preventing a chronic condition from developing. Here's an example: A new patient comes to our clinic with lower back pain. On a scale of 0-10 with 10 representing the worst pain and 0 representing no pain, his pain level is at an excruciating 9. After a careful diagnosis, a treatment plan is devised. Acupuncture points on only his arms and legs (none on his area of pain) are needled. After several minutes, his pain is reduced by 60%.
Research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce natural steroids and endorphins. Steroids decrease inflammation, while endorphins are produced by the body to kill pain. Both substances can play an integral part in the breaking up of the pain cycle.
By reducing acute pain, acupuncture can also reduce the occurrence of chronic pain. It can prevent the need for costlier and more invasive surgical procedures. And if back pain can be significantly reduced with acupuncture, it also lowers the need for painkillers or other medications that can either cause unwanted side-effects or prolong a patient's condition.
In a 2004 study published in Acupuncture in Medicine, researchers looked at the cost effectiveness of acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee compared to the cost effectiveness of pain killers. 75% of the test patients received at least a 45% reduction in their knee pain with acupuncture, and the pain relief lasted past the one-year follow-up. Many of those who experienced that minimum 45% pain relief decided to quit their prescription pain medication completely after receiving the acupuncture.
Save Big Money
When the doctors did a cost analysis comparing the cost of acupuncture therapy (which was up to 15 treatment sessions) to the cost of pain medication and doctor office visits, they saw a drastic reduction in subsequent medical costs, dropping from $1.10 per day to 21 cents per day after treatment. That represents a $325 savings per patient the first year (even after factoring in the cost of the acupuncture treatments). The conclusion was that patients saved money, were free of the inconvenience of taking a pill several times each day, and had significantly less pain than those who took drugs alone.
In an independent 1992 study in Scandinavia , 25% of the patients who were awaiting knee replacement surgery canceled their scheduled surgery after receiving acupuncture, saving $9,000 per patient.
Beyond Treating Pain
Acupuncture research proves that acupuncture treats more than just pain. We are general practitioners. Many people know we can relieve your aches and pains, but did you know we can also help you get over colds and flu faster, help you with digestive and bowel problems, and more? Acupuncture treats many internal problems like urinary frequency, acid reflux, chronic fatigue and IBS.
Prevention of Infectious Disease
There is a saying in Chinese medicine: " Superior medicine prevents disease, and inferior medicine treats disease." Now, with concern about the H1N1 swine flu virus traveling around the world, you may want to get your immune system boosted. The truth is that bacteria and viruses tend to adversely affect people who have weakened or compromised immune systems. Many Chinese herbs and formulas have been shown to significantly boost the immune system. One of the main benefits of Chinese herbs is their wide spectrum antibiotic effect for both bacterial and viral infections. Most of these herbs are extremely safe and do not have the same unpleasant side effects as drugs. In fact, the hospitals in China that did the best against SARS combined both western and Chinese medicine.
Balancing Mind, Body, & Spirit
Stress is common in our very fast-paced American lifestyle. Many of us worry about keeping our jobs and having enough money. When we're in a constant state of stress, we suffer from "fight or flight syndrome," which is destructive to your body and can lead to serious health problems. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will help you mentally and emotionally. It is very effective for depression, anxiety, and stress.
Acupuncture Works and is Safe
Acupuncture is based on a complete system of healthcare that includes diagnosis, prevention, Chinese herbal formulas, exercise, and food cures. Research explains in detail how acupuncture works via the nervous system, immune system, and blood system. A licensed, seasoned practitioner can offer you health solutions without the kind of worries caused by pharmaceuticals and invasive medical procedures. The best thing about acupuncture is that it treats the entire body without serious adverse effects, and it promotes optimal physical, mental, and emotional health.
If you are a woman or man seeking better health and want to be pain free and live in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul, Twin Cities area be sure to click this link to sign up for our newsletter to learn more. http://www.orientalmedcare.com/
For more than 20 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, & certified Health Preservation Association instructor. His clinic, Complete Oriental Medical Care, LLC, is in Minneapolis , MN . Schedule your appointment for better health by calling 612-866-4000.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)"An overworked attorney sleeps only four hours a night and complains of migraines...All of these people are resisting the natural laws that govern the universe. As a result, they're having health problems"In what way are they "resisting the natural laws of the universe"? This sounds very grand and mysterious, when all the examples given seem to simply be people living stressful lives without adequate relaxation. There's no "resisting" the natural laws of the universe going on!"One of the main benefits of Chinese herbs is their wide spectrum antibiotic effect for both bacterial and viral infections. Most of these herbs are extremely safe and do not have the same unpleasant side effects as drugs"There is no such thing as an antibiotic effect for viral infections, the term antibiotic refers specifically to bacteria.Regular use of wide-spectrum antibiotics can be dangerous, as bacteria populations can become resistant. Antibiotic medicines are regularly over-prescribed by "Western" medical practitioners, it would be a shame if the same is happening in "Eastern" medicine as well.Many "Western" pharmaceutical drugs are derived from herbal origins, taking only the active component from the herb so as to *reduce* side effects (and maximise clinical benefit).Natural does not mean safe!Many drugs with herbal origins are safer than the herbs themselves, as the herbs can contain harmful compounds in addition to the beneficial one(s), and the dose of active ingredient in herbal preparations can be quite variable and nigh impossible to measure accurately.The ways in which humans live their lives in the present day puts an enormous amount of stress on their bodies. We may evolve with society, but our bodies remain in an unbalanced state. This unbalanced state happens from diet, environmental factors (stress, smoking, pollution), not enough exercise as well as alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs.Pharmaceuticals isolate a specific, active component from a plant. This active component has a direct effect on the body, which has been tested and researched through laboratory work. Side effects sometimes happen from taking drugs, and are often listed when you purchase them. What has not been studied are long-term effects of taking these drugs, say, for 2 years. What happens to the body when you constantly are forcing it to suppress pain, or increase seritonin for example? These drugs do nothing to heal the body, they just FORCE actions upon it.If we want to heal ourselves, things like acupuncture, nutrition, herbal/botanical medicine, adequate and appropriate exercise for our age and incorporation of practices that reduce our stress will help.Eastern herbal medicine and acupucture has been used successfully for thousands of years to treat and prevent disease. Through empirical evidence and research in China, they have proven that plants have extraordinary capabilities to work with our bodies. By taking a whole herb (root or aerial parts) the active components along with the thousands of other components in a plant work synergistically together. The "extra" components left out of pharmaceutical drugs are buffers that help our body process the herb, making it useful for our bodies.Western herbal medicine has also been used for many years by Native Americans. This system of medicine is also making itself more widely known through empirical evidence that has been lost ever since the pharmaceutical business took over the U.S. Not enough research is being done on herbs in the United States due to a lack of funding; this is why people are saying that they are dangerous and unpredictable. Truth is that there is a 1:1,000,000 chance of someone reacting from a plant. I think people are so disconnected with nature that they are starting to look at it as something more dangerous than a drug. This is ridiculous. Everyone is addicted to the 'quick fix'.My point is that we should all listen to our bodies more. Pay attention to what it is telling you and make it your priority to treat it well by eating healthy and staying away from drugs. DRUGS DONT HEAL. Point made.
An anti-biotic is not an anti-viral, but some herbs can have anti-viral properties.Drugs that are extracted from plants use the 'active ingredients' from these products. The pharmaceutical industry sees the rest of the plant material as being useless for the purpose of making a medicine, not because they think the other ingredients have 'side effects'. Drugs have side effects but they are made to provide a 'therapeutic range.' Anything over that range or in combination of other medications will cause 'side effects' (i.e. another disease).Herbs are natural products. There are reported world wild only 1:1,000,000 incidents of herbal therapy causing poisoning. Drug therapies have a significantly higher risk to them, more on the order of 1:500 or even higher.Chinese medicine is not alternative medicine but traditional medicine. It has been around for 5,000 years. Western modern medicine has only been around since the middle ages. Both are valuable and both have their place.
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