Numerous articles came out today about the effects of decreasing the need for pain medicine following surgery. Of course, this came along with an onslaught of articles refuting the success of acupuncture for IVF, but I wanted to focus on the positive.
Studies find acupuncture cuts post-surgical pain
Tue Oct 16, 2007 5:35pm EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The use of acupuncture before and during surgery reduces patients' post-operative pain as well as the need for pain-killing medication, researchers said on Tuesday.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina analyzed the results of 15 clinical trials on the effectiveness of acupuncture -- a practice that originated in China of inserting thin needles into specific body points.
They concluded that it is valuable for pain control in surgery patients.
The 15 trials showed that patients getting acupuncture before or during various types of
operations had significantly less pain afterward than patients who did not get acupuncture.
These patients also required less morphine or other opioid pain medication after surgery, which reduced the side effects like nausea and vomiting from these types of drugs, the researchers said.
In terms of pain-drug side effects, the acupuncture patients experienced 1.5 times lower rates of nausea, 1.6 times fewer reports of dizziness and 3.5 times fewer cases of urinary retention compared to the other patients, the study found.
These findings augment a growing body of evidence on the value of acupuncture in improving the surgical experience for patients, the researchers said.
Read More
Rabu, 17 Oktober 2007
Selasa, 09 Oktober 2007
A Weekend with Mei Zen
Since I can never get enough CEU's, this past weekend I attended the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture for the Face and I wanted to share a breakdown of the 2-day seminar.
The System: As I had to sign a releases that I cannot talk about specifics of treatment, I will leave the description general. As in other systems, Mei Zen includes a total body acupuncture treatment, uses the eight extraordinary point combinations, and is affiliated with a product line. What makes this system unique is that the same facial protocol is used on every patient and that it makes use of crossing and apex groups as described in the Huang Di Nei Jing. While I cannot disclose the points, I can tell you there are nearly 85 specialty needles in the face, all of which are inserted without a guide tube.
After watching the demo, I was surprised at the lack of "facial" as I typically incorporate masks and massage in my treatments, but the instructor states that is the practitioner's preference how much of this they want to incorporate in addition to the protocol. A wealth of nutritional, herbal, and marketing materials are provided which would be useful even if you did not want to practice cosmetic acupuncture.
Aside from cosmetic acupuncture, Mei Zen is about branding. At the seminar, T-shirts, hats, logo CDs, and cards were for sale, and Martha sponsors a Google group so the Mei Zen community has an open discussion forum. In order to be "certified" and listed on the main website, you must present cases and have your needling technique observed at a special certification seminar. This ensures standards of practice and is a good device for building further branding and loyalty. Above everything else, this is a well conceived business plan!
The Instructor: Martha Lucas is all knowledge and no fluff - her matter-of-fact method really gibes with my learning style. She had a strong foundation in her particular style of acupuncture and is an enthusiastic, articulate presenter. Her supervised practice was invaluable, she was open to knowledge offered by seminar participants, and she was humble enough to only answer questions she knew the answer to. She kept good control over the seminar in terms of ensuring everyone stayed on task, was able to give detailed, individualized feedback of needling technique, and demonstrated great respect and deference to her own teachers.
My only criticism is that she did make some disparaging and somewhat uninformed comments about "rival" facial acupuncture instructors and their techniques. I have never taken Virgina Doran's seminar, but I did participate in Mary Elizabeth Wakefield's and there are many similarities between the two systems. That being said, I am would love to attend her Pulse Seminar and Mei Zen system for weight loss, infertility and health issues should they ever be located nearby.
The Product: Lili Flora is the affiliated skin care line that uses all natural western herbal ingredients. I was able to pick the founder's brain about the products, but I would have liked for her to have had some presentation time during the seminar. There was no sales pressure to buy these products and in fact, if you are at all crafty and like to experiment, it would be easy to make most of them in your kitchen. I have been using some of the products at home and feel they are of good quality and smell wonderful.
I am glad I attended this seminar if only for the great nutritional/herbal information and marketing ideas presented. I think Mei Zen is a solid system, and while the apex and crossing points are a good theory, but honestly, threading works and is no more uncomfortable that the Mei Zen way if performed properly. Ultimately, it is my patients who decide what method they prefer. I hope to continue to study with Martha in the future as she is a dynamic, innovative, and practical instructor who provides good value and knowledge for your CEU dollar.
The System: As I had to sign a releases that I cannot talk about specifics of treatment, I will leave the description general. As in other systems, Mei Zen includes a total body acupuncture treatment, uses the eight extraordinary point combinations, and is affiliated with a product line. What makes this system unique is that the same facial protocol is used on every patient and that it makes use of crossing and apex groups as described in the Huang Di Nei Jing. While I cannot disclose the points, I can tell you there are nearly 85 specialty needles in the face, all of which are inserted without a guide tube.
After watching the demo, I was surprised at the lack of "facial" as I typically incorporate masks and massage in my treatments, but the instructor states that is the practitioner's preference how much of this they want to incorporate in addition to the protocol. A wealth of nutritional, herbal, and marketing materials are provided which would be useful even if you did not want to practice cosmetic acupuncture.
Aside from cosmetic acupuncture, Mei Zen is about branding. At the seminar, T-shirts, hats, logo CDs, and cards were for sale, and Martha sponsors a Google group so the Mei Zen community has an open discussion forum. In order to be "certified" and listed on the main website, you must present cases and have your needling technique observed at a special certification seminar. This ensures standards of practice and is a good device for building further branding and loyalty. Above everything else, this is a well conceived business plan!
The Instructor: Martha Lucas is all knowledge and no fluff - her matter-of-fact method really gibes with my learning style. She had a strong foundation in her particular style of acupuncture and is an enthusiastic, articulate presenter. Her supervised practice was invaluable, she was open to knowledge offered by seminar participants, and she was humble enough to only answer questions she knew the answer to. She kept good control over the seminar in terms of ensuring everyone stayed on task, was able to give detailed, individualized feedback of needling technique, and demonstrated great respect and deference to her own teachers.
My only criticism is that she did make some disparaging and somewhat uninformed comments about "rival" facial acupuncture instructors and their techniques. I have never taken Virgina Doran's seminar, but I did participate in Mary Elizabeth Wakefield's and there are many similarities between the two systems. That being said, I am would love to attend her Pulse Seminar and Mei Zen system for weight loss, infertility and health issues should they ever be located nearby.
The Product: Lili Flora is the affiliated skin care line that uses all natural western herbal ingredients. I was able to pick the founder's brain about the products, but I would have liked for her to have had some presentation time during the seminar. There was no sales pressure to buy these products and in fact, if you are at all crafty and like to experiment, it would be easy to make most of them in your kitchen. I have been using some of the products at home and feel they are of good quality and smell wonderful.
I am glad I attended this seminar if only for the great nutritional/herbal information and marketing ideas presented. I think Mei Zen is a solid system, and while the apex and crossing points are a good theory, but honestly, threading works and is no more uncomfortable that the Mei Zen way if performed properly. Ultimately, it is my patients who decide what method they prefer. I hope to continue to study with Martha in the future as she is a dynamic, innovative, and practical instructor who provides good value and knowledge for your CEU dollar.
Senin, 01 Oktober 2007
Quick Affordable San Diego Acupuncture
This is how I think acupuncture should be practiced... it will suit some patients and not others. I think a lot of people will be helped by this:
Acupuncture should be Affordable: Think about people who need acupuncture but whose jobs and finances have been affected by their ailment. What about senior citizens with fixed incomes? What about those laid off work because of injuries and without disability funds?
How can they get acupuncture if acupuncture is $60 or more per treatment? If they need 6-8 treatments just to start, and if it's best to get acupuncture once or twice a week, they need $400-500 spare at least... that's too much for some. Acupuncture shouldn't be just a luxury for the rich.
What if it cost half as much? $30 a treatment. How many more people could get the relief they need?
Acupuncture works without talk therapy: Some acupuncturists talk to each patient for 15 to 30 minutes every visit. Add re-diagnosis, needle insertion, and removal time, and they spend 45-60 minutes with each patient. To make a living, they have to charge $60 per treatment. [We don't keep all the money- there are business costs like needes, malpractice insurance, continuing education, office rental, receptionist, postage, etc.]
Acupuncture, like ex-lax, works regardless of what we say or think, with or without talk, with or without relaxing music, etc.
It's the acupuncture you really need- if you need talk therapy, see a therapist. If you need a friend, get a friends. I'm a friendly guy and I like to make fun of myself for your amusement, and I like my patients, but I don't think people they're paying me to be their best friend... people are paying for the healing effects of the acupuncture.
The way we were taught to practice in school is very time-intensive... It's nice, but it's expensive- what if you just want the benefits of the acupuncture?
Low Cost, Effective Acupuncture
The practice model I'm creating is to get affordable acupuncture to more people. Why is this so important to me?
What can I treat that way?
I'm not currently practicing, but I may in the very near future- if you're interested, call Kristin at 322-9200 with your email and phone number and we'll contact you when I'm available.
All the best!
Brian
Acupuncture should be Affordable: Think about people who need acupuncture but whose jobs and finances have been affected by their ailment. What about senior citizens with fixed incomes? What about those laid off work because of injuries and without disability funds?
How can they get acupuncture if acupuncture is $60 or more per treatment? If they need 6-8 treatments just to start, and if it's best to get acupuncture once or twice a week, they need $400-500 spare at least... that's too much for some. Acupuncture shouldn't be just a luxury for the rich.
What if it cost half as much? $30 a treatment. How many more people could get the relief they need?
Acupuncture works without talk therapy: Some acupuncturists talk to each patient for 15 to 30 minutes every visit. Add re-diagnosis, needle insertion, and removal time, and they spend 45-60 minutes with each patient. To make a living, they have to charge $60 per treatment. [We don't keep all the money- there are business costs like needes, malpractice insurance, continuing education, office rental, receptionist, postage, etc.]
Acupuncture, like ex-lax, works regardless of what we say or think, with or without talk, with or without relaxing music, etc.
It's the acupuncture you really need- if you need talk therapy, see a therapist. If you need a friend, get a friends. I'm a friendly guy and I like to make fun of myself for your amusement, and I like my patients, but I don't think people they're paying me to be their best friend... people are paying for the healing effects of the acupuncture.
The way we were taught to practice in school is very time-intensive... It's nice, but it's expensive- what if you just want the benefits of the acupuncture?
Low Cost, Effective Acupuncture
The practice model I'm creating is to get affordable acupuncture to more people. Why is this so important to me?
- I think it's the right thing to do. It's where my heart is. I felt conflicted in the past, charging so much money. My belief is that as a healer and helper, I'm supposed to help people. I don't feel good excluding those with more limited means. Heck, I know what that's like- I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth!
- Another part of it is that I don't want to be a talk therapist- it's not what I was trained to do. I was trained to diagnose people's health conditions from an Asian medicine perspective and treat them with herbs and acupuncture.
- I got extra training in acupuncture and so I do quick, effective acupuncture. That saves patients money so I can help more people. To do that, I have to see more patients per hour. I can't do talk therapy if I want to be efficient and keep the price down.
What can I treat that way?
- Just about any type of pain- for example: muscle pain, nerve pain, chronic pain, and headaches.
- I've also helped with insomnia, migraines, and various nervous system disorders...
- I can do the smoking/drug/alcohol cessation treatment called NADA
- And if you're not sure, ask me!
I'm not currently practicing, but I may in the very near future- if you're interested, call Kristin at 322-9200 with your email and phone number and we'll contact you when I'm available.
All the best!
Brian
Kamis, 27 September 2007
Great acupuncture CEU seminar in L.A. Oct 2007
Dear Acupuncturists/Acupuncture students,
We will have an upcoming seminar on Clinical Master Tung's Acupuncture in Los Angeles, the weekend of October 20-21, 2007 at the:
Southern California University School of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture
1541 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017
Clinical Master Tung's Acupuncture - Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders Day 1, students and practitioners will be taught the principles of Master Tung's Acupuncture, then followed by Master Tung's top 18 points, then move Into Neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Clinical Master Tung's Acupuncture - Internal Medicine Problems Day 2, discuss the usage of Tung's points for Internal Medicine problems and making the transition from the conventional TCM system to Master Tung's system.
Fee: $325/2 days, students $250/2 days, $25 discount for early registration by October 1, 2007, No refunds
15 CA CEU's are pending, Classes are open to beginner and advanced alike.
Call 626 487-1815 to register
Call 626 487-1815 to register
Robert Chu, an exciting and dynamic speaker, has been practicing the Martial and Chinese healing arts since childhood and specializes in Master Tung Acupuncture and Optimal Acupuncture methods for treating pain, neuromusculoskeletal disorders, and internal medicine problems. Dr. Chu is a graduate and Diplomate in Tung's Acupuncture under Dr. Young Wei-chieh of the World Association of Tung's Acupuncture.
He founded, in mid 2005, ITARA (International Tung's Acupuncture Research Association), a non-political organization devoted to the preservation, standardization, education, and research of Tung's Acupuncture, offering classes for the spread and advancement of Tung's Acupuncture.
In July of 2004, Dr. Chu was selected as the Acupuncturist to Olympic athletes at the Olympic Trials held in Sacramento, CA. He has lectured throughout the United States, Canada and Europe on Master Tung's Acupuncture.
--
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac. QME
chusauli@gmail.com
See my webpages at: www.chusaulei.com
He founded, in mid 2005, ITARA (International Tung's Acupuncture Research Association), a non-political organization devoted to the preservation, standardization, education, and research of Tung's Acupuncture, offering classes for the spread and advancement of Tung's Acupuncture.
In July of 2004, Dr. Chu was selected as the Acupuncturist to Olympic athletes at the Olympic Trials held in Sacramento, CA. He has lectured throughout the United States, Canada and Europe on Master Tung's Acupuncture.
--
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac. QME
chusauli@gmail.com
See my webpages at: www.chusaulei.com
Selasa, 25 September 2007
Stabbed in the Back
The proclamation that acupuncture significantly outperforms conventional medication and physical therapy was published on multiple sites this morning. The only downside to the research is that they found sham acupuncture works almost as well, upping the potential for "quackery."
Acupuncture better at treating low back pain than conventional therapy
From our ANI Correspondent
Washington, Sept 25: A new study has revealed that six months of acupuncture is more effective than conventional therapy for treating chronic low back pain.
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Regensburg found that both sham acupuncture and traditional Chinese verum acupuncture, seem effective in treating chronic pain.
"Low back pain is a common, impairing and disabling condition, often long-term, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 70 percent to 85 percent," the authors wrote."
It is the second most common pain for which physician treatment is sought and a major reason for absenteeism and disability," they added.
Michael Haake, Ph.D., M.D., of the University of Regensburg, Bad Abbach, Germany, and colleagues conducted a randomized clinical trial involving 1,162 patients (average age 50) who had experienced chronic low back pain for an average of eight years.
"At six months, response rate was 47.6 percent in the verum acupuncture group, 44.2 percent in the sham acupuncture group and 27.4 percent in the conventional therapy group."
"The superiority of both forms of acupuncture suggests a common underlying mechanism that may act on pain generation, transmission of pain signals or processing of pain signals by the central nervous system and that is stronger than the action mechanism of conventional therapy," the authors said.
"Acupuncture gives physicians a promising and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain, with few adverse effects or contraindications. The improvements in all primary and secondary outcome measures were significant and lasted long after completion of treatment.," they added.
Read More
From the Associated Press: Study: Acupuncture Works for Back Pain
Acupuncture better at treating low back pain than conventional therapy
From our ANI Correspondent
Washington, Sept 25: A new study has revealed that six months of acupuncture is more effective than conventional therapy for treating chronic low back pain.
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Regensburg found that both sham acupuncture and traditional Chinese verum acupuncture, seem effective in treating chronic pain.
"Low back pain is a common, impairing and disabling condition, often long-term, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 70 percent to 85 percent," the authors wrote."
It is the second most common pain for which physician treatment is sought and a major reason for absenteeism and disability," they added.
Michael Haake, Ph.D., M.D., of the University of Regensburg, Bad Abbach, Germany, and colleagues conducted a randomized clinical trial involving 1,162 patients (average age 50) who had experienced chronic low back pain for an average of eight years.
"At six months, response rate was 47.6 percent in the verum acupuncture group, 44.2 percent in the sham acupuncture group and 27.4 percent in the conventional therapy group."
"The superiority of both forms of acupuncture suggests a common underlying mechanism that may act on pain generation, transmission of pain signals or processing of pain signals by the central nervous system and that is stronger than the action mechanism of conventional therapy," the authors said.
"Acupuncture gives physicians a promising and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain, with few adverse effects or contraindications. The improvements in all primary and secondary outcome measures were significant and lasted long after completion of treatment.," they added.
Read More
From the Associated Press: Study: Acupuncture Works for Back Pain
Kamis, 13 September 2007
Funny Tidbit
Okay, this is not stricly acupuncture related, but it is amusing and possibly something to consider when treating patients with implants.
Bee sting burst breast implant
A Taiwanese woman's breast implant was reportedly burst by a bee sting.
The 31-year-old woman, from Miaoli town, was wearing a low-cut dress while riding her motorcycle when her right breast was stung by a bee.
"My right breast disappeared in only two days," said the woman, who received the implant three years ago, according to Southern China City News.
Surgeon Zeng Dingchang says the saline implant is supposed to resist pressure of up to 200 kg, and said it was "very strange" for one to deflate because of a bee sting.
"She is very skinny, and the implant made the skin of her breast even thinner, and therefore easy to penetrate," he said.
The surgeon has now performed a replacement implanted operation - but warns that acupuncture or yoga could cause it to burst again.
Bee sting burst breast implant
A Taiwanese woman's breast implant was reportedly burst by a bee sting.
The 31-year-old woman, from Miaoli town, was wearing a low-cut dress while riding her motorcycle when her right breast was stung by a bee.
"My right breast disappeared in only two days," said the woman, who received the implant three years ago, according to Southern China City News.
Surgeon Zeng Dingchang says the saline implant is supposed to resist pressure of up to 200 kg, and said it was "very strange" for one to deflate because of a bee sting.
"She is very skinny, and the implant made the skin of her breast even thinner, and therefore easy to penetrate," he said.
The surgeon has now performed a replacement implanted operation - but warns that acupuncture or yoga could cause it to burst again.
Senin, 27 Agustus 2007
Obituary of an Acupuncture Hero
I came across this lovely story and thought I would share.
Peter Wang, 88, acupuncturist who bridged cultures: A Life Story
Teacher, author helped Chinese newcomers settle in NE Ohio
Monday, August 27, 2007
Alana BaranickPlain Dealer Reporter
At his Chester Township acupuncture clinic, Peter C. Wang helped folks quit smoking, relieved their arthritis pain and immersed them in Chinese culture.
The former Gates Mills resident, who died July 26 at age 88, opened the clinic with his wife, Rose, in the late 1970s.
"[Acupuncture] was something you didn't talk about then," said Ann Volk, who was Wang's patient in the late 1980s. "It had not gained the status that it has today. He gave successful treatments for weight loss, smoking, drinking. I had a cyst on the back of my knee. He helped me immeasurably."
Wang, whose wife had been trained in acupuncture in Hong Kong, returned to his homeland around 1980 to take acupuncture courses given by traditional Chinese medical colleges and to receive certification. He found the political climate had changed dramatically since 1949 when Mao Tse-tung's Chinese Communist Party took power.
Wang, the son of a teacher, was born Wang Chieh in Shanxi, a province in northern China. He grew up in a rural area, where he learned horticulture, culinary arts and equestrian skills that had been handed down from his ancestors.
Read More
Peter Wang, 88, acupuncturist who bridged cultures: A Life Story
Teacher, author helped Chinese newcomers settle in NE Ohio
Monday, August 27, 2007
Alana BaranickPlain Dealer Reporter
At his Chester Township acupuncture clinic, Peter C. Wang helped folks quit smoking, relieved their arthritis pain and immersed them in Chinese culture.
The former Gates Mills resident, who died July 26 at age 88, opened the clinic with his wife, Rose, in the late 1970s.
"[Acupuncture] was something you didn't talk about then," said Ann Volk, who was Wang's patient in the late 1980s. "It had not gained the status that it has today. He gave successful treatments for weight loss, smoking, drinking. I had a cyst on the back of my knee. He helped me immeasurably."
Wang, whose wife had been trained in acupuncture in Hong Kong, returned to his homeland around 1980 to take acupuncture courses given by traditional Chinese medical colleges and to receive certification. He found the political climate had changed dramatically since 1949 when Mao Tse-tung's Chinese Communist Party took power.
Wang, the son of a teacher, was born Wang Chieh in Shanxi, a province in northern China. He grew up in a rural area, where he learned horticulture, culinary arts and equestrian skills that had been handed down from his ancestors.
Read More
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