acupuncture

  • Chinese Medicine, Wellness

    Can Acupuncture Help With Hormone Imbalances?

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    Hormone imbalances can wreak havoc on our physical and emotional well-being. From mood swings to irregular periods, these imbalances can significantly impact our quality of life. While traditional medical treatments are available, more people seek natural alternatives like acupuncture to effectively and holistically address hormone imbalances. In this blog post, we’ll explore how acupuncture can help correct hormone imbalances and bring harmony back to your body.

    The Connection Between Acupuncture and Hormone Balance

    Acupuncture is a centuries-old healing practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, aiming to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. Recent research suggests that acupuncture can play a vital role in restoring hormonal balance. Here’s how it works:

    1. Acupuncture Regulates the Endocrine System: Acupuncture targets specific points associated with the endocrine system, which controls hormone production and release. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can help regulate the production of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to name a few.
    2. Acupuncture Reduces Stress: Chronic stress is a common contributor to hormone imbalances. Acupuncture promotes relaxation by triggering the release of endorphins, reducing stress hormones like cortisol. This calming effect can help restore hormonal equilibrium.
    3. Acupuncture Improves Blood Flow: Proper circulation is essential for transporting hormones throughout the body. Acupuncture enhances blood flow to several organs, ensuring that hormones reach their intended destinations.

    Hormone-Related Conditions Acupuncture Can Address:

    1. Menstrual Irregularities:
      • A systematic review published in the journal “Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews” in 2016 found that acupuncture may help improve menstrual frequency and reduce the severity of menstrual pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods). [Source: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;3:CD007854]
    2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
      • A study published in the journal “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine” in 2011 suggested that acupuncture may help improve menstrual frequency and regulate hormone levels in women with PCOS. [Source: J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(8):797-805]
    3. Menopause Symptoms:
      • Several studies and reviews have explored the potential benefits of acupuncture for menopausal symptoms. For example, a systematic review in the journal “Climacteric” in 2016 suggested that acupuncture might offer relief from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. [Source: Climacteric. 2016;19(4):312-323]
    4. Thyroid Disorders:
      • Acupuncture has been studied in the context of thyroid disorders, particularly in helping to manage symptoms like fatigue and mood disturbances. However, the evidence may not be as robust as for other conditions, and individual responses can vary.

    It’s important to note that while some studies suggest potential benefits, acupuncture’s effectiveness can vary from person to person.

    What is an Acupuncture Session Like?

    Acupuncture sessions are generally painless and relaxing. A licensed acupuncturist will carefully insert thin needles into specific acupuncture points, and you may feel a mild sensation or tingling. Many individuals find acupuncture sessions to be calming and stress-reducing.

    Acupuncture is a natural and holistic approach to correcting hormone imbalances, offering a promising alternative or complement to conventional medical treatments. If you’re struggling with hormone-related issues, consider booking an appointment to discuss a personalized treatment plan. Embracing acupuncture’s healing benefits can help you regain hormonal harmony and improve your overall well-being.

    Incorporating acupuncture into your healthcare regimen may be the key to a healthier, more balanced life, free from the disruptions caused by hormone imbalances.

  • Chinese Medicine, Wellness

    Acupressure Offers Natural Relief for PMS Symptoms

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    Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition that affects many women, causing a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms in the days leading up to their menstrual period. While there are various treatment options available, including medications and lifestyle changes, some women prefer natural remedies to alleviate their discomfort. Acupressure, an ancient healing technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing PMS symptoms. In this blog post, we will explore the use of acupressure and focus on five key acupoints—Du 20, Ren 6, LI 4, LV 3, and SP 6—to help you find relief during that time of the month!

     

    Understanding Acupressure

    Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of using needles, it involves the application of gentle pressure on specific points on the body.  By stimulating these points, balance and harmony within the body can be restored, leading to improved health and well-being.

     

    Acupressure Points for PMS Relief:

    1. Du 20 (Baihui): Located at the top of the head, Du 20 is often referred to as the “Hundred Meetings” point. Stimulating this point can help relieve headaches, reduce fatigue, and improve overall mental clarity. Gently press this point with your fingertips or use circular motions for a few minutes each day to promote relaxation.

    2. Ren 6 (Qihai): Situated two finger-widths below the navel, Ren 6, also known as the “Sea of Qi,” is an important acupoint for harmonizing the reproductive system. Applying steady pressure to this point can alleviate abdominal discomfort, bloating, and cramps. Take deep, slow breaths as you press on this point for maximum benefit.

    3. LI 4 (Hegu): Found in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, LI 4 is a widely used acupoint for various conditions, including PMS symptoms. It is believed to regulate Qi and alleviate pain. Apply firm pressure to this point for a minute or two on each hand to ease headaches, breast tenderness, and emotional imbalances.

    4. LV 3 (Taichong): Located on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes, LV 3 is known as the “Great Rushing” point. Stimulating this point can help balance emotions, reduce irritability, and ease breast tenderness. Use your thumb to apply steady pressure and massage in a circular motion for a few minutes daily.

    5. SP 6 (Sanyinjiao): Situated on the inner side of the leg, about four finger-widths above the ankle bone, SP 6 is a crucial acupoint for regulating menstrual cycles and relieving PMS symptoms. Gently press this point with your thumb, using circular motions, to address bloating, cramps, mood swings, and insomnia.

    Incorporating Acupressure into Your Routine:

    To effectively harness the benefits of acupressure, it’s essential to create a consistent routine. Begin by finding a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and focus on your body. Take deep breaths and visualize yourself in a state of calmness and balance.

    Using the pads of your fingers or thumbs, apply gentle yet firm pressure to the acupoints mentioned above. You can also explore using circular motions, tapping, or rubbing the points, depending on what feels most comfortable for you. Remember to listen to your body

  • Chinese Medicine, Wellness

    Can Acupuncture Help With TMJ?

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    A question that has been coming up a lot in my world lately is: “Can acupuncture help with TMJ?”  In short, yes, and it’s something that I treat a lot.  In fact, I was shocked by the number of cases I’ve been seeing lately. That is until I learned that nearly 12 million people in the U.S. alone experience some kind of TMJ discomfort, and women are two times more likely to have problems than men. Women between the ages of 35 and 44 (the majority of my patient population) are the most susceptible. Interesting, right?

    What is TMJ, exactly?

    If we are getting technical, TMJ is actually short for the name of the joint in your jaw, the Temporomandibular Joint. TMD or temporomandibular disorder is a more accurate abbreviation for the discomfort, pain, or abnormal function of the TMJ. Somewhere along the line, people began calling their jaw problems TMJ, and it stuck. No matter what you call it, it’s not pleasant and can show up in a variety of ways.

    Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

    • Pain in the jaw, face, and/or neck
    • Ear pain
    • Headaches
    • Decreased range of motion in the jaw joint
    • Popping and/or clicking when chewing or talking
    • Feeling fatigue of the jaw after talking or chewing

    Common Causes of TMJ Disorders

    There are several possible causes of TMJ disorders such as local trauma or indirect trauma like a whiplash injury that refers pain to the jaw.  Overuse (such as frequent gum chewing), clenching or grinding can also create chronic jaw problems. Even autoimmune or connective tissue disorders can cause pain, discomfort, or irregular mobility of the TMJ. 

    Stress and postural problems are probably the two most common culprits I see in clinical practice. 

    How Acupuncture Helps With TMJ Disorders

    Acupuncture may help relieve pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders by relaxing the muscles in the area and triggering the release of the “feel good” chemicals called endorphins. Acupuncture also helps decrease inflammation and reduce overall stress that may be contributing to the problem. 

    What Does the Research Say About Acupuncture for TMJ Disorders?

    There are mixed reviews and research around acupuncture as a treatment for TMJ disorders. This systematic review indicated that there was moderate evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for alleviating symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. This systematic review said that evidence was limited. Both indicated that more research is needed. 

    Should You Get Acupuncture for a TMJ Disorder?

    In practice, I’ve seen patients get a lot of relief from TMJ pain and discomfort with consistent acupuncture treatments. Will it work for you? Every person is different and some treatments work for certain people while others don’t. However, with acupuncture there are virtually no side effects and many patients report other benefits such as stress relief or a much needed nap! In other words, it can’t hurt to try.

    What Is An Acupuncture Treatment for a TMJ Disorder Like?

    During an acupuncture treatment for TMJ disorders, you can expect to have needles placed near the area of pain. If the thought of having needles in your face and around your ears freaks you out a little bit, fear not.  Acupuncture needles are very small and should cause minimal (if any) discomfort when inserted.  There will also be needles placed in other areas of the body such as the hands, feet, arms, and legs to aid the treatment and promote overall balance in the body.  Once all the needles are in, you simply rest and relax for about 30 minutes. After that time, the needles will be removed and you are free to go about your day!

    Acupuncture services with Dr. Leah Chischilly, D.Ac, L.Ac., available beginning February 14th, 2023 at Tatum Chiropractic and Wellness. To book an appointment, visit tatumwellness.com

  • Chinese Medicine, Wellness

    How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do You Need?

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    If you are new to acupuncture, then you are probably wondering how many acupuncture sessions you will need to see results.  The short answer is: It depends.  It depends on what you are seeking treatment for, how long you have had symptoms, and how frequently you can get treatments, among other things.  I’ll share some of my insights from practice and what you might expect for certain conditions. 

    The Acupuncture Treatment Plan

    It’s important to think about acupuncture as medicine.  Like other medicines, it must be given in the proper doses to be effective.  The dosage is determined by your acupuncturist and outlined in a treatment plan.  When I give a patient a treatment plan, I think about it in three phases: Relieve, Restore, and Maintain.  

    Relieve Phase – this phase is designed to help alleviate your discomfort and decrease the severity of your symptoms.  Frequency and consistency are essential in this phase, and it may require two or more acupuncture treatments per week for several weeks.  Once symptoms start to diminish, you will move into the Restore phase. 

    Restore Phase – this phase is designed to help rebuild and restore the function of your body so that symptoms don’t return.  This phase is tricky because people often feel better, and so they are inclined to stop treatments. I totally get this line of thinking!  Just like you would stop taking Advil once a headache subsides, it’s tempting to think everything is fine again. But what is keeping that headache from coming back?  Only by correcting the underlying cause of the headache can we truly solve the problem.  That is what the Restore phase is all about.  

    Typically, in this phase, we can start to space treatments out a bit further to maybe once per week or every other week, depending on how a person responds. This phase usually lasts a few weeks.  Once it appears that a person is well-balanced and symptoms are not returning, then we move to the maintenance phase. 

    Maintain phase – This phase could essentially be lifelong. Acupuncture is both restorative and preventative medicine.  I generally recommend 1-2 acupuncture treatments per month for the maintenance of health and well-being. 

    Is one acupuncture treatment ever enough?

    It’s a common misconception that acupuncture is a one-and-done type of treatment. I wish this were the case, but unfortunately, it will take time and commitment to really see the benefits of acupuncture. 

    That being said, after your first treatment, you should feel something. Maybe you feel little calmer, and less stressed, or you sleep better that night, or your digestion seems to improve.  Any change or improvement after your first treatment is a good sign that your body responds well to acupuncture, and you will likely see results from continued treatments. 

    Acupuncture Treatment Plan Examples

    I want to provide a few scenarios of how many acupuncture treatments you will need, but note that these do not apply to all people. Treatment plans are determined on a case-by-case basis. 

    Acute pain (muscle strain, sprain, spasm, etc…)

    • Relief – Acupuncture daily or every other day until the pain improves
    • Restore – 1-2 treatments per week for 4 weeks
    • Maintain – 1-2 treatments per month ongoing

    Chronic pain (chronic back pain, knee pain, chronic pain of unknown origin)

    • Relief – Acupuncture treatments 1-2 times per week for 4-6 weeks
    • Restore – Acupuncture 1 time per week for 4-6 weeks
    • Maintain – 1-2 treatments per month ongoing

    Menstrual Irregularities

    • Relief – Acupuncture weekly for at least three months to gauge the regularity of the cycle
    • Restore – Acupuncture treatments every other week for two months
    • Maintain – 1-2 treatments per month ongoing

    If these numbers feel a little bit daunting and you are thinking, “There’s no way I can afford or make time for that many treatments!”  What I like to tell my patients is that while the best results are achieved with frequent and consistent treatment, some acupuncture is better than no acupuncture. Just do the best that you can.  

    You might also check with your insurance provider to see if treatments are covered. Acupuncture is gaining traction in the world of medicine, and more and more insurance carriers are covering treatments. 

    I hope this post has given you some idea of how many acupuncture treatments you will need.  If you have more questions, feel free to reach out.

    Acupuncture services with Dr. Leah Chischilly, D.Ac, L.Ac., available beginning February 14th, 2023 at Tatum Chiropractic and Wellness. To book an appointment, visit tatumwellness.com