Welcome back! Winter is fast approaching with the promise of snow. As it gets colder here in appalachia aches and pains can become more noticeable. Up to 70-84% of the population will experience low back pain during their lifetime. Pain limits our ability to accomplish important daily activities such as exercise and affects the ability to perform work related duties.Resulting disability can create a heavy economic burden. Medical research shows acupuncture is effective in relieving discomfort and pain, supported by scientic research, a cost effective treatment option, and achieves results with less side effects. Most low back pain is mechanical and fortunately self-limited. Chronic low back pain also benefits from acupuncture with improvement in pain and function. Ancient techniques written about in the third millennium BCE are used today to achieve restoration of body mechanics and alleviate pain. Acupuncture works by stimulating points along a meridian in the affected area to correct the imblance of qi. Treatments improve the flow of energy thus reducing pain through effects on the central nervous system. Chemicals such as endorphins are released into muscles, the brain, and spinal cord to produce a sense of well being, improve sleep, and lessen pain. Other methods are offered to compliment acupuncture such as cupping, herbal medicine, gua sha, and moxibustion. Thanks for stopping by.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; 2015: 328196.
Published online 2015 Mar 4. doi: 10.1155/2015/328196
Med Acupunct. June 2021; 33(3): 219–225.
Published online 2021 Jun 16. doi: 10.1089/acu.2020.1499
Autumn is in full swing in Appalachia. It is the season of maturity just after peak harvest as the leaves begin to fall and a chill fills the air. Everything seems a little quieter. Have you noticed that? TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) teaches that fall corresponds with the Lung. The Lung is related to the skin, breathing, body fluids, blood circulation, immunity and the emotion of sadness. Shorter days and longer nights may bring on melancholy. The body and mind's focus turns inward to prepare for the coldness of winter. Fall's dryness may cause an itchy throat and nose, chapped lips, cracked skin, hair loss and dry stools. Eat foods to promote the production of body fluids such as nuts or seeds, apples, pears, pumpkin, honey, sweet potatoes, fish, and adequate water. It's no coincidence these are abundant this time of year. Foods that nourish fluids diminish the effects of a dry environment. Apply oils that nourish the skin such as almond oil. Circulate the blood and lift the mood by taking in a walk in nature to enjoy that last of the afternoon's golden light. Boost immunity with elderberry syrup and a restful night's sleep. Strengthen the Lung by focusing on the breath. Take a minute and notice your breathing. Is it shallow and fast? Slow and deep? Just observe and be mindful. It's important to breath deep into the lower abdomen to promote the movment of fluids and blood. Stay connected with community, family, and friends. It is so easy to isolate this time of year when we all go indoors. This can affect our mood and increase a sense of lonliness. Lastly, acupuncture can also help with the effects of fall by stimulating production of fluids, aiding digestion, promoting nervous system balance, and overall wellbeing. Thanks for stopping by.
