Acupuncture for Achilles Tendinitis
Acupuncture can improve blood circulation in the Achilles tendon. The hemodynamic changes help to improve oxygen saturation and nutrition to the area to reduce degeneration, improve recovery and strengthen the Achilles tendon. In addition, acupuncture reduces pain through stimulation of Aδ and C afferent sensory nerve fibres that are rich in acupuncture sites. In TCM, acupuncture improves the flow of Qi and Blood through the affected joints and removes external pathogenic factors such as Cold and or dampness from the body. All these helps to aid in recovery of the Achilles tendinitis
Benefits: 1) Reduce pain 2) Slow down degeneration 3) Speed up rate of recovery.
Frequency: 1 – 3 times a week.
Number of sessions recommended: Mild cases require about 8-10 sessions to complete one course of treatment. For more severe cases, it may require 3 – 4 treatment courses in a year.
Acupuncture for Depression
Acupuncture can affect serotonin and noradrenaline neurotransmitter levels, that cascades within the central nervous system, which helps with controlling mood and emotions.
In TCM, acupuncture mainly helps to regulate the Liver, Heart and Spleen systems to improve the mood and reduce symptoms associated with the condition like insomnia or loss of appetite.
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Benefits: 1) Reduce guilt and hopelessness 2) Reduce suicidal ideation 3) Reduce accompanying systems such as insomnia, appetite loss or loss of concentration.
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Frequency: 1 – 3 times a week.
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Number of sessions recommended: Mild cases require about 8-10 sessions to complete one course of treatment. For more severe cases, it may require 3 – 4 treatment courses in a year.
Acupuncture for GERD
Acupuncture induces muscle contractions via the somato-parasympathetic pathway which helps to improve esophageal motility. In addition, it also produces anti-emetic and anti-nociceptive effects which reduces the symptoms of GERD. From the TCM perspectives, acupuncture helps to regulate the Spleen and Stomach systems to as to ensure a smooth passage of food along the alimentary canal.
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Benefits: 1) Increase esophageal motility 2) Increase lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure 3) Increase gastrointestinal motility 4) Reduce visceral hypersensitivity which helps to reduce perception of discomfort.
Frequency: 1 – 3 times a week.
Number of sessions recommended: Mild cases require about 8-10 sessions to complete one course of treatment. For more severe cases, it may require 3 – 4 treatment courses in a year.
Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder
Acupuncture can reduce pain-producing factors and at the same time increase the expression of pain-relieving factors such as β-endorphin. In addition, acupuncture reduces inflammation, and DNA expression to alleviate adhesions. In TCM, acupuncture improves the flow of Qi and Blood through the affected joints and removes external pathogenic factors such as Cold and or dampness from the body. All these helps to aid in recovery of the shoulder joint.
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Benefits: 1) Reduce pain 2) Improve range of motion 3) Speed up rate of recovery.
Frequency: 1 – 3 times a week.
Number of sessions recommended: Mild cases require about 8-10 sessions to complete one course of treatment. For more severe cases, it may require 3 – 4 treatment courses in a year.
Pediatric or Children Acupuncture
Is acupuncture suitable for my child?
Children can start acupuncture as young as 3 years old.
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How is pediatric acupuncture different from adult acupuncture?
Children tend to respond faster than adults. Therefore, pediatric acupuncture involves a shallower needling and requires shorter needling times.
What conditions can my child do acupuncture for?
Pediatric acupuncture is useful for a wide range of conditions. It can include sprains and strains, headaches, bed wetting, constipation, recurrent cold or flu, allergies, neurological diseases such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.
How can I prepare my child for acupuncture?
Parents can bring along the child’s favourite toy, music, or book to create a calmer atmosphere for the child to undergo the treatment.
Acupuncture for Eczema
What is eczema?
Eczema is characterized by inflammation, itchiness, dryness or wetness and thickening of skin of the affected areas.
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How is it treated conventionally?
Emollients and topical corticosteroids are well tolerated. However, long term use may lead to resistance, dependence and other skin issues.
How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture can significantly reduce itch intensity and allergen-induced basophil activation. Commonly used points that help with eczema can be found on various parts of the body such as the back, arms, legs and abdomen. The most widely used point is BL-13 (Feishu).
Recommended treatment plan?
1-2 sessions a week. 10 sessions will constitute 1 complete course of treatment. It is common to receive 1-3 courses of treatment over the year. Herbal medications may also be suggested to complement the acupuncture effects.
Acupuncture for Acne
Can acne be treated with acupuncture?
We are all familiar with topical or oral medications for the treatment of acne, but acupuncture can also be a good treatment modality for acne problems.
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What are the causes of acne?
From the perspectives of conventional medicine, acne is due to follicular keratinization, sebum production, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and inflammatory mediator release. Acne can also be exacerbated by menstruation, occupation, personal sweating, diet, or stress.
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How can acupuncture help with acne?
Acupuncture have been shown to reduce serum excretion rate (SER) and testosterone. Acupuncture has shown anti-inflammatory functions that can be brought about through peripheral muscarinic receptors and innate and adaptive immune responses.
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How effective is acupuncture compared to conventional approach?
Systematic review studies showed that acupuncture effects were comparable to conventional treatment modalities such as topical or oral medications. In addition, acupuncture has lesser side effects (such as antibiotic resistance or developmental malformations in child bearing women) and was well tolerated by patients.
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Where will the needles be inserted and how many sessions will be required?
Needles may be inserted at multiple locations around the body, depending on the TCM syndrome as determined by the attending TCM physician. Typically, it would be necessary to undergo 8-12 weeks of treatment, with 1 to 2 sessions in a week for a more visible result.
Oncology Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Oncology care
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What is oncology acupuncture?
Oncology acupuncture is a safe and effective supportive treatment during and after cancer care. The aim is to minimise discomforts associated with cancer and to let cancer patients lead a better quality of life.
Current conditions associated with cancer that can be managed with acupuncture (backed by research) are:
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Cancer pain (due to tumour compressing or infiltrating other body parts. It can also be due to treatment or diagnostic procedures. Skin, nerve, hormone imbalances and immune response changes can also affect pain).
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Cancer related fatigue.
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Nausea
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Insomnia
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Xerostomia
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Menopausal symptoms