When babies present in the breech position, studies show acupuncture doctors can help tun the baby into cephalic position (head down) using various techniques. Approximately three to four percent (3 - 4%) of all babies present in the breech position when the mother goes into labor. Unfortunately, for mothers who desire a vaginal birth, this news can be devastating as it is a near guarantee their baby will be delivered via C-Section. This is especially 
traumatic for women who plan to have a natural birth. The medications and chemicals used during a C-Section have been linked to breastfeeding difficulties and other mother/infant bonding issues. Non-vaginal births may also been linked to digestive problems in baby later, due to not being inoculated with good bacteria during the vaginal passage. These are among the top reasons many women desire a natural birth experience. Fortunately, there is a potential solution for women who are carrying a breech baby at their 32 week prenatal visit: Moxibustion and acupuncture.
According to a 2012 study, moxibustion is successful in turning a breech baby almost 60% of the time. This is excellent news for women who desire a vaginal birth. If your baby is presenting in the breech position, find an acupuncture doctor and ask how moxibustion and acupuncture can help.
Use of Moxibustion and Acupuncture to Turn a Breech Baby
Moxibustion is a common treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It uses the warmth and herbal properties of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to stimulate a specific acupuncture points. In the case of breech presentations, your Phoenix acupuncture doctor will use moxa at UB 67, which is along the Bladder Meridian. In some cases, moxibustion will turn a breech baby within the first or second session. During the treatment the baby can often be felt moving and kicking. This is a good thing as we want to encourage a different positioning of the baby. By encouraging movement gravity will cause the heaviest part of the baby down head first. While moxibustion is a big part of the treatment to turn the baby, acupuncture is also used. Using a few acupuncture points can help relax mom and which can help facilitate and further encourage the baby to turn.
If the first 2-3 treatment are not working often times women are encouraged to use moxibustion at home, up to three times a day, in order to facilitate the baby’s movement. We find as do most other acupuncturists that moxibustion is most effective between 32 and 36 weeks, when the baby is descending into the birthing position but still has enough room to maneuver effectively. This is more comfortable for both mother and baby. Waiting until 36 weeks or later may decrease your chances of a successful breech turn to a head down position.
Other Techniques Used by Phoenix Acupuncture Doctors
At our integrative medicine clinic in Phoenix the acupuncturists are also trained in naturopathic medicine and use additional techniques to help assist in turning a breech baby, to ensure the baby remains in a head down position. An example of some positional techniques can be found in the following article, published by Birth International - a respected midwifery and birthing education resource. It includes information on what to do if your baby is breech in order to facilitate a head down position. It also provides pictures and instructions for how to use moxibustion to turn a breech baby at home. Combined, these solutions can help you and your baby work together to achieve a vaginal birth and avoid the need for a C-Section.
In addition to using moxibustion to turn a breech baby, the naturopathic physicians and phoenix acupuncture doctors at Southwest Integrative Medicine can help you with breathing and relaxation techniques to facilitate a natural birth. S/he can also provide information regarding nutrition and other other holistic treatments during pregnancy, such as acupuncture to relieve inflammation, lower back pain, insomnia, and other pregnancy-related discomfort.
For more information on natural techniques for pregnancy health click on the link below for a free consultation with an acupuncture doctor in Phoenix.
Acupuncture for tennis elbow is a common use of acupuncture because it is effective and non-invasive. In fact acupuncture should be the first line of treatment for many inflamed tendons. Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis occurs when the tendons on the outside of the lower part of the arm get strained. Typically this is an overuse injury and can occur from any activity that causes repetitive movements involving those tendons. Some of these include climbing, other racket sports, waiting tables, gripping motions, other manual labor activities. 
This kind of injury can also occur from an abrupt jarring motion involving those tendons. The tendons involved are from the muscles in the extensors of the wrist known as extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi. Acupuncture for tennis elbow works to heal these tendends via several mechanisms.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
When you have tennis elbow you may notice several symptoms varying from tenderness along lateral aspect of elbow (to touch or with movement), pain with gripping motions, morning stiffness, pouring something our of a pitcher, etc. These motions and movements all involve the muscles that extend the wrist. All these muscle converge to insert into the arm at the lateral aspect of the elbow. With acupuncture for tennis elbow we can calm down the inflammation and stimulate a healing process directly at the site of pain. There is no conventional medical treatment that can do this.
Why Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow is Superior Treatment
Conventional treatment for tennis elbow are RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), ibuprofen (or other NSAIDS), and in some cases a steroid injections. With the exception of RICE these treatments don't stimulate the healing process and do have side effects. ibuprofen can be taken in modest doses without much issue for most but longterm use is know to damage the stomach and kidneys. Therefore short term doses will likely cause damage too. While it will relive the pain, a steroid injection will cause significantly more damage to the tendons, making them weaker. You see the inflammation that is taking place when you have an injury serves a purpose to repair the damaged tissue. When we shut this off with a steroid the repair process also shuts off. The pain goes away and the tendons never get that full recovery. This is not the case with acupuncture for tennis elbow.
The goal of treatment with acupuncture for tennis elbow and other sports-related conditions, is to reduce this inflammation but also stimulate repair of the damaged tissue. Through this process pain relief occurs quickly. The combination of increased blood flow, release of hormones, endorphins, and immune modulating factors acupuncture gets those suffering from tennis elbow back to their sport of choice quickly.
Where in Phoenix Can I get Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow
Southwest Integrative Medicine has phoenix acupuncture service specifically for tennis elbow and other sports related injuries. "It's not just about relieving the pain, it's about getting the body back to where it can perform at its peak," says phoenix acupucnturist Dr Robin Terranella. "Anyone can give RICE and ibuprofen and get pain relief but that is not going to get the best results for those tendons in the long term." Through inserting hair-thin needles in and around areas of pain that follow the acupuncture meridians in the elbow, there is an increase of energy flow through that area. This energy, known as Qi, is the central focus for acupuncture. By inserting these needles locally, your Phoenix acupuncturist will also stimulate blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow will bring nutrients to nourish the area and take away waste. The treatment will stimulate your body's natural healing and repairing mechanisms in and around the tendons of the elbow. This acupuncture treatment will also give a generalized and localized analgesic effect, similar to that of lidocaine or other local anesthetics.
To learn more about this and other phoenix acupuncture services, click on the link below for a free acupuncture consultation.
Our physical feelings are often the direct reflection of our mental and emotional well being. Depression can have detrimental effects on the physical body. Not only is it a depression of the biochemistry of the brain, and your mood, it can also depress the immune system, allowing physical ailments to take up residence. Acupuncture for depression can help the
energy in our body and brain re-establish balance.
If you worry, reside in a constant state of stress, or don't take important time for rest and relaxation, your body will begin to feel poorly as a result. Acupuncture can help to release these heavy and toxic feelings by changing your energetic state to a more balanced state. The balance leads to better choices and better choices leads to better self esteem and mood. Let's explore acupuncture for depression in a little more detail and compare it to some conventional treatment options.
Acupuncture for Depression and Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental and emotional conditions reported in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people experience depression! Unfortunately, countless commercials - and doctors lured by the multi billion dollar pharmaceutical industry - will lead you to believe that prescription drugs are your only answer. While prescription drugs do have their place with certain conditions, they can also have equally or more potent side-effects than the original symptoms of depression. What doctors don't always tell you is that research has shown antidepressants are often not much more effective than the placebos for mild or moderate depression.
Usually, the antidepressants mask the underlying problems that leads to depression and/or anxiety. This is likely the reason you see such poor results in the research. With cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapies like EMDR, you see statistically significant improvements in mood. In conjunction with medication, these therapies can be even more beneficial. However medications to treat anxiety and depression can create symptoms of unease and discomfort like headaches, flushing, blurry vision, upset stomach, and other neurological symptoms. With Acupuncture for depression you can avoid all these symptoms and still get the benefit of improved mood.
Acupuncture treats depression by circulating the Qi - or life force - in the body. Often, negative emotions and feelings in the body come about from blocked energy channels. Re-balancing the flow of energy helps to release these blockages. Once healthy energy flow is restored, and the body has released unhealthy mind/body patterns, patients will begin to feel their mind more calm and centered. Acupuncture for anxiety and acupuncture for depression can help you manage your mental and emotional health.
Acupuncture Relieves Depression Symptoms
The symptoms of depression often go unrecognized until they become debilitating. If you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms, contact a naturopathic doctor who can provide relief of the underlying mental unease you are experiencing.
Common Symptoms of Depression Include:
- Feeling sad or unhappy for extended periods of time
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Lack of sex drive
- Easily irritated or frustrated, even over small things
- Fatigue or constant lethargy
- Lack of desire to do things that used to interest you
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or constantly living in the past wishing you could rectify or set things right
- Continuous thoughts of suicide and death, or a desire for death to relieve you of your burdens
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Physical ailments with no apparent cause such as headaches, stomach aches, or back pain
- Change in appetite and/or dietary habits
- Anger management issues
When choosing an acupuncturist, always look for the initials LAc or Dipl. Acu. in their credentials. This indicates that they are Licensed Acupuncturists or have a degree in acupuncture. There are rigorous education and training requirements to become a Licensed Acupuncturist Arizona. It is imperative that your body be treated by someone who is well versed and thoroughly trained to ensure safe and healthy acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture for Depression can help you find joy in your life again, click on the link below for a free consult with a trained Phoenix Acupuncture doctor.
Acupuncture and Infertility : Qi is the Key to Creating Life
It has long been known that stress, among other factors, can decrease a couple's ability to conceive. Anecdotal evidence of babies conceived on vacations can attest to that fact. However, recent scientific research is proving how acupuncture for infertility works to balance a woman's physical and emotional well being so that the miracle of life can unfold.
Acupuncture for Infertility Increases Conception Rates
One of the most exciting things about acupuncture and infertility is that it works with western medicine to improve fertility from the inside out. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely accepted practice for assisting women in becoming pregnant. However, stress and depression are common side effects in women participating in IVF treatments. The medications and procedures required to stimulate and collect viable eggs, and then transfer viable embryos, can cause physical and emotional discomfort.
Recent studies in Germany, Denmark, Canada and the United States have demonstrated a significant increase in conception rates for women who used acupuncture for infertility, preceding and throughout their IVF treatments. Impressive statistics include:
- Germany: Women using acupuncture and IVF had a 42.5% conception rate, compared with the 26.3% conception rate for women who did not.
- Denmark: A study concluded that acupuncture for infertility on the day of embryo transfer increased pregnancy rates - 39% versus 26%.
- Germany: Of 225 women, 116 received luteal phase acupuncture (after the ovulation phase) while 109 received placebo acupuncture. The women who received luteal acupuncture had conception rates of 33.6% while the placebo group had conception rates of 15.3%.
- British Columbia: Acupuncture increased IVF live birth rates from 10-15%.
- Ectopic pregnancies were reduced in IVF cases with the addition of acupuncture.
These studies demonstrate the significant relationship between acupuncture and infertility. But how exactly does it work?
What is the Relationship Between Acupuncture and Infertility?
In a culture where the majority of individuals live in a constant state of stress, due to overwork, chronic fatigue, and/or poor diet and lifestyle choices, many women are struggling to get pregnant. Acupuncture promotes holistic health - in body, mind, and spirit - which can facilitate successful conception. Some of the benefits of acupuncture for infertility include:
- Relaxation
- Return to healthy sleep patterns
- Reduced inflammation
- Peace of mind
- Increased circulation, especially to the ovaries and uterus
- Healthy hormonal balance
Once a woman's body are receiving a healthy blood supply, balanced hormones, and no longer experiencing the harmful side effects of stress or an unhealthy lifestyle, successful conception is much more likely to occur.
To get more information on acupuncture and infertility or for a free consult with an acupuncture doctor at out phoenix acupuncture clinic, click on the link below.
Acupuncture is a fairly new practice in western medicine. Whether or not you've sought acupuncture for pain relief or stress management, you probably know someone who has. There are three common types of acupuncture: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 5 Element Acupuncture, and Japanese Acupuncture (or meridian therapy). While they're all rooted in the ancient practices of Chinese medicine, each one has it's own branch on the healing tree.
As Phoenix Acupuncture doctors, we would like to briefly explain these three common healing 
methods so you have an idea of what system might work best for you. It is important to note that each acupuncturist will have his/her own take so there can be slight variances even within each style.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Phoenix acupuncture doctors use TCM as one system for managing clients' health. TCM is an ancient system of medicine, that takes the laws of nature and applies them to the human body. It is believed to have been practiced in China a long as two thousand years ago. This system is based on the fundamental principle of Qi, or life energy, and the importance of balance and flow throughout the body. When Qi is blocked anywhere along the meridians, the body will express symptoms. The main job of the TCM practitioner is to find the disharmony in the body, and use acupuncture or chinese herbs to harmonize the body. Therefore, illness, is considered to be a manifestation of disharmony. TCM also works to balance the Yin and Yang, as well as the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), within the body. Historically, practitioners used their understanding of nature and applied that to the human body. The acupuncturist looks at the major organ systems in the body, such as, spleen, lung, liver, and heart, and looks for any imbalance in these organ systems according to the principals of qi, yin, yang, or the elements. So, from the interview, presenting symptoms, and tongue and pulse diagnosis, the practitioner comes up with a traditional chinese medicine diagnosis that then determines the acupuncture points to be used, to treat that diagnosis or underlying pattern of dysfunction.
5 Element Acupuncture
This style of acupuncture was developed by J.R. Worsley in the mid 20th century and focuses on the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Phoenix acupuncture doctors using this method will be more likely to address the psycho-spiritual connections that exists between balanced health and unbalanced disease. It is believed, that by balances the psycho-spiritual dimension in the person, the whole body will shift to a better state of balance. It is also noted that the core reason for taking this approach is that as industry and technology has made things much easier on the physical body, the spiritual and mental aspects of our daily lives have become more difficult. It is from this premise that 5 Element Acupuncture focuses on the spiritual and mental aspects of one's being. It is not that the physical aspects are not important but more that mental and emotional issues are that source of many physical ailments compared to 100-200 years ago.
As an example we know that stress plays a large role in digestion, neck and back pain, headaches, TMJ, poor sleep, poor eating, etc. Arizona 5 Element Acupuncture doctors address the underlying stress, and use acupuncture as part of a healing therapy for releasing that stress thus promoting balance for both your body and your spirit. They do this by using a system of restoring balance to the five elements within by determining the causative factor.
This principle of causative factor, or CF, is another that sets classical five element acupuncture apart from others systems of acupuncture. The CF is thought to be the root factor of a persons dis-ease and illness, and may stem from childhood or emotional experiences. The CF correlates to a particular element in nature (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), for example wood, and the practitioner selects points that will correspond with wood and the elements affected by wood. Through determining the major elemental imbalance the practitioner works to restore balance. Determining a CF takes a highly skilled practitioner with special training in classical five element acupuncture. These practitioner's are trained in asking thorough questions, careful listening, notice particular smells or colors, and especially assessing the pulses to determine the elemental imbalance.
Japanese Acupuncture
This system focuses more traditionally on the physical body. Needle insertions are often shallower than in TCM and 5 Element. Japanese style acupuncture doctors will try to use the least number of insertions/stimulation for the most powerful effect. They will isolate specific acupuncture points that will be be more potent than others and places more emphasis on these points for your treatment. This approach is used in 5 element too but not to the same degree.
The Japanese Acupuncturist uses moxa, cupping, and blood letting, but just like their needling technique, they do these modalities with absolute precision and minimalist intention. For example, a TCM acupuncture may use moxa the size of ping pong ball, where the Japanese practitioner will use an amount about the size of a sesame. (Moxa refers to the herb mugwort that is dried up and fluffed. The acupuncturist can then burn a small amount to driving heat into the body thereby stimulating and soothe the flow of qi.)
It is thought that the Japanese style of acupuncture reflects Japanese culture with it's tradition of minimalism (Zen Buddhism) and elegance. If you have never seen a Japanese Tea ceremony, check it out on You Tube, and you will see exactly what we mean by minimalism and elegance.
These three acupuncture styles all view the human body as a holistic entity and acknowledge that the body is a vessel for Qi, or life energy. Uncomfortable symptoms and diseases are manifestations of imbalance, and/or disharmony. Once balance is restored, the body can usually heal itself.
Important Note: 5 Element and Japanese Acupuncture styles are specialized techniques that require additional training. Make sure that your acupuncture doctor is properly trained in these methods before you seek treatment.
Ask your acupuncture Phoenix doctor about how one, or more, of these acupuncture styles can benefit you or click on the link below for a free consultation with one of our Phoenix acupucntre doctors.
Acupuncture Phoenix - Use Acupuncture to Relieve the Symptoms of Lung Disease
Living in a dry climate, such as the Arizona desert, can be beneficial for people who suffer from lung related ailments such as Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is especially true for those who have mold allergies, or similarly related 
sensitivities more prevalent in humid climates. Recent research demonstrates that acupuncture can also relieve some of the side effects of lung disease.
In an article published by Reuters titled, Acupuncture May Help Some People With COPD,
Genevra Pittman discusses the results of a three-month study conducted in Japan. The results demonstrated significant healing properties associated with acupuncture. One doctor commented that while it has yet to be seen if acupuncture can actually extend life for COPD patients, acupuncture provided the relief necessary for a greater quality of life.
Acupuncture Scottsdale - Acupuncture Promotes Relaxation
Patients who suffer from asthma, COPD, emphysema, or chronic Bronchitis can benefit from acupuncture. Phoenix naturopathic doctors can use acupuncture in addition to, or in place of, over the counter and prescription medications, in order to promote relaxation. Acupuncture relaxes the muscles and tissues in the chest wall, which allows the airways to open up. After a series of treatments, patients will find that breathing becomes easier. Relief from restricted airways can allow individuals to enjoy normal daily activities again.
Acupuncture Phoenix - Acupuncture Scottsdale - The Best of Eastern and Western Medicine
In the three month study on acupuncture covered by Reuters, the patients remained on their current prescription drug program while receiving regular acupuncture treatments. Holistic doctors can blend their natural treatments to complement an individual's traditional medicinal therapies. It is always rewarding when a patient can use diet, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies to heal, or remove the symptoms, from a disease. But acupuncture can also work in conjunction with modern western medicine.
Your Acupuncture Phoenix clinic can provide relief from the following symptoms:
- shortness of breath
- lethargy
- poor circulation
- anxiety
- depression
The process of acupuncture will promote relaxation, which allows the lungs to relax and expand as they normally would. When this occurs you breathe deeper and easier. The more natural and deeper breaths allows for more more oxygenated blood to flow throughout the body. As a result most patients will experience a boost in energy.
Breath is an involuntary action that most people take for granted. Anyone suffering from a lung related ailment knows the value of every breath. A local Acupuncture Scottsdale or Acupuncture Phoenix clinic can help a person people with lung conditions heal one breath at a time.
Click on the link below to learn more about our Acupunctre Phoenix clinic.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, referred to as TMJ, affects approximately 35 million people in the United States. Anyone suffering from TMJ understands how debilitating it can be. Acupuncture for TMJ relieves pain and encourages movement in the jaw and surrounding tissues. It's an affordable alternative for those seeking to avoid intrusive medical interventions such as surgery or prescription pain medications.
TMJ can be difficult for traditional medical practitioners to treat, as the causes 
are not completely understood. New research indicates that TMJ often occurs in conjunction with other medical conditions, which has created confusion in terms of treatment. Acupuncture for TMJ is an ideal solution to facilitate healing and relieve accompanying discomfort and other medical conditions.
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
TMJ is a condition that can inhibit movement in the jaw and cause pain in the jaw joint, as well as surrounding muscle and connective tissues in the jaw and head. Symptoms of TMJ include:
- a bite that feels off center
- headaches
- pain in the jaw joint
- ear pain or pressure
- a stiff or locked jaw
- stiff/painful neck and/or shoulders
- a popping, clicking, or crackly noise when opening/closing the jaw
- pain or difficulty chewing
TMJ can result from, or accompany, other situations or medical conditions such as dental work, arthritis, or jaw injury / trauma. However, many medical practitioners are mystified as TMJ is also linked to seemingly non-related medical conditions such as:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Irritable bowel-syndrome
- Sleep disorders
It is also more common in women of childbearing age, which suggests that hormone imbalances may play a role as well. These inconsistencies in TMJ and related health conditions are exemplary of how different areas of the body are connected. Many times when one part of the body is unwell, there are often manifestations of imbalance elsewhere. TMJ is a good example of this and acupuncture for TMJ helps restore balance, in addition to relieving acute symptoms.
Acupuncture For TMJ
A holistic health practitioner recognize the interconnectedness of the body's systems. Naturopathic doctors are not surprised that hormonal imbalances, or certain diseases and deficiencies, are linked to TMJ. They understand that these symptoms are interrelated and customize treatment to incorporate the whole, rather than isolated parts. Naturopathic physicians use a combination of treatments, including Acupuncture for TMJ, to promote healing.
Acupuncture for TMJ works to balance the body, stimulating circulation, and the energetic life force, called Qi. The main way that acupuncture works for TMJ is by promoting relaxation in the jaw and recharging the neural pathways. Neural pathways are the signal routes for pain signals to travel to the brain. With TMJ these neural pathways become habituated forming chronic pain signal patterns from the jaw back to the brain. Reseting these pathways decreases the pain over time. Acupuncture phoenix will also reduce the chronic inflammation which is partially responsible for the source of pain. Acupuncture for TMJ can begin the path to relaxation and healing.
If you would like to learn more about acupuncture for TMJ or other treatments from our acupuncture phoenix clinic, click on the link below for a free consultation.
Everything in life has rhythm; seasons change and the sun rises and sets each day. The human body is no exception. From the heart beat, to the breath, to mealtimes and bed times, there's an ebb and flow of energy. This tendency towards rhythmic patterns maintains balance. Holistic health practitioners have maintained this healthy balance for thousands of years using
acupuncture for stress relief.
When natural rhythms become disrupted, and the body moves at an unhealthy tempo, things shift out of balance. The body becomes
stressed and
qi - or natural energy flow - can be hindered or blocked completely. Toxins accumulate and the body becomes depleted.
Chronic stress allows discomfort and disease to manifest. Receiving acupuncture for stress realigns unhealthy patterns and resets the body's
qi to its natural rhythm.
Long-term Affects of Chronic StressHumans evolved to follow Earth's rhythms. As technology has advanced, so have inventions that work to counter natural lifestyle patterns. Lights, computers, phone rings, deadlines - these things remove humans from their natural rhythm and cause the body to exist in a state of stress.
An animal's response to stress is referred to as the "fight-or-flight response". When activated, adrenaline is released, the heart rate accelerates, blood vessels constrict, digestion is inhibited, and so on. Long-term affects of a constant state of "fight-or-flight" are linked to a series of symptoms, all of which respond positively to acupuncture:
- headaches/migraines
- neck/shoulder pain
- hypertension
- ulcers
- general fatigue
- depression
- poor sleep
- anxiety
- cancer
Acupuncture For Stress ReliefAcupuncture for stress works with the body's
qi to balance energy flow. It unblocks areas in the body where energy is accumulating, which helps the lymph system detoxify, and restores a healthy biochemical balance. Modern studies can now demonstrate concrete examples of acupuncture for stress and its positive affects. For instance, acupuncture has been proven to release endorphins, a natural pain reliever, increase blood flow, and increase hormones. Once the body has balanced naturally, it can begin working synergistically in a health promoting pattern.
In one study, acupuncture doctors used auricular acupuncture on mothers whose children were undergoing surgery. Auricular acupuncture uses needles inserted around the ear. Not only was the stress noticeably relieved in all 43 of the women who received treatment, but their children demonstrated lower stress levels as well. This study exemplifies how energy - both positive and negative - are often unwittingly transmitted from one being to another.
Individuals who receive acupuncture for stress relief, are making a choice to relieve patterns of stress not only for themselves, but also for those closest to them. Stress can have a big impact on those around you. When you are the one stressed, you might not even recognize the impact on them. Taking care of yourself and your mood is one of the best things you can do for you and them.
If you want to learn more about acupuncture for stress relief or other treatments from naturopathic physicians, click on the link below or visit our acupuncture phoenix for a free consultation on stress relief treatments.
At our Southwest Integrative Medicine clinic, we are the providers of
acupuncture Arizona residents in the Phoenix and Scottsdale region turn to when they need the healing benefits of acupuncture. Despite its growing use throughout the U.S., acupuncture is still poorly understood in this country. In our practice, we receive lots of curious questions about this centuries-old, time-proven method to relieve suffering caused by almost any health problem—the common cold, flu, acupuncture for chronic fatigue, acupuncture for chronic pain, asthma, arthritis, poor digestion, insomnia, depression, chemotherapy-related nausea, to name just a few. To help spread awareness of acupuncture’s important role in health, we would like to share our answers to the questions about acupuncture Arizona patients considering the treatment most often ask us.
Q: What exactly is acupuncture?
A: The stimulation of specific points on the body— through the insertion of thin, painless needles. This process removes any blockages in the flow of qi, (the vital life force that travels in the body through pathways called meridians), build the energy in specific meridians, or sedate the energy in other meridians.
The above in conjunction with moxabustion and cupping provides relief for a variety of health conditions.
Q: Is acupuncture safe?
A: Absolutely. And we’re not just saying that because we are acupuncture providers. According to no-less-an-authority than the FDA, acupuncture is safe when performed with sterile needles by experienced practitioners.
Q: What is holistic healing?
A: In Western medicine, there is unfortunately a tendency to separate the mind, body, and spirit. With traditional Chinese medicine, mind, body, and spirit are one and interdependent on one another. The disease process manifest itself in the Qi of the body in specific patterns. These Qi patterns can be the result of mental, emotion, or spiritual dysfunction. Reading these in the Qi, allows the acupuncturists to determine your treatment.
In addition to acupuncture holistic healing involves diet changes, herbal remedies, mind/body, and mind/spirit therapies.
Q: How do I know who’s qualified as an acupuncturist?
A:In most states including Arizona acupuncture practitioners must meet licensing requirements that include completion of accredited education, a clean needle technique course, and certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
These licensing requirements may be a little different based on the degree the practioner already has. For instance, NMDs, MDs, Dos, and DCs, have to receive less training requirements than a lay person wanting to start acupuncture. Arizona acupuncture license requirements are less stringent than some other states. If your Arizona acupuncturists has a License of Acupuncture or acupuncture degree, they have received a higher level of acupuncture training.
Q: Will acupuncture treatment replace my regular doctor?
A: It could but in most cases it will not. Pharmaceutical treatment is often overused, but it has many viable uses that acupuncture cannot treat. Also, many conditions call for surgery or other specific medical procedures. Integrative medicine works in conjunction with your other medical care and not in place of it. It seeks to find the most effective least invasive treatment options for any health condition.
If you are seeing your acupuncturist and the treatment resolves the issue, you may not longer need to see your traditional physician. However, you will probably need them at some point down the road.
Q: How long does acupuncture take to start working?
A: It varies between conditions, but many people begin experiencing improvements immediately after their first acupuncture treatment. We often tell patients that they should begin to feel some benefits as soon as their third treatment. It can take much longer than that however. When
Dr Christy Cline studied acupuncture in China she says, "they do a minimum of 10 treatments for each condition treated."
Follow-up treatments can be a few times a year or as frequent as bi-weekly, depending on the individual situation. Initially the treatments are more frequent and then spread out to quarterly or monthly.
If you have any more questions about Acupuncture Arizona treatments or finding the right acupuncture doctor, we can help. Click on the link below for a free consultation in our acupuncture phoenix clinic.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating malady that affects more than one million Americans. Yet, sadly, the time-proven success of acupuncture for chronic fatigue treatment is often ignored by Western medicine. Fortunately, some medical professionals in the West do understand the vital role of acupuncture for chronic fatigue treatment, and sufferers can find expert acupuncturists to help them overcome the problem.
TIRED ALL THE TIME?
Everyone gets fatigued—sometimes for days at a time. But chronic fatigue sufferers experience much worse:
- fatigue that never goes away
- extreme fatigue after light activity
- sleep that doesn’t feel refreshing
- recurring colds and flu-like symptoms
- a constant “drugged” feeling, including memory and concentration loss.
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue: TREATING QI DEFICIENCY
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronic fatigue syndrome is attributed to a deficiency of qi, which is the life force of the mind and body within everyone. This force can be weakened if a person’s mental and physical balance is off—frequently leading to chronic fatigue. Western treatment of chronic fatigue recognizes the role of the mind in this syndrome, and mental health therapy is commonly used. Unfortunately, this treatment often fails to appreciate the full nature of the relationship between mind and body. Common Western pharmacological “solutions” such as stimulants, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety drugs focus too much on the mind and merely mask the syndrome rather than cure it. Even worse, these medications can lead to further problems. Some stimulants used such as Provigil and Nuvigil, for example, actually can cause long-term harm to the body’s qi, especially the kidney qi. Chinese medicine, on the other hand, recognizes that replenishing and tonifying the qi with the help of acupuncture is the key to long term recovery.
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue: HOW IT WORKS
Treating chronic fatigue syndrome involves determining the level of qi in various meridians of a persons’ body. With chronic fatigue, the deficiency is usually in the spleen or kidney meridians, but it can also be in the lung or liver meridians. Principal acupuncture points include Hua Tuo Jia Ji(M-BW-35), a group of 34 points located along the spinal column, BL 18 (Gan Shu), BL 20 (Pi Shu), BL 23 (Sheen Shu), and SP 6 (San Yin Jiao).
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue: KEY POINT
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue works to increase a person’s vitality by clearing obstructions to energy flow and building the spleen and kidney qi. This process enhances the body’s natural healing capability. Considering limited efficacy of the Western treatment approaches for chronic fatigue, sufferers should not hesitate to explore the benefits of acupuncture for chronic fatigue.
If you have questions about acupuncture for chonic fatigue or would like more information on our acupuncture phoenix clinic, click on the link below for a free consultation.