The confusion between dry needling and Acupuncture
There is constant confusion over the differences between dry needling and acupuncture from a patient’s point of view. I akin it to the difference between a “backyard” mechanic, and a fully trained mechanic. The backyard mechanic knows enough to fix a few problems but doesn’t have a deeper understanding of the workings of the vehicle he is trying to fix. Dry needling is a form of acupuncture performed largely by western health professionals such as osteopaths, myotherapists, chiropractors etc. They use what they’ve identified as “trigger points” in muscles to help relieve pain and relax the tissue. This falls under what the Chinese have for centuries called “ashi points”, basically meaning a tender point which isn’t a recognised acupuncture point. From a western medical perspective the approach is the same as with acupuncture, they know it works, but can’t explain how, they simply use identified “trigger points” to treat certain muscle groups. Chinese medicine however still uses their very comprehensive diagnostic method to diagnose musculoskeletal problems and formulate a treatment plan accordingly. Here in lies the problem with dry needling, for most they simply do a course spanning a few weekends and they are then allowed to needle. Chinese Medicine practitioners study for several years and undergo 400+ clinical hours before are qualified to needle the general public. Though I don’t believe any real harm can be done by dry needling, the public needs to be aware that they are not the same, and if dry needling didn’t achieve a satisfactory result, this doesn’t mean acupuncture won’t either. The case being that proper acupuncture will always achieve a better result than dry needling, simply due to the practitioner being better trained in the art and having a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanism at work. Attached is an article published by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association in regards to their opinion on “dry needling”.
Time to Treat Those Seasonal Allergies.
Spring is just around the corner, and that means for thousands of people their seasonal allergies are about to flare. Chinese medicine has proven over the years to be very effective in helping people cope with hay-fever and other seasonal allergies. However, the key to lasting results is to strengthen the body before the symptoms begin. In Chinese medicine, conditions like hay-fever are due to a seasonal weakness, usually in the organ which it corresponds to (spring is Liver). So in the weeks leading up to spring, acupuncture and herbs can be used to strengthen and soothe your Liver so your allergies don’t flare when spring is in full swing. This principle is also applied during autumn, when we tonify your lung energy so you avoid those dreaded winter colds and flu’s. <!– @page { margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } –>
Reduce fevers with Raspberry Jam
A simple old folk remedy, take one table spoon of good quality raspberry jam and dissolve in hot water to make a tea. Within 20min you should feel a sweat coming on. Jump under the covers and sweat out that nasty cold or flu. Traditionally Raspberry Leaves are used, but can be hard to come by, whereas a jar of jam can be stored away in the pantry and used whenever necessary.
Flaxseed oil helps reduce cholesterol and blood clots
A great source of antioxidants and Omega-3
Flaxseed has become the latest basic ingredient to receive a lot of attention in the medical community for its many health benefits. High in omega-3 fatty acids, it helps reduce the bad cholesterol in the blood (LDL) and in turn helps reduce the likelihood of blood clots developing. Recent studies have shown that adding flaxeed to your diet can help lower your cholesterol levels, and reduce hot flushes in menopausal women. It also contains lignans (an antioxidant) and aids digestion through being a good source of fibre. Since it is a natural blood thinner, you should consult your Doctor about adding it to your diet since it can interfere with certain blood thinning medications and supplements. For others though it is a great preventative measure to improve your long term health.
The role of Nutrition in Fighting Cancer
A long term review of over 20yrs of studies and research by two Canadian Doctors has brought about a fabulous article on the role of nutrition in Cancer development. The data shows that almost 30% of cancer cases could’ve been adverted by simply altering diet, almost the same as for smoking. The information is completely unbiased as is merely a review of decades worth of research. Lots of useful information can be gained for everyone from this article. The success of the article has resulted in the Doctors publishing 2 very cheap books on diet and recipes for preventing cancer.
A copy can be downloaded here: role of nutrition in fighting cancer
Chinese Chicken Soup
Traditionally when we were sick mum would always make us chicken soup. Its an age old folk remedy when ill. This is because it is full of nutrients and easy to absorb when our body is weak when fighting a pathogen. However our body can also be weak from chronic illness, which too can cause people to have difficulties absorbing nutrients from their food. While chicken soup is fabulous, it isn’t quite enough to live off. A great alternative is rice porridge, or Congee (also called Jook). This dish is made of rice which has been cooked to the point of disintegration so it becomes a porridge. It keeps all the nutritional benefits of the rice, but as it is so soft, it is very easy on the digestion and thus readily absorbed (perfect when your sick). Traditionally in China, the strained juice was given to babies who’s mothers weren’t able to breastfeed, its that nutritious! As it is just plain rice, anything can be added to it, from soy sauce to fish to chicken or pork. Once cooled it can be frozen for months and thawed when needed. Only a 1/4 cup of rice is needed to make several bowls. Some basic recipes can be found here.
Fertility and bones, proving the ancient link
In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys play a large role in fertility. They store our Jing (Essence), which we use to create life. In men the essence is transferred in the sperm and in women the egg. One of the primary causes of infertility is a decline in the strength of our Kidney energy, which can result from many factors such as poor lifestyle or chronic illness. The Kidney Essence also plays a pivotal role in our development and growth, which is why the tissue that relates to them is Bone and the essence is also reflected in bone marrow. A recent study into male fertility has shown that the hormone osteocalcin (released from the bone) boosts testosterone which supports the survival of the sperm, hence improving fertility. Though this study deliberately ignores female fertility, it is possible this hormone may play a role in female fertility also. Slowly slowly modern science is providing further evidence to support age old chinese medicine theories…
Good Fatty Avocados
Once shunned for their high fat content, the monounsaturated fat in avocados has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and improve the good cholesterol. This obviously means good long term health for your cardiovascular system. Their high concentration of potassium helps reduce blood pressure and prevent stroke. Another big reason to add avocado to your diet is they greatly increase the absorption of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants have been shown to ward off several forms of cancer. Along with their great taste, there’s no longer any reason to avoid this delicious fruit.
The Seasons Change
So everyone asks why we tend to fall sick in between seasons. The reason is the season’s change isn’t a simple flip of a switch, it is a gradual process. In the five element model, in the transition between each season there is a return to the earth phase. This is the period of time where our body’s (and the world) are beginning to adapt to the new season. Its a time for regeneration, but also a time to fall ill. This is because our body is more vulnerable during this transitional phase. In this phase it is important to look at slight changes in your diet and behaviour to adapt to the new season. You’ll also find your slightly unsettled mentally, this is normal. What is important is to be aware of all this and avoid excessive stress and worry. This will protect you from the common illnesses that strike during the seasons change.
Hay Fever Survival Tips
Though the rain this year has been great, its caused a terrible time for hay fever sufferers. Spring according to Chinese Medicine is a time of growth and renewal, which also means a lot of wind. Certain people are naturally susceptible to this element due a deficiency in their Wei Qi (akin the the immune system in Western Medicine). The wind gets lodged in the head and sinuses causing local blockages and irritation, which results in itchy nose/eyes etc. Similarly Western Medicine describes it as people who’s immune system abnormally reacts to the pollen in the air and brings about an allergic/inflammatory response. Though Acupuncture and herbs are very effective in alleviating the symptoms there are a few things to can do yourself to help manage and prevent attacks. Avoid eating larges amount of dairy and drinking red wine, as the dairy can increase nasal mucous and red wine can activate histamines which will make the symptoms worse. Increasing your vitamin C can help as it acts as a natural anti-histamine. Another very effective method is nasal irrigation using a Neti Pot. This physically flushes the pollen out of the nasal cavity. Though some may find it a not so pleasant experience, irrigating the sinuses with a saline like solution is harmless and one of the best ways to help ease this allergy.
