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 A study funded by the Army and the National Institutes of Health helps explain how acupuncture eases chronic pain. Using brain imaging, the study showed that acupuncture increases the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals. Moreover, acupuncture treatments – in this case twice a week for four weeks – affect both the brain’s short- and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.
A beneficial implication of this research – published in August 2009 by the University of Michigan Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center – is that patients treated with acupuncture might be more responsive to pain medications like codeine and Vicodin.
Other studies have shown that acupuncture triggers a variety of physiological responses, such as:
✔ Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection
✔ Decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides
✔ Regulating blood sugar metabolism, which helps the body use energy more efficiently
✔ Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure
✔ Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion
✔ Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and mood
 So, how do you catch a cold virus anyway? No surprise here, the leading theory shows the hands touching the nose to be the culprit. Not even sneezing or kissing spread a cold to the extent that contaminated hands do, with active rhinovirus being found on skin and household surfaces even three hours later.
When you then touch contaminated surfaces, you pick up the virus at least 60% of the time and it enters the body through your eyes, nose or mouth. This explains how you can catch a cold without even having contact with someone who has one. (Even weirder, scientists are surprised at how difficult it is to catch a cold from a kiss.)
The best way to get rid of germs is to wash your hands by rubbing them together for 10-20 seconds under running water, using regular soap. Soap doesn’t kill germs, it just loosens them so they’re rinsed off (and antibacterial hand wash doesn’t work on viruses).
But the frustrating fact remains that medical researchers are still confounded by the common cold, and the basics still hold true: no cure yet, wash your hands, chicken soup really does work, and wait for “exciting cure found!“ Meantime, an acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbal medicine to boost your immune system will help reduce the length and strength of a cold. Try to get treated at the first sign of symptoms for best results.
 In a world that bombards our bodies with stressors, chemicals, toxins, and quick fixes, Cosmetic Acupuncture offers you a simple and healthy way to bring out your youthful vibrancy.
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a great, all-natural alternative to the typical cosmetic enhancements currently available to women (and men!). Although improvements to the face may not be as visually dramatic as surgical procedures, injections or acid peels, Cosmetic Acupuncture actually has a much more impressive overall effect. Improving the body’s comprehensive health and vitality can in itself slow down the aging process, and you can expect Cosmetic Acupuncture to » Continue reading post
 5 Reasons People Avoid Acupuncture Curious about acupuncture but just can’t seem to schedule that first appointment? AcuTake, an online publication created to improve acupuncture education and access, has written an informative article that lists (and debunks) these top five excuses that newbies to acupuncture give for avoiding treatment.
Afraid of needles? Think the sessions are too expensive? Can’t find the time, don’t know who to go to, or don’t “believe” in it? Read their article to get the full scoop on why these five excuses just aren’t good enough anymore!
Acupuncture is great for pain relief, better sleep, good digestion, higher immunity and more. So go ahead and schedule a session — next thing you know you’ll be telling your co-workers, friends and family members to jump on the acupuncture bandwagon. It’s an investment in health you’ll be glad you made.
 Does your child get sick a lot or complain of stomachaches? Perhaps an older child has migraines or trouble sleeping? If so they may benefit from acupuncture. A new study published in the journal Pediatrics finds acupuncture safe for children. Already in the U.S. about 150,000 kids are receiving acupuncture for chronic pain and other issues.
Acupuncture for children differs from that for adults in that the needles are left in for shorter periods — if at all. In babies and toddlers, the acupuncturist may insert and withdraw the needle in one move. The study reports that side effects are nearly non-existent in the hands of a trained and licensed acupuncturist. Read more about it at The New York Times.
Chinese herbal medicine formulated especially for children may be combined with acupuncture for a stronger effect. At my office on Larchmont in Los Angeles, our pharmacy stocks many excellent pediatric formulas called Gentle Warriors, from Kan Herb Company.
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A study funded by the Army and the National Institutes of Health helps explain how acupuncture eases chronic pain. Using brain imaging, the study showed that acupuncture increases the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals. Moreover, acupuncture treatments – in this case twice a week for four weeks – affect both the brain’s short- and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.
