Excess androgens may lead to acne, obesity due to insulin resistance, high cholesterol and hirsutism (excess facial and body hair). The researchers induced PCOS in rats using 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to determine whether or not electrical or manual acupuncture was superior in the regulation of menstruation. The rats received acupuncture five times per week for 4-5 weeks.

The electroacupuncture group received 2 Hz stimulation at the acupuncture points. Untreated rats served as the control group. The manual and electroacupuncture groups showed normalization of estrogen activity and a decrease in androgens.

In addition, the electroacupuncture group showed changes in the central opioid receptors of the hypothalamus suggesting that electroacupuncture may be “mediated by central opioid receptors….” The manual acupuncture group showed changes in the steroid receptors of the hypothalamus suggesting that manual acupuncture “may involve regulation of steroid hormone/peptide receptors.

”a0 Another study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism concludes that low frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual frequency and balanced sex steroid levels in women with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome.

b) This study measured blood changes in human female participants. Hyperandrogenism was measured in this study by determining the total concentration of testosterone, androgens, estrogens, androgen precursors, and glucuronidated androgen metabolites.

The study measured that electro-acupuncture improved menstrual regularity in women with PCOS. The sex steroid levels in the electro-acupuncture group improved significantly and acne markedly decreased. The study measured improvements in a wide range of endocrine variables such that the researchers concluded that electro-acupuncture may help induce ovulation in women attempting to conceive since participants showed significant improvement in monthly menstrual frequency.

Acupuncture was applied to CV3, CV6, ST29, SP6, SP9, LI4, and P6. All needles were stimulated manually until a de qi sensation was achieved. Thirty minutes of 2 Hz electro-acupuncture was applied to CV6, CV6, ST29, SP6, and SP9 for each treatment. The intensity was adjusted to induce local muscle contractions while also remaining comfortable. LI4 and P6 were manually stimulated every 10 minutes to evoke sensation. Needle length ranged from 30 to 50mm and the diameter was 0.32mm. Needle depth ranged from 15 to 35mm.

Acupuncture was administered twice per week for two weeks, one time per week for six weeks, and once every other week for eight weeks for a grand total of 14 acupuncture treatments over a 16 week period.

References: A Electrical and manual acupuncture stimulation affects estrous cyclicity and neuroendocrine function in a DHT-induced rat polycystic ovary syndrome model. Yi Feng1,2, Julia Johansson1, Ruijin Shao1, Louise Mannerås Holm1, Håkan Billig1, Elisabet Stener-Victorin1,3 . Experimental Physiology. DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2011.063131. 1
 Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. 2 
Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Lab of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College; Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO collaborating center for traditional medicine), Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. 3 
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China. B Elizabeth Jedel, Fernand Labrie, Anders Odén, Göran Holm, Lars Nilsson, Per Olof Janson, Anna-Karin Lind, Claes Ohlsson, and Elisabet Stener-Victorin. Impact of electro-acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenismand oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 300: E37–E45, 2011.

New research concludes that acupuncture improves clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates for women receiving IVF (in vitro fertilization).1 Twenty-four randomized controlled trials of 5,807 women examined the effects of acupuncture, electroacupuncture and laser acupuncture on IVF success rates. Control groups consisted of placebo acupuncture, sham acupuncture and no acupuncture. Researchers also discovered that live birth rates significantly increased when acupuncture was administered near the time of either oocyte aspiration or controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation. In yet another recent study published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, it was concluded that acupuncture helps to prevent egg implantation failure.2 This study focused on the acupuncture points St36 and Sp6.

Reference: 1 Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cui Hong Zheng, M.D.; Ph.D.a, Guang Ying Huang, M.D., Ph.D.a; Ming Min Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.b; Wei Wang, M.D., Ph.D.c.. Fertility and Sterility. 1-11-2012. a Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China. b Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China. c Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

2 Gui, Juan; Xiong, Fan; Li, Jing; Huang, Guangying. Effects of Acupuncture on LIF and IL-12 in Rats of Implantation Failure. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. Am J Reprod Immunol. 1600-0897. 2012.

Cochrane Reviews are internationally recognised as the highest standard in evidence-based healthcare.

Background Acupuncture is often used for migraine prophylaxis but its effectiveness is still controversial. This review (along with a companion review on 'Acupuncture for tension-type headache') represents an updated version of a Cochrane review originally published in Issue 1, 2001, of The Cochrane Library.

Objectives To investigate whether acupuncture is a) more effective than no prophylactic treatment/routine care only; b) more effective than 'sham' (placebo) acupuncture; and c) as effective as other interventions in reducing headache frequency in patients with migraine.

Search strategy The Cochrane Pain, Palliative & Supportive Care Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field Trials Register were searched to January 2008. Selection criteria We included randomized trials with a post-randomization observation period of at least 8 weeks that compared the clinical effects of an acupuncture intervention with a control (no prophylactic treatment or routine care only), a sham acupuncture intervention or another intervention in patients with migraine.

Data collection and analysis. Two reviewers checked eligibility; extracted information on patients, interventions, methods and results; and assessed risk of bias and quality of the acupuncture intervention. Outcomes extracted included response (outcome of primary interest), migraine attacks, migraine days, headache days and analgesic use. Pooled effect size estimates were calculated using a random-effects model.

Main results Twenty-two trials with 4419 participants (mean 201, median 42, range 27 to 1715) met the inclusion criteria. Six trials (including two large trials with 401 and 1715 patients) compared acupuncture to no prophylactic treatment or routine care only. After 3 to 4 months patients receiving acupuncture had higher response rates and fewer headaches.

The only study with long-term follow up saw no evidence that effects dissipated up to 9 months after cessation of treatment. Fourteen trials compared a 'true' acupuncture intervention with a variety of sham interventions. Pooled analyses did not show a statistically significant superiority for true acupuncture for any outcome in any of the time windows, but the results of single trials varied considerably.

Four trials compared acupuncture to proven prophylactic drug treatment. Overall in these trials acupuncture was associated with slightly better outcomes and fewer adverse effects than prophylactic drug treatment. Two small low-quality trials comparing acupuncture with relaxation (alone or in combination with massage) could not be interpreted reliably.

By Colette Bouchez

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario MD

If headlines are any indication of what's hot and what's not, it's easy to believe that infertility treatment is strictly a modern day science, made possible solely through the courtesy of high-tech medicine. But as good as modern science is, many couples trying to get pregnant find themselves turning to an age-old treatment for help -- one so steeped in tradition it's about as far from life in the 21st century as one can get.

That treatment is acupuncture, and today, even high-tech reproductive specialists are looking to the somewhat mysterious world of Chinese medicine to help those fertility patients for whom western science alone is not quite enough. "Most of our patients are referred to us by reproductive medicine specialists -- they are usually women who have failed one or usually more than one attempt at IVF (in vitro fertilization), and their doctor is looking for something to help implement the success of their treatment, over and above what the protocols alone can accomplish," says Raymond Chang, MD, the medical director of Meridian Medical and a classically trained acupuncturist as well as western-trained medical doctor.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine treatment that relies on the painless but strategic placement of tiny needles into a "grid-like" pattern that spans the body, from head to toe.

The needles are used to stimulate certain key "energy points" believed to regulate spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical balance. And, for many women, it's often just what the doctor ordered. "It can allow you to cross the line from infertile to fertile by helping your body function more efficiently, which in turn allows other, more modern reproductive treatments, like IVF, to also work more efficiently," says James Dillard, MD, assistant clinical professor, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and clinical adviser to Columbia's Rosenthal Center for Complementary and alternative medicine.

Indeed, in a study of 160 women, published April 2002 in the reproductive journalFertility and Sterility, a group of German researchers found that adding acupuncture to the traditional IVF treatment protocols substantially increased pregnancy success. In this study one group of 80 patients received two, 25-minute acupuncture treatments -- one prior to having fertilized embryos transferred into their uterus, and one directly afterwards.

The second group of 80, who also underwent embryo transfer, received no acupuncture treatments. The result: While women in both groups got pregnant, the rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture group -- 34 pregnancies, compared with 21 in the women who received IVF alone.

But increasing the odds of IVF is not the only way acupuncture can help. Chang says it can also work to stimulate egg production in women who can't -- or don't want to -- use fertility medications to help them get pregnant. "When you compare the pregnancy rates for an egg producing drug such as Clomid to acupuncture alone, the rates are equal -- a 50% chance of pregnancy in three months for general patients -- to those not undergoing IVF," says Chang.

Unfortunately, however, Chang says that because acupuncture generally stimulates the growth and release of just one egg, it can't be substituted for fertility drugs used in IVF, since they work to produce the multiple eggs necessary to achieve success with this treatment How Acupuncture Works Although acupuncture is fast becoming an accepted fertility protocol, not everyone agrees on how -- or why -- it works. According to the traditional Chinese medicine explanation, acupuncture stimulates and moves Qi (pronounced "Chee") a form of life energy that ancient wisdom says must flow through the body unhampered from head to toe, 24/7.

When it doesn't, illness or malfunctions such as infertility arise. "Acupuncture works to restore the flow of Qi -- your essence, your body energy -- so with regards to infertility, treatment has a calming, restorative effect that increases a sense of well- being and ultimately helps the body to accept the creation of life," says acupuncturist Ifeoma Okoronkwo, MD, a professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine.

By placing the needles at key energy meridians linked to the reproductive organs, Okoronkwo tells WebMD acupuncture increases, and more importantly, moves the flow of Qi from areas where it may be too abundant, to areas that are deficient, all in a direction that encourages fertility. To get your fertility Qi up to snuff, most experts say you will need about two, 30 minute treatments a week, sometimes for several months, before the effects can be seen.

However, a slightly more Western way of looking at the effects points less to the mystical Qi and more towards the solid science of brain chemistry. In studies published in the journal Fertility and Sterility in 2002, Chang, along with noted Cornell University reproductive endocrinologist Zev Rosenwaks, MD, found a clear link between treatment and the brain hormones involved in conception.

More specifically their research noted that acupuncture increases production of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" brain chemical that also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Chang says acupuncture also appears to have a neuroendocrine effect, impacting a three-way axis between the two areas of the brain involved with hormone production (the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands) and the ovaries, a constellation that ultimately impacts egg production and possibly ovulation.

In still another research paper published in the journal Medical Acupuncture in 2000, Sandra Emmons, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health Sciences University, reports that acupuncture may directly impact the number of egg follicles available for fertilization in women undergoing IVF. "My guess is that acupuncture is changing the blood supply to the ovaries, possibly dilating the arteries and increasing blood flow, so that ultimately, the ovaries are receiving greater amounts of hormonal stimulation," says Emmons, who also uses acupuncture in her traditional medical practice.

Chang says acupuncture may also help when the lining of the uterus is too weak to sustain a pregnancy -- a problem that is also known to increase the risk of chronic miscarriage. By increasing blood flow to this area, the lining may be better able to absorb the nutrients and hormones necessary to help it grow strong enough to hold onto an implanted embryo, says Chang.

Can Acupuncture Help You?

How to Tell As good as it sounds, acupuncture is clearly not the panacea for all fertility problems. As Dillard tells WebMD, in instances where a structural defect exists -- such as a blocked fallopian tube or a fibroid tumor -- acupuncture won't help you get pregnant. Likewise, once past a certain age, no amount of tickling your Qi is going to increase necessary hormones that have long gone out of production. For this reason, many doctors recommend that you have at least a basic fertility workup before attempting acupuncture treatment, particularly if you are approaching, or you are over, the age of 40.

"If it turns out you have structural problem that requires a traditional medical 'fix', then the sooner you find that out and get the proper treatment, the more likely it will be that you can get pregnant," says Dillard. At the same time Chang tells WebMD that younger women -- those in their early to mid-30s -- might want to consider acupuncture first, before investing in expensive and invasive fertility treatments. "Sometimes a few months of acupuncture will be enough to help you get pregnant on your own," he says. If, in fact, you do seek acupuncture treatment be aware that not all protocols are equal. "There is tremendous variability within the field -- with many different techniques and a great deal of the success dependant upon how much the acupuncturist knows about the treatment of infertility," says Okoronkwo.

Costs can also vary dramatically, ranging from several hundred dollars to $1,000 or more, depending on how long you are treated, and who is doing the treatment. And while many insurance companies cover the cost of acupuncture treatments, some don't when treatment involves infertility, so check your policy carefully. With that said, to help you hone in on the expert that can rock your Qi in the direction of motherhood, our experts offer the following tips:

• Look for a doctor that is adequately trained and licensed in acupuncture, as well as has a background in treating infertility. An MD who simply practices acupuncture once in a while often has just several hundred hours experience, compared to several thousand hours of training and practice required for a traditional Chinese doctor.

• Look for an acupuncturist associated with a major academic medical center.

• If you are undergoing fertility treatments with a reproductive endocrinologist, make certain that your doctor has a working relationship with your acupuncturist, and that they work in harmony to establish a treatment regimen.

• If you are not seeing a fertility specialist, do pay at least one visit to an obstetrician before seeking the help of an acupuncturist -- and make sure your obstetrician is aware of your acupuncture treatment plan.

• Although acupuncture often works in harmony with Chinese herbal medicine, if you are undergoing IVF or any traditional fertility treatment, don't take any herbs without the OK of your reproductive medicine specialist.

• If you are undergoing an IVF protocol and acupuncture simultaneously, once you reach the implantation stage it's imperative to get a pregnancy test before proceeding with more acupuncture treatments. If you are trying to get pregnant on your own it is equally important to have your pregnancy verified by an obstetrician as soon as possible. Some of the same points used to stimulate the uterus and increase fertility may also cause a miscarriage -- so your acupuncturist needs to know if you are, or could be pregnant.

IN THE WEST, acupuncture is usually sought out as a treatment for chronic health problems, whether they are musculoskeletal, neurological or even autoimmune in origin.

In the past number of years, acupuncture is also being sought out both for the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. “Sports people are discovering that when they incorporate regular use of acupuncture into a training regime, it allows them to train harder, recover faster from tough workouts and increase their overall sports performance,” says Suzanne Cafferky, an acupuncturist based in Drogheda, Co Louth.

This interest in acupuncture is developing among both amateur and professional sports people alike. Acute and persistent injuries to hamstrings, partial ligament tears, groin strain, knee pain, tennis and golfer’s elbow and Achilles tendonitis are common sports injuries treated by acupuncture. And, while it’s mainly still for the treatment of injuries, there are some sportspeople who are having acupuncture sessions prior to a sporting event to enhance performance.

David Gillick, 400 metres Irish Olympic athlete, is one such sportsperson who has found acupuncture beneficial.

“My physiotherapist introduced me to dry needling about three years ago when I had extremely tight calf muscles,” explains Gillick. “My body responded really well to the treatment and I’ve used it ever since if I’ve tight muscles. Just last Thursday, I had a tight Achilles tendon and she put five or six needles up the back of my leg and it released the tendon.” Gillick says that if you’re stressed, you’re more likely to have an injury. “So acupuncture is also a way of offloading that stress, especially around now coming into the race season.

A lot of athletes in the UK where I train are having acupuncture to relax them,” he adds. Irish Olympic badminton player Scott Evans is another professional sportsperson who has found acupuncture beneficial for the treatment of injuries. “I kept twisting my ankle and have tried just about every treatment you can get for it. About two years ago, I got acupuncture for it and it helped a lot. It brought the swelling down and gave me full movement back in my ankle so I was able to get back on court more quickly,” he explains. Evans currently trains in Denmark, where his physiotherapist incorporates acupuncture into his treatment regime. “I think it’s much more popular in Denmark than in Ireland.

A lot of physiotherapists are using acupuncture here.” Cafferky says recovery time from injuries can be reduced by up to 50 per cent when acupuncture is used alongside stretching/gentle exercises. This means that an acute condition such as a sprain, train or stiffness can be better faster.

Acupuncture also helps to nourish the tendons, ligaments and muscular system by increasing the bloodflow throughout the body. Dr Vincent Carroll, an acupuncturist and medical doctor, says the key to acupuncture’s effectiveness is that it incorporates the mental/emotional aspects of the injury as well. “Competitiveness is good once there isn’t a sense of bitterness if you don’t succeed,” he explains. “If there’s bitterness, this creates the mental or emotional aspect, which will make sports injuries more likely to happen and acupuncture can treat this dimension too.” Carroll also explains how acupuncture takes a different approach to the injury than the Western medical approach. “Take, for example, a shoulder injury from football. There are six different channels passing through the shoulder area and the acupuncturist needs to be precise and careful as they listen to and examine the patient to understand exactly where to place the needles and get the energy – blood and body fluids – flowing so that the swelling goes down. “Acupuncture is my preferred method of treatment for sports injuries – and indeed for most skeletal muscular injuries – as I consistently find it gives better results than more conventional medicine in that it leads to a quicker mobilisation and less risk of any condition becoming chronic.”

Acupuncture has a 'significant' effect on patients with mystery symptoms - and could be added to the list of available treatments for undiagnosed health problems, research shows. 7:30AM BST 30 May 2011 One in five patients has symptoms which are undiagnosed by medicine, and the cost of treating them is twice that as of a diagnosed patient. Acupuncture has a 'significant' effect on patients with mystery symptoms

A team from the University of Exeter examined 80 patients, and investigated the benefit of acupuncture being added to their usual care. After the first trial of its type, researchers say those who underwent acupuncture showed 'a significant and sustained benefit' and add that the treatment could be safely added to the list of possible therapies.

Of the 80 patients, nearly 60 per cent reported musculoskeletal problems, and in the three months prior to the experiment had accounted for treatment including 44 hospital visits, 52 hospital clinic visits, 106 outpatient clinic visits and 75 visits to non NHS workers.

Half were treated with acupuncture for 26 weeks with the other acting as a control group, reports the British Journal of General Practice. RELATED ARTICLES Skin patch may cure peanut allergy 30 May 2011 Real and fake acupuncture 'can effectively relieve the pain of headaches’ 21 Jan 2009

Those treated with acupuncture had a 'significantly improved' overall wellbeing, reporting further benefits such as new self-awareness about what caused stress in their lives and better diet and exercise. At 26 weeks the control group also underwent acupuncture - and reported the same benefits.

Comments from patients included "the energy is the main thing I have noticed. You know, yeah, it's marvellous!" and "Where I was going out and cutting my grass, now I'm going out and cutting my neighbour's after because he's elderly"; Dr Charlotte Paterson, who managed the trial, said: "Our research indicates that the addition of up to 12 five-element acupuncture consultations to the usual care experienced by the patients in the trial was feasible and acceptable and resulted in improved overall well-being that was sustained for up to a year.

"This is the first trial to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment to those with unexplained symptoms, and the next development will be to carry out a cost-effectiveness study with a longer follow-up period. "While further studies are required, this particular study suggests that GPs may recommend a series of five-element acupuncture consultations to patients with unexplained symptoms as a safe and potentially effective intervention." She added: "Such intervention could not only result in potential resource savings for the NHS, but would also improve the quality of life for a group of patients for whom traditional biomedicine has little in the way of effective diagnosis and treatment."

In an effort to find new ways to effectively fight PTSD, the U.S. Department of Defense is employing counseling programs and is exploring alternative treatments, including acupuncture. Innovative PTSD programs launched at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas in 2007 are believed to be the first comprehensive efforts of their kind in the military - importantly, they combine alternative therapies and traditional treatments for soldiers with PTSD. These programs have set a stellar example and today there are more than 15 programs up-and-running across all branches of the military for soldiers with PTSD. The Department of Defense has said that early results from these programs have been extremely positive.

These positive results build upon recent research that shows the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating PTSD. A study published in June 2007 in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease showed that acupuncture "provided large treatment effects for PTSD" similar to those seen after counseling and therapy. The study also showed that acupuncture was able to reduce PTSD symptoms, while also continuing to reduce those symptoms even three months after treatment ended. Department of Defense officials have talked about the success and promise of these programs and acupuncture specialists have weighed in on how and why acupuncture may be so effective in treating PTSD.

Because Oriental Medicine and acupuncture aim to heal the whole person rather than individual symptoms, it may be an especially valuable tool for treating PTSD, which is an anxiety disorder that affects each person in different, personal ways. For example, acupuncture is calming to the nervous system, which can be extremely shaken and traumatized by the events that caused PTSD. Through its experience to-date, the U.S. military is learning to focus on the soothing treatment of acupuncture to settle the nervous system. Oriental Medicine may become a more often used treatment for soldiers and civilians suffering from PTSD.

Sources: Archives of General Psychiatry, http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/co... U.S. Army, http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/07/1... Austin American Statesman, http://www.statesman.com/news/local... Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/e...

The specifics of the results draw clear demarcations. A total of 424 patients were studied in 31 orthopedist offices. Each received 15 treatments over a period of 6 weeks. The orthopedists were trained in acupuncture and administered the acupuncture treatments. Three groups were compared. The first group of patients received textbook acupuncture (verum acupuncture). The next group received non-relevant needle puncture (sham acupuncture).

The final group received conventional orthopedic care. Results were tabulated immediately are the series of treatments and another follow-up was performed three months after completion of the acupuncture series of treatments. Results showed greater range of motion including abduction and arm-above-head-test for the acupuncture group over the sham and orthopedic groups. Pain level reductions were also assessed.

Three Month Follow-Up The verum acupuncture group had a 65 percent recovery rate. The sham acupuncture group had a 24 percent recovery rate, and the orthopedic group had a 37 percent recovery rate measured three months following the cessation of acupuncture care. Immediate Follow-Up The verum acupuncture group had a 68 percent recovery rate. The sham acupuncture group had a 40 percent recovery rate, and the orthopedic group had a 28 percent recovery rate measured immediately following the cessation of acupuncture care. In both cases, the patients receiving acupuncture demonstrated the most clinically significant recovery rates.

Reference: Pain. 2010 Oct;151(1):146-54. Epub 2010 Jul 23. German Randomized Acupuncture Trial for chronic shoulder pain (GRASP) - a pragmatic, controlled, patient-blinded, multi-centre trial in an outpatient care environment. Molsberger AF, Schneider T, Gotthardt H, Drabik A.

The studies quantified these results against a non-acupuncture control group and a GB39 acupuncture point control group. Blood samples were taken of participants during the study.

It was shown that although acupuncture decreased menstrual pain, it was not related to plasma levels of prostaglandins. The researchers concluded that the analgesic effects of Sp6 are not mediated by prostaglandin changes in the bloodstream.

The researchers checked levels of 4 main prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2a, TXB2, 6-keto PGF1a). Sp6, San Yin Jiao, is the Three Yin Intersection acupuncture point. It is the meeting point of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels. Sp6 tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi, benefits the Kidney and Liver, regulates menstruation, activates the channels and stops pain, invigorates the blood, and calms the spirit.

Sp6 is also notable for resolving damp stagnation. The leg three Yin channels (Spleen, Liver, and Kidney) control menstruation and other gynecological and reproductive processes. Located on the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus in a depression close to the medial crest of the tibia, Sp6 is one of the more common acupuncture points used in clinical practice for the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Autoimmune disorders include Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Due to the complexity of treating autoimmune disorders, integrative medicine solutions including acupuncture and Oriental medicine have received much attention as successful therapies in their treatment.

Acupuncture is specifically noted for its use in pain relief, regulating the immune system, managing symptoms and improving quality of life. What Causes Autoimmune Disease? Under normal conditions, an immune response cannot be triggered against the cells of one's own body. In certain cases, however, immune cells make a mistake and attack the very cells that they are meant to protect. This can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases.

They encompass a broad category of over 100 diseases in which the person's immune system attacks his or her own tissue. The exact mechanisms causing these changes are not completely understood, but bacteria, viruses, toxins, and some drugs may play a role in triggering an autoimmune process in someone who already has a genetic (inherited) predisposition to develop such a disorder.

It is theorized that the inflammation initiated by these agents, toxic or infectious, somehow provokes in the body a "sensitization" (autoimmune reaction) in the involved tissues. As the disease develops vague symptoms start to appear, such as joint and muscle pain, general muscle weakness, possible rashes or low-grade fever, trouble concentrating, or weight loss. The following symptoms may point toward something being wrong: numbness and tingling in hands and feet, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or repeated miscarriages can also be caused by an autoimmune response.

How Acupuncture Treats Autoimmune Disorders According to Oriental medicine, autoimmune disorders occur when there is imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of yin and yang that disrupts the flow of qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.

Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system. In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork. 

The New York Times recently reported that sales of erectile-dysfunction drugs reached $5 billion last year. And usage of ED medications, already up 6.9 percent in 2010, is poised to grow even more—Viagra loses patent protection in 2012, making way for lower-cost generics that will eliminate price as an access barrier. ED drugs are popular for the same reason they’re problematic.

The complexity of sexuality means there are a variety of factors that can inhibit its healthy manifestation. This casts a pretty wide net in terms of who can benefit from therapies that help promote a balanced sex life. However, it also means that men experience ED for all different reasons. Yet Viagra et al. treat every case of ED exactly the same way, not only failing to address the underlying issue but also potentially exacerbating it by encouraging dependence.

An acupuncture approach to ED involves looking at a collection of symptoms—some clearly ED-related, some seemingly not—to identify an overall pattern of disharmony. Rather than trying to induce a temporary anatomical response, the acupuncturist looks to repair the root disharmony thereby eliminating the need for ongoing treatment. In acupuncture theory, sexual dysfunction of any sort—impotence, and also premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, and lack of or excessive libido—usually involves a disharmony of the Kidney system.

The Kidneys are considered the root of life and represent the deepest aspects of a person. They store what’s known as Essence, which can be thought of as vitality, or that which gives us life and makes us our unique self. As the holder of Essence, the Kidney system is responsible for birth, reproduction and sexuality. One of the most common patterns in men with ED is Kidney Yang Deficiency. In addition to impotence, other signs of Kidney Yang Deficiency include dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, sore back and knees, cold limbs and frequent urination. Another way of describing this pattern is to say that Ming-men or Life Gate Fire—thought of as the Yang aspect of Kidney Essence—is deficient or declining.

Giovanni Maciocia, in The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, says, “Sexual performance, fertility, puberty and menstruation all depend on the Fire of the Gate of Life. If the Fire of the Gate of Life declines, the Essence in men and the Uterus in women will turn cold, causing impotence and sterility in men and lack of sexual desire and infertility in women.” While Kidney is usually the first thought in cases of ED and other sexual issues, multiple systems can play a role.

The Heart, for example, controls our ability to be affectionate; Spleen relates to the nurturing aspect of sex; and Liver has to do with being assertive. ED that is more Heart-related in nature might be accompanied by palpitations and insomnia. When Spleen and Liver are involved, it’s usually because Damp Heat is present, so men might also notice heaviness in the scrotum and urethral discharge; bitter taste in the mouth, dark urine, and thirst might be there as well. Ultimately, a decline in Kidney Essence can cause or be caused by problems in any system. “The entire body and all the Organs of the body need Essence in order to thrive,” says Ted Kaptchuk, in The Web That Has No Weaver. “The Kidneys, because they store Essence, bestow this potential for life activity.

They have, therefore, a special relationship with the other Organs in that they hold the underlying texture of each Organ’s existence.” Because of this interconnectedness, just treating the Kidneys may not be enough; a disruption in any system potentially can affect the strength of Kidney Essence, the driving force behind sexuality. Acupuncturists combine verbal, visual and palpatory diagnostic tools to determine which systems are contributing to ED. ED is an external manifestation of a deeper imbalance, not a shameful symptom to be masked with artificial enhancers. By targeting ED at the root level, acupuncture actually alters the underlying pattern of disharmony, allowing men to engage in sexual activity that’s dictated by instinct rather than dependence.

In China, acupuncture has been used in the treatment of infertility for centuries. The first published account of this is seen in medical literature dating back to 11 A.D. The Chinese look at five principal organs - the liver, spleen, heart, lung, and kidney - and use acupuncture to release blockages from these systems so that energy or chi can move freely. This helps the body return to good health. Promoting fertility is one benefit that can be obtained. Acupuncture to kidney points releases psychological blocks that interfere with reproduction. - Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living by Gary Null The women treated with acupuncture? Twenty-two pregnancies (and no side effects).

Finally, a study at the Fertility Clinic Trianglen in Denmark concluded that "acupuncture ... significantly improves the reproductive outcome of IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) compared to no acupuncture." Best of all, acupuncture for infertility is truly a "whole person" treatment that looks at the woman as much more than just a dysfunctional reproductive system. "People come into my office and they're completely unprepared for conception," Lawrence told me. - The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. In a preliminary trial, women who did not ovulate were treated with acupuncture 30 times over three months. Effectiveness was determined by a combination of measures indicating ovulation was returning to normal. Acupuncture treatment resulted in a marked improvement in 35% and slight improvement in 48% of trial participants. The beneficial results achieved with acupuncture may be due to alterations in the hormonal messages from the brain to the ovary.

Auricular (ear) acupuncture has been studied in a preliminary trial and compared with standard hormone therapy for treatment of infertility. - The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions by Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. Acupuncture has proven to be effective in treating many cases of infertility.

Consult a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine who will make a diagnosis of the cause and advise on how best to treat it with acupuncture. Herbal formulas may also be recommended. - 1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses by Marshall Editions You might want to consider acupuncture. Acupuncture might not be the first thing you think of if you're having a problem with infertility, but maybe it should be. Studies - and a great deal of clinical experience - suggest that it might help, even if you're already undergoing standard therapies like in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination.

Acupuncture is actually one of the oldest medical practices in the world. - The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. The World Health Organization has published a list of over fifty diseases successfully treated with acupuncture. Included on the list are sinusitis, asthma, arthritis, the common cold, headaches (including migraine), constipation, diarrhea, sciatica, and lower back pain. Acupuncture has also been effective in the treatment of allergies, addictions, insomnia, stress, depression, infertility, and menstrual problems.

Chinese herbs are the most common element of Chinese medicine as it is currently practiced in China. - Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, and Sinusitis (rev., 3rd ed.) by Robert Ivker Hirsch connects another psychological issue - low self-esteem - to endometriosis and infertility: "In treating self-esteem issues, I work on the heart and kidney points. The acupuncture points that seem extremely valuable for this are pericardium 5 and 6. If a practitioner is having a problem with understanding whether or not a psychological issue is involved in the infertility, and the patient does not know what the issue is, pericardium 5 can be needled. If something is holding the person back, that will bring an event or dream to memory, and the patient will understand why she is stuck. - Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living by Gary Null Natural methods for infertility are most effective in anovulatory dysfunction.

Acupuncture can increase pregnancy rates in women undergoing fertility treatment. The decision to pursue conventional fertility treatments depends on age, the duration and cause of the infertility, the results of ovarian-reserve testing, finances, other health issues, emotional well-being, and thoughts and emotions about adoption or surrogate options. Seek a fertility specialist if considering conventional fertility treatments. - Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine:

Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness by Tori Hudson, N.D. One small, preliminary study found that auricular acupuncture (acupuncture of the ear) was as effective as hormone therapy in treating infertility due to endometriosis. - The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions by Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.

There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful. Indeed, one of those areas of "further research" has been infertility. And the results have been hard to argue with. - The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.

A controlled study of men with reduced sperm function found that one measure of sperm function significantly improved in the men treated with acupuncture (two times per week for five weeks) compared to controls. Similar results have been reported in other studies. Nevertheless, double-blind trials are needed to determine conclusively whether acupuncture is a useful treatment for male infertility. - The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions by Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. Hirsh sees many patients in conjunction with Western doctors for infertility problems and is able to design acupuncture treatments that complement and support the other medical procedures.

He frequently gives acupuncture treatment to women who have just been artificially inseminated, and he works with patients taking Clomid (a fertility drug) to help regulate the woman's fertility cycle. As Dr. Hirsh states, "Traditional Chinese medicine can increase the success rate of Western medicine and at the same time slow down the clock on a woman's aging endocrine system." - Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition by Larry Trivieri, Jr. As of this writing, more than eight million American adults have had acupuncture treatment. As practiced by licensed practitioners who undergo extensive training and are often trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well, it is completely safe and quite effective for a number of conditions. One of those conditions is infertility. The Yin, the Yang, and Baby Makes Three Acupuncture, like TCM, is based on a concept of the body as a balance of forces - yin (the cold, the slow, and the passive) and yang (the hot, the excited, and the active). - The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth:

The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. Chinese drugs in combination with clomiphene citrate and progesterone have proved more effective than treatment with either Chinese or Western drugs alone, and a Chinese technique combining moxibustion and acupuncture has had some success in treating infertility. Factors shown to contribute to difficulty conceiving are smoking, even moderately; exposure to nitrous oxide; and environmental hazards like pesticides, methyl mercury, and lead in tap water. - Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living by Gary Null Forty patients were treated with neon laser acupuncture, retention enemas, and injection into the endometrial nodes with common sage root, which is a blood-vitalizing or blood-moving herb. In the forty patients treated, the size of lumps diminished and symptoms disappeared in seventeen. Thirteen women conceived. Among these, six had suffered from fallopian tube blockage and seven from ovulatory dysfunction. There was a total amelioration rate of 97.5 percent. Another important consideration in reversing endometriosis and infertility is good sexual hygiene. - The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Dr. Gary Null Acupuncture by a licensed professional with experience working with fertility issues appears to be safe and well tolerated. Ginseng species are an important consideration in infertility due to their ability to enhance overall health, vitality, stamina, and endurance. Siberian ginseng may be able to promote regulation of reproductive hormones, thereby regulating the timing of ovulation. - Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness by Tori Hudson, N.D.

Various complementary medicine systems provide treatment for infertility, including homeopathy, acupuncture, and chiropractic; inquire from their respective professional associations. Above all, keep hoping. Conception involves a fair amount of mystery and miracles are constantly taking place. I recently heard about a woman who conceived her second child normally after having to undergo in vitro fertilization treatment to conceive the first time because her cervical mucus made antibodies against her husband's sperm. - The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Dr. Gary Null Weschler encourages women to spend more time outside during daylight hours, and to try traditional Chinese medicine practices like acupuncture, which has proved very helpful both in reducing stress and in resolving the hormonal imbalances that can lead to infertility. - Growing Up Green: Baby and Child Care: Volume 2 in the Bestselling Green This! Series (Green This!) by Deirdre Imus Kidneys and bladder are related and have to be treated as one in acupuncture. Within the kidneys', 'essence' is stored, and they govern all that is secluded and dormant and that is hoarded up. Their condition is disclosed in the bones and head hair." CHINESE FOLK MEDICINE relates to the urine and the sexual secretions. The health of the Water element affects the energy flow during the sexual act, and the health of the function of reproduction. Sexual fluids help lubricate and protect the sperm and egg. Problems like impotence or infertility may arise from a Water imbalance. - Staying Healthy With the Seasons by Elson M. Haas Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/027467_acupuncture_infertility.html#ixzz1KZgmI34u

Sleep matters—and yet so many of us struggle to get it. Insomnia is rampant not only in veterans but throughout society, leaving many people fatigued and cognitively impaired throughout the day or dependent on sleep medications. Fortunately, there seems to be a growing recognition that insomnia stems from an underlying imbalance that is impervious to Ambien.

Acupuncture, along with behavioral therapy, is gaining popularity as a non-prescription treatment for insomnia. People crave a natural night’s sleep, making insomnia one of the most common complaints seen by acupuncturists. In acupuncture theory, insomnia is broken down according to each person’s unique constitution and combination of symptoms.

Most commonly, sleep disturbances involve an imbalance in the Heart system. Ted Kaptchuk, in The Web That Has No Weaver, describes insomnia as “the active unable to become passive.” He says, “This usually means that Blood or Yin or both are Deficient and incapable of nourishing the Spirit stored in the Heart. There is therefore a relative excess of Yang, which is not balanced and is unable to quiet down.” This failing to nourish the Heart can lead to several pathologies that include insomnia.

Heart and Kidney Disharmony: This type of insomnia is characterized by restlessness, frequent waking, and difficulty falling back to sleep. Other signs and symptoms that would tip an acupuncturist in this direction include palpitations, irritability, dizziness, tinnitus, poor memory, back soreness, seminal emission, face flushing, and dry mouth and throat. People who are generally weak constitutionally—they suffer from frequent and chronic illnesses—and those who engage in excessive sexual activity can be prone to this type of insomnia.

Heart and Spleen Disharmony: This type of insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, easily waking during the night, and lots of dreams. Other signs and symptoms include palpitations, poor memory, dizziness, fatigue, poor appetite and pale complexion. People who eat a low-quality or imbalanced diet can tend toward this type of insomnia.

Heart and Gallbladder Qi Deficiency: This type of insomnia is characterized by lots of dreams and easily waking in a fright. Other signs and symptoms include palpitations, breathlessness and fatigue. Often, people who are generally timid fall into this category. Although a deficiency in the Heart system is most common, some cases of insomnia are characterized as more excessive in nature.

Liver Fire Flaring Upward: This type of insomnia is characterized by sleep that’s disturbed by scary dreams or nightmares. Other signs and symptoms include irritability, thirst, desire to drink, headaches, red eyes, bitter taste in the mouth, dark urine, and constipation. People who suffer from a lot of emotional stress are prone to this pattern.

Phlegm Fire Disturbing the Mind: This type of insomnia is characterized by restless sleep that involves a lot of tossing and turning. Other signs and symptoms include irritability, dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the head and oppression in the chest, nausea and poor appetite. People who eat a low-quality or imbalanced diet can tend toward this type of insomnia. In addition to the above signs and symptoms, patients with insomnia often mention that they wake up at the same time every night. In acupuncture theory, each system has an associated time frame , so knowing when sleep is disturbed can be helpful in narrowing down which systems are potentially causing insomnia.

To arrive at a final diagnosis, acupuncturists combine verbal clues with information gathered from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue. Increasingly, acupuncture is being sought for insomnia, even by people who successfully achieve sleep through the use of medications. In addition to concern about dependence and side effects, a common complaint is that medicated sleep is not quality sleep; people wake up feeling unrefreshed. Artificial sleep may be better than none at all, but it is not as restorative as sleep that is induced and sustained by the body’s innate cycles. Acupuncture, by addressing the root cause of insomnia, allows people to fall peacefully back into their natural rhythm.

Reference: 
Cheng XK, Wang ZM, Sun L, Li YH. [Post-stroke hand dysfunction treated with acupuncture at Zhongzhu (TE 3) and Waiguan (TE 5)]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2011 Feb;31(2):117-20.

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Seeds are sprouting; bare branches are starting to show buds; the earth is warming. There is a thrill in the air, perhaps even a lightness to your step. Spring brings revitalization and new beginnings. It also brings allergies.

For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring can feel like a disheartening blur of symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Allergic rhinitis, an inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, may lead to sinus infections or sinusitis.

Seasonal allergies also can exacerbate depression, digestive issues, and joint pain. Rather than temporarily alleviating these symptoms the way allergy medications do, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalance that’s causing symptoms in the first place—allowing you to enjoy the outdoors all season long. From a biomedical perspective, when grass, weeds and trees release their pollen, some people react with a heightened immune response.

This causes histamine to be released, which leads to inflammation and muscle constriction. In acupuncture theory, seasonal allergies are not isolated to the histamine response. Rather, they are looked at as a general disruption of a person’s defensive mechanisms. Instead of accepting the overreactive immune response and suppressing it with antihistamines, acupuncturists ask, why is this person’s immunity compromised? A common answer to this question is deficient Wei Qi. Wei Qi is the body’s first line of defense. Derived from essential nutrients from food, water and respiration, Wei Qi helps protect the body against external disease factors such as climactic extremes and microorganisms.

Dispersed by the Lungs through the skin and muscles, Wei Qi warms and nourishes the body’s exterior. Wei Qi circulates through the subcutaneous tissue, opening and closing pores and sweat glands. When Wei Qi is deficient, the body is not fully equipped to handle invading factors like pollen. In acupuncture language, a person with deficient Wei Qi who develops allergy symptoms after being outside might be treated for Wind invasion. Wind as a pathogenic factor is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, which include headache, stuffed nasal passages, and itchy throat and eyes.

Acupuncture points would be selected for clearing Wind (symptoms) and bolstering the deficient Wei Qi (underlying imbalance). Depending on the specific symptoms, additional points may be used. An untreated Wind invasion, for example, over time can lead to Heat or Dampness, both of which can compromise sinus function and respiratory health. (Further reading: acupuncture and the environment.) Constitutional weaknesses of one or more organ systems may need to be addressed as well.

The systems that are most commonly involved in chronic allergies are Lung, Kidney and Spleen. Lung is the most surface system in that it tends to be affected by short-term or fleeting circumstances, such as seasons. The Kidneys are important because they are considered the root of Wei Qi. Finally, the Spleen system engenders Wei Qi through the transformation of food into usable nutrients. Treating the underlying imbalance as well as the symptoms helps to optimize immune function and prevent future infections. Seasonal allergies are something many people have come to accept as an inevitable part of springtime, a trade off of sorts for the warm weather. It doesn’t have to be this way. Acupuncture can relieve and prevent seasonal allergies, without negative side effects. So go out and celebrate spring, no strings—or Kleenex—attached.

Results from a recent study provide the answer. Like other forms of chronic pain, chronic prostatitis is a complex condition with no simple solutions. Successful management of chronic prostatitis depends on treating the original source of the pain as well as the neurological and psychosocial problems that often accompany it.

As a result, your doctor may prescribe several different types of medication. Some men also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help improve coping strategies and psychological well-being. But what if you’ve tried medications and they haven’t helped your chronic prostatitis?

Should you give acupuncture a try? Results from a small study in The American Journal of Medicine suggest that acupuncture may provide relief to men with chronic prostatitis. The study compared the potential benefits of acupuncture versus sham (inactive) treatments in 89 men who had symptoms of chronic prostatitis for three or more of the past six months and who had a score of 15 or higher on the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index.

The men were randomly assigned to receive two acupuncture treatments or two sham treatments a week for 10 weeks. The sham treatments were nearly identical to genuine acupuncture needle insertions except for the location and depth of placement.

True acupuncture was nearly twice as effective as the sham procedure in relieving chronic prostatitis symptoms. Moreover, patients treated with acupuncture were more than twice as likely as the men given the inactive treatment to experience long-term prostatitis relief. Few of the men experienced complete resolution of their symptoms. This study supports findings from other trials showing a benefit from acupuncture for chronic prostatitis.

More study is needed before the treatment can definitively be recommended, but if nothing else has worked for you, a trial of acupuncture might be worth considering. Posted in Enlarged Prostate on April 5, 2011

Electro-acupuncture also caused significant improvements in social initiation, receptive language, motor skills, coordination, and attention span. Improvements in motor coordination include better writing ability. Participants were better able to write words within set lines and squares. One participant had significant improvements in swimming ability and improvements in paper cutting were also noted. Interesting motor improvements include better walking posture, speed of walking, and ability to ascend and descend stairs.

Over 70% of the children with ASD were compliant and adapted easily to the acupuncture therapy while 8% were not compliant. This was the first study ever conducted using electro-acupuncture for ASD using a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Subjects from ages 3-18 participated in the study and children who had been taking anti-epileptic drugs or who had recently had acupuncture were excluded from the study.

Classic acupuncture points for the treatment of autism were chosen for the study. Sishencong (EX-HN1), YinTang (EX-NH3), Ear naodian (AT3), and Ear shenmen (TF4) were chosen as the primary acupuncture points. Neiguan (P6), Shenmen (H7), TaiChong (Lv3), and Sanyinjiao (Sp6) were selected as complementary acupuncture points.

Children were in either in a supine or sitting position for the 30 minute acupuncture treatment. Sterile disposable .3 X 4cm (30 gauge) acupuncture needles were used and points were connected with a portable electro-acupuncture device. The investigational sham acupuncture points were chosen at a 3-5mm distance from the real acupuncture points. The treatment principle was to “to make the heart ‘unobstructed,’ regulate the liver, correct derangements or imbalances, enforce the emotion, dredge stasis, invigorate the spleen and kidney, and facilitate the source of vital function.”

References: Altern Med Rev. 2010 Jul;15(2):136-46. Randomized controlled trial of electro-acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder. Wong VC, Chen WX. Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.; 1994. Wong V. Can acupuncture of the tongue help autism? Autism-Asperger’s Digest Sept-Oct 2002;18-19:25,29. Haley SM, Coster WJ, Ludlow LH, et al. Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory: Development, Standardization, and Administration Manual, Version 1.0. Boston MA: PEDI Research Group; 1992. Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR). WeeFIM System SM. Clinical Guide: Version 5.01. Buffalo, NY: University at Buffalo; 2000. Schopler E, Reichler RJ, Renner BR. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): For Diagnostic Screening and Classification in Autism. New York, NY: Irvington; 1986.

The WFCMS, established in 2003 with its head office based in Beijing, China, is the highest academic platform for Chinese medicine societies in the world. With its 195 member societies from 57 countries worldwide, WFCMS gathers thousands of TCM master scholars and scientists in TCM research and represents the highest TCM academic level in the world. It has successfully organized seven congresses since 2004 in Beijing, Paris, Toronto, Singapore, Macau, Melbourne and The Hague.

The World Congress of Chinese Medicine is the highest international academic platform for exchanging clinical experiences, broadening academic horizons and inspiring further development in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. The theme of WCCM 2011 is "Traditional Chinese Medicine Benefits Human Health". The topics of presentations and workshops range from the study of TCM fundamental theory, clinical reports and experiences, scientific research of herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina therapy and medical qigong, to the setting of standards for higher education and scientific study, the development of a global strategy of Chinese medicine, and legislation of Chinese medicine, etc.

The treatment of pain-related diseases, TCM dermatology, and cancer management will be the focal points. The lectures and reports from many of the world-renowned Chinese medicine experts and scholars will be most appealing, and your personal participation will definitely contribute to painting this spectacular scroll of Chinese medicine. We look forward to meeting you in London in September 2011! Huijun Shen MB, MM (China), MATCM (UK) President of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine UK On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 8th World Congress of Chinese Medicine

http://www.2011wccm.com/

The findings, published this month in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, are the latest to suggest that the slow movement, breathing and meditation of tai chi results in meaningful benefits to patients with chronic health problems. Other recent studies have shown that practicing tai chi may provide benefits for patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia.

But the newest research is important because depression is notoriously difficult to treat in older people, many of whom are already coping with other health problems and are less likely to respond to drug treatment. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, studied 112 older adults in whom major depression had been diagnosed, including many who had been struggling with the illness for years. Their average age was about 70. Everyone was first treated with Lexapro, and 73 exhibited a partial improvement but still scored high on depression scales.

The rest of the patients dropped out of the study, including just one patient who had a full remission after drug treatment. The remaining depressed patients were randomly assigned to either a 10-week course of tai chi or a health education class, which included 10 minutes of simple stretching exercises. Both courses were given for two hours once a week.

After 10 weeks of tai chi, 94 percent of depressed older adults showed marked improvement on depression scales, compared with 77 percent in the health education group. And 65 percent of the people in the tai chi group experienced remission, compared with 51 percent in the education group.

The tai chi group also showed marked improvement in measures of physical function, cognitive tests and blood tests measuring levels of inflammation. “Altogether the effects were pretty dramatic,’’ said Dr. Helen Lavretsky, lead author and professor of psychiatry at U.C.L.A. “If a psychiatrist were to add exercise like tai chi, which is very nondemanding and easy to access, that would be a very beneficial thing instead of adding another drug.” Dr. Lavretsky said one reason both study groups showed improvement was that all the patients probably benefited from spending time with other people, whether it was in the practice of tai chi or the group education class.

“I’m sure the social aspect contributed to the improvement in both groups,’’ she said. “In the control group we see improvement, and that was purely because of the social interaction and bonding that occurred.” But the marked improvement in the tai chi group suggests an additional benefit from tai chi. Research has shown tai chi can improve physical function and quality of life, relieve stress and anxiety and lead to improved sleep quality, the study authors noted. The study used a form of tai chi called T’ai Chi Chih that uses 20 simple exercises that are nonstrenuous and easy enough to be performed by older adults.

Dr. Lavretsky said the findings are exciting because depression is so difficult to treat in older people, two-thirds of whom don’t respond to initial drug therapy. Often when a patient doesn’t respond to the first drug, an additional drug is given, but that’s not always practical for patients who are already taking 10 or 15 drugs for other health problems. A study this month found that more than 60 percent of patients over 65 experience moderate or major side effects the first time they are prescribed an antidepressant. “This is very easily translatable into community care,’’ she said. “As their health improves, they may be able to reduce the other drugs they are taking for pain or other problems.”

PCOS is a common disorder that affects up to 10 per cent of all women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS frequently have irregular ovulation and menstruation, with many small immature egg follicles in the ovaries. This causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone, which, in turn, leads to troublesome hair growth and acne.

Obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease are also widespread among these patients. In the current study, a group of women with PCOS were given acupuncture where the needles were stimulated both manually and with a weak electric current at a low frequency that was, to some extent, similar to muscular work.

A second group was instructed to exercise at least three times a week, while a third group acted as controls. All were given information on the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet. "The study shows that both acupuncture and exercise reduce high levels of testosterone and lead to more regular menstruation. Of the two treatments, the acupuncture proved more effective," says docent associate professor Elisabet Stener-Victorin, who is responsible for the study.

Although PCOS is a common disorder, researchers do not know exactly what causes it. "However, we've recently demonstrated that women with PCOS have a highly active sympathetic nervous system, the part that isn't controlled by our will, and that both acupuncture and regular exercise reduced levels of activity in this system compared with the control group, which could be an explanation for the results.

" The study has been published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism .

To test this theory, two researchers from the Yale University School of Medicine - Drs. Shu-Ming Wang and Zeev N. Kain - assembled a group of 55 patients for a blinded, randomized controlled trial to ascertain whether auricular acupuncture could decrease acute anxiety.

The study found that while treatment did not produce any significant physiological changes, subjects who received acupuncture at a particular point did experience a profound change in their behavioral anxiety levels - an effect that, the researchers theorize, could help reduce the levels of pain and stress in patients undergoing surgery.

1 The study population consisted of staff members of a hospital operating room - an occupation that, by nature, can generate a considerable amount of stress. Subjects were divided into three unequal groups of 22, 15 and 18 patients, respectively. The first group received bilateral auricular acupuncture at the shen men point, on the upper half of the ear near the inferior lateral wall of the triangular fossa.

The second group received the same type of acupuncture at a "relaxation" point high on the ear, at the superior wall of the triangular fossa. The third group of patients received sham acupuncture at a point on the middle ear .Treatment was performed using occlusive press needles, which were kept in place for 48 hours and then removed. The patients resumed working immediately after the needles were inserted and continued their daily work routine during the testing program.

The anxiety levels of each patient were measured just prior to needling, and at intervals of 30 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours after treatment. Anxiety levels were determined using a variety of methods, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale, which measures feelings of apprehension, tension and worry; the Life Experiences Survey, which measures the significance of specific events in a person's life; arterial blood pressure; heart rate; and electrical activity on the surface of the patient's skin. While all of the physiological traits measured -- electrodermal activity; heart rate; and blood pressure - remained relatively constant between all three groups, an important behavioral change on the STAI scale was noted in those receiving acupuncture at the relaxation point.

Patients in the relaxation group reported being "significantly less anxious" than those in the shen men and sham groups at the 30-minute and 24-hour intervals, and remained "less anxious" than patients in the shen men group 48 hours after treatment began .Based upon these results, the researchers theorized that auricular acupuncture could have a variety of applications for reducing stress and anxiety. In particular, they believed this technique could be useful in patients awaiting surgery - a group in which approximately two-thirds of all subjects experience "intense" levels of anxiety.2,3 "Although preoperative anxiety and the anxiety of healthy volunteers may be different, it can be hypothesized that auricular acupuncture may be equally effective for the reduction of anxiety by patients undergoing surgery," they wrote. "

This is of particular importance as auricular acupuncture is technically easy, reliable, inexpensive, and is associated with minimal adverse affects." Wang and Kain added that since several studies have documented an association between anxiety and pain, and that since ear acupuncture would appear to reduce anxiety for an extended amount of time, the use of acupuncture on a patient just prior to surgery could have a positive impact on that patient's feelings of pain and anxiety immediately after surgery. "It may be that preoperative auricular acupuncture may decrease postoperative anxiety and pain levels," they remarked. The researchers did not explain how (or why) anxiety levels were lower for patients in the relaxation group, saying only that "the mechanism behind the observation made in our study is unclear." However, they noted previous studies suggesting that body acupuncture might affect the release of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, a chemical that may help determine a person's emotional state.

Although the number of patients treated was relatively small, Kain and Wang employed several testing methods to enhance the quality of the study. First, they made sure the study volunteers worked in the same type of environment, which helped ensure similar stress and anxiety levels for each group. Second, the researchers made sure the volunteers were present and working during the time of treatment. Finally, volunteers from all three groups were contacted daily, so that any unexpected changes in the volunteers' personal lives or work environment could be documented and factored into the final outcome.

Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that auricular acupuncture could decrease anxiety levels in otherwise healthy subjects. They added that "the results of the study suggest that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for individuals experiencing intense levels of daily stress and anxiety," and recommended "a randomized controlled trial be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique for the treatment of preoperative anxiety." Reference 1. Wang SM, Kain ZN. Auricular acupuncture: a potential treatment for anxiety. Anesthesia and Analgesia Feb 2001;92(2):548-553. 2. Ramsay MAE. A survey of preoperative fear. Anesthesia 1972;27:396-402. 3. Johnston M. Preoperative emotional states and post-operative recovery. Adv Psychosom Med 1986;15:1-22.

The second group solely received advice on keeping well. Experts found that the frequency and severity of hot flushes fell in the treatment group. Women kept a diary of the number and severity (on a 0 to 10 scale) of hot flushes they were experiencing. The results showed that the number of hot flushes fell by 5.8 per 24 hours in the acupuncture group and 3.7 per 24 hours in the control group.

Hot flush intensity decreased by 3.2 units in the acupuncture group and 1.8 units in the control group. The acupuncture group also experienced better sleep and better physical well-being.

The study was carried out by experts at the National Research Centre in Alternative and Complementary Medicine in Tromso, Norway. Researcher Terje Alraek said the study involved women self-reporting their symptoms. He said this type of research had been validated against other studies where flushes are scientifically analysed using data from the skin.

He added: "After menopause, 10 to 20pc of all women have nearly intolerable hot flushes. "The promising results of the Acuflash study suggest that acupuncture may be able to provide an alternative to long-term use of hormone replacement therapy." Mark Bovey, of the British Acupuncture Council, said: "Our members have for many years successfully helped patients suffering from various menopausal symptoms. "At a time when the body is undergoing numerous physical and emotional changes, an acupuncturists' approach of treating the individual, rather than the illness, can help smooth the transition, providing relief from symptoms as well as an improved sense of well-being

." In the second study, 53 postmenopausal women were divided into two groups, with 27 receiving traditional acupuncture and the rest given fake or "sham" acupuncture. The women receiving the proper treatment attended a clinic twice a week for 10 weeks, with the needles left in position for 20 minutes at a time. Symptoms of the menopause, including hot flushes and mood swings, were measured in all the women at the start and end of the study. Experts found that those women given traditional acupuncture had fewer symptoms of hot flushes and fewer mood swings than women not on the treatment. The beneficial effects appeared to grow over time, with stronger results seen between the first and last acupuncture sessions. The study was published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine and was carried out by experts from the Ankara Research and Training Hospital in Turkey. 

SAMPLE CASE STUDY BASED ON ACTUAL PATIENT

Treatment: January 2004 Patient Age: 43 Gender: Female Occupation: Office Manager

Subjective Patient Complaints: Adult onset asthma- Dyspnea, cough and occasionalwheezing symptoms upon increased physical exertion/ exercise or “stress” situations

Onset: Three years ago insidiously, although after thorough questioning of the patient she revealed that she had lost a beloved pet and experienced much grief.What palliates/provokes the symptoms? Provoked by exercise, emotional/physical Stress,cigarette smoke, mold, and also worse with seasonal respiratory allergies. Acute dyspnea andasthma symptoms temporarily eased with prescription bronchial inhaler medication.

Quality of symptoms: Bronchial spasm creating difficult expiration; a sensation of tightnessin the chest, occasional wheezing symptoms. This patient states that on a scale of 1-10, where10 is the best, she rates her symptoms as a three, due to the amount of interruption anddisturbance to her normal daily routine.Is there any radiation of symptoms? The dyspnea, wheezing and cough often causes neckand upper back soreness and stiffness, “tightness” sensation in chest, and occasional sore throatfrom the forceful coughing.Describe the site of symptomatology: Bronchial, Lung, Chest/ Thoracic regionTime of day/ duration of symptoms:

Daily episodes of dyspnea. Symptoms often worse@3-5 AM causing patient to awake coughing. Patient reports having to use medication(bronchial inhaler) at least 3-4 times a day typically associated with the above mentionedstressors.Prior contributory health history:

1) Seasonal upper respiratory allergies, primarily Springand Fall

2) Occasional episodes of mild eczema (dermatitis) over the last few years on handsand forearms in times of extreme grief/stress

3) Occasional loose stools when under stress

4)Reports a history of being healthy, aside from this recent asthma problem; and athletic,involved in recreational sports. She enjoys caring for and riding her two horses but now findsdifficulty exercising aerobically due to the dyspnea.Characteristics of symptoms based upon Five Element Theory:

a) Emotion of griefassociated with the Lung meridian and skin conditions, as in this patients eczema.

b) Patient’sstress often causes loose stool, indicative of the coupled meridian association of Lung/ LargeIntestine.

C) The white pallored skin hue is also associated with the metal element (lung andlarge intestine).Objective Findings:Diagnostic Test Results:A. Patient presents with a series of cardiopulmonary evaluations and reports from Mayo Clinic toinclude: - Radiograghic examination of the heart and lungs- Spirometery and electrocardiogram- Determination of blood carbon dioxide pressure and hematocrit- Observation of patient during exerciseIn summary , the medical diagnosis of “Adult-Onset Asthma” was given.B. Electro-Meridian Imaging Evaluations:

C. Cervical and Thoracic subluxation complex (C1, C4, C5; T4-5,T10-12) with associatedparavertebral myospasm; and costo-transverse subluxation (at T4 on the right); as per palpationand motion palpation findings

.D. Intermittent dyspnea observed- Symptoms temporarily lessened with bronchial inhaler

.E. Tongue Characteristics: Mild swelling of front portion of tongue typically indicative of phlegmretention. Coating-sticky to normal; Pale on sides of tongue. All characteristics together areassociated with adult-onset asthma.

F. Patient has a strong, athletic appearance although has a pale “whitish” hue to her complexion

G. Patient was screened for any signs of vertebral-basilar insufficiency (Wrights Test) and nocirculatory insufficiency was detected.Working Diagnosis: (Include Western Medical/ Chiropractic and/or Acupuncture Impression):Medical- Adult-onset asthmaEastern/Acupuncture- Lung, Kidney, Triple Heater, Large Intestine meridian energeticimbalances.Chiropractic- Cervical and Thoracic Subluxation Complex; Costo-transverse subluxation complexTreatment Protocol:

A. Acupuncture points utilized and procedure/ other techniques used with rational for treatment per session

Week #1Treatment #1: Initial EMI exam. Acupuncture with needle to balance EMI, patient supine ( LU 7,TH-10, LI-6, KI-4). Full spine manual chiropractic mobilization (Diversified) to spinal subluxationcomplexes palpated. Patient instructed to stimulate Chinese Miracle Point for cough on palmerhand between 2nd and 3rd digit distal metacarpal head manually with a blunt object a minimum of3 times per day for 15 seconds or as needed to calm cough. Patient is prescribed to take apatent Asian Herbal formulation of twelve grams per day to assist and suppress the asthmacondition (ProBotanixx Formula AS-137, Ping Chuan H). Throughout the course of treatment thepatient will continue to use her prescription medication bronchial inhaler as previously prescribedby her medical physician.

Treatment #2: Alarm and XI Cleft points for involved meridians in initial EMI ( Alarm Points=LU-1,CV-5, ST-25, GB-25; XI points= LU-6,TH-7, LI-7, KI-5). Patient instructed to continue utilizingthe cough point on the hand to help with dyspnea as needed throughout the course of treatment.Auricular Therapy- Ear patches placed in ear on the following points: Bronchi, Trachea,Antihistimine, Sympathetic to ease symptoms. Patient can provide added manual stimulate to thepatches daily at least three times per day. Diversified chiropractic adjusting techniques to correctthoracic and cervical subluxation complexes.

Week #2Treatment #3: Jing- River points utilized for respiratory problems : LU8, LI-5, KI-7. Extraordinarychannel points LU-7 and KI-6 as a tonification treatment to suppress patients asthma. Ear pointstreated with needle: Lung points, Bronchi, Shen Men, Adrenal, Antihistimine. Full spine manualchiropractic adjusting techniques (Diversified) to palpable subluxations. The following nutritionalsupplements were discussed and recommended- General daily multiple vitamin/ mineral, VitaminB Complex, Calcium/ Magnesium, liquid trace minerals to replenish electrolytes= 20 drops perday.

Treatment #4: Patient reports dyspnea is improving with less intense symptoms and somewhatless frequent episodes. EMI re-evaluation performed today, showing improvement. The lungmeridian remains split but much less than the first evaluation. The large intestine meridian is nolonger involved, and the kidney meridian although low is not split. Triple Heater is only slightlyhigh now. With the patient supine the following points were stimulated with electrical stimulationattached to the needle for added stimulation: LU-7 (Luo pt), TH-4 (Sedation Point), KI-3(Tonification Point). The associated points of the involved meridians were stimulated with apiezo-electical stimulator (BL-13 for lung, BL-22 for Triple Heater, BL-23 for Kidney). Full spinechiropractic Diversified mobilization to palpated fixations.

Week #3Treatment #5: Patient improving with less dyspnea although began awakening between 3-5 AMwith a cough and wheezing. Patient instructed to treat the Lung 8 Horary point during the timeshe awakes in distress; LU-8 was also needled today. The spring points for the involvedchannels were treated with needle to decrease inflammation: LU-10, TH-2, LI-1. The Jing-Riverpoints were also needled: LU-8, LI-5, KI-7. The following ear points were stimulated with a handheldmicro current electrical stimulator: Lung Points, Wonderful point=Point Zero, Adrenal,Sympathetic). Chiropractic Diversified technique with emphasis on the thoracic spinalsubluxations.

Treatment #6: LU-7, LU-1, KI-3, TH-5 were needled to strengthen the involved meridians. TheHuatuojiaji points were all stimulated using a reflex hammer to further enhance this tonifyingtreatment, followed by full spine chiropractic mobilization to palpated subluxation. Patientinstructed to percuss KI-27, ST-12 and sternum for further home stimulation three times per dayto help stimulate the chest and thoracic region.

Week #4Treatment #7: Patient reports feeling significantly better and only using inhaler one time per daynow. EMI re-evaluation performed today revealing only the lung meridian being involved asslightly high but no longer split. Treatment today consisted of needling LU 7, LU-8, LU 1bilaterally. The patient is instructed to continue using her Asian Herbal formulation. Thetreatment schedule is being decreased to just one visit per week for the next two weeks until thenext re-evaluation. Diversified chiropractic adjustments to spinal subluxations.

Week # 5Treatment #8: Patient feeling well and has not felt the need to use her inhaler all week. Thistreatment all the Tsing and Spring points were treated using cold (red) laser diode stimulation for30 seconds per point, to keep the patient relaxed and all inflammation under control. Lung #1,7,8 were needled. Full spine Diversified and activator chiropractic adjustment performed toinvolved subluxations.

Week #6Treatment #9: Patient continues to be free of dyspnea, and again has not used the bronchialinhaler for two weeks now. Another EMI exam was performed today showing all meridians inbalance. Treatment today was supportive- the previous involved meridian alarm points werestimulated needle- LU-1, CV-5, ST-25, GB-25. The Huatuojioji points were stimulated with areflex hammer and the following ear points were stimulated with the hand-held micro currentstimulator: Lung, Bronchi, Kidney, Triple Heater, Adrenal. Mobilization techniques to cervical andthoracic subluxation which is now minimal due to less coughing and almost normal breathingpattern. Treatment schedule is now being reduced to a visit next month or to return if symptomsre-appear. Also, patient will decrease herbs to 2-4 tablets per day (@ three grams) or to increaseto twelve grams if necessary should the patient begin needing the bronchial inhaler again as sheincreases her activity levels.

Week #10Treatment #10: Patient continues to be symptom free even with stress and riding her horsesvigorously again. She states that with returning to running and other aerobic exercising thatunless she uses two herbal tablets per day then she begins to feel some dyspnea and tightnessin the chest. This patient will return next season for a booster treatment and to prepare for thestresses of seasonal allergies. Today with the patient supine LU-1 and LU-8 were needled assupportive care as well as LU-7/ KI-6 and P6/TH5 to keep the extraordinary channels clear. Thepatient is instructed to use the herbal formulation only as needed and to maintain all nutritionalsupplements.B. Number of Treatments: Ten treatments over a ten week period. This patient is advised toreturn seasonally or as needed to maintain the desired clinical response. Allergy season in theSpring and Fall may require more intensive therapy and altered herbal/ nutritional supplements.C. Mobilization Techniques (Tuina, Chiropractic Manipulative Techniques utilized, physicaltherapy modalities): Chiropractic diversified technique and Activator technique.D. Electro-Meridian Imaging (EMI) Ryodoraku findings: Please refer to attached graphs, as wellas to explanations as they formulated the treatment plans.E. Supplements/Nutrition/Herbs recommended: Asian Herbal Formulation for Asthma, GeneralMultiple Daily Vitamin, B- Complex, Calcium/Magnesium, Liquid Trace Minerals- 20 drops perday.F. Ancillary Procedures: 1) Stimulation of the lung horary point at the appropriate time of day. 2)Stimulation of the hand cough point as necessary 3) Anterior chest percussion manually over KI-27 , ST-12 and over the sternum.G. Results: This patient no longer suffers from the symptoms of asthma. She is able to live herlife to include strenuous exercise and encounter stressful situations without asthma symptoms,and has not had an outbreak of eczema nor any bouts of loose stools to date.H. Comments/ Testimonials from patient: Verbal only- Patient very pleased with her results aftersuffering for three years. She is also looking forward to working to managing her seasonalallergies with care in this office.I. Personal comments from treating physician: The patient will carry her bronchial inhalerprescription medication with her should an exacerbation occur. She is advised to return nextseason for evaluation and possible treatment to counteract any allergy symptoms that in the pastwould trigger an asthmatic response.