Shingles Acupuncture Clinic

Traditional  Chinese  Medicine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture entails the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at certain acupoints on your body. 
 
The efficacy of acupuncture has been backed by many research studies. Acupuncture is believed to work in the following ways in particular:
  • ​​Releasing opioid-like chemicals produced in the body. Acupuncture may release self-healing and pain-relieving chemicals, which have similar properties to opioid pain relievers.
  • Releasing neurotransmitters/hormones. Acupuncture can stimulate neurotransmitters /hormones which are in charge of regulating on/off mechanisms of nervous system and self-healing mechanism.
  • Triggering electromagnetic impulses in the body. Acupuncture can stimulate electromagnetic impulses which can help speed the body’s self-healing and pain tolerance.
 
Regardless of how it works, trials on acupuncture for self-healing, treating pains and various disorders have shown great results with very little risk of side effects. Acupuncture could be even better than most pain medications as shown by scientifical studies.
 
Besides the efficacy of acupuncture on pain management, it also works well with chronic disorders. It may require multiple treatment phases to achieve desired outcomes. Each phase consists of 5-7 focused treatments with assessment upon completion. Treatment plans are to be developed collaboratively between the client and the practitioner based on client goals and progress of treatment.
 
In conclusion, as stated in a study in 2017, "Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal, headache, and osteoarthritis pain. Treatment effects of acupuncture persist over time and cannot be explained solely in terms of placebo effects. Referral for a course of acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for a patient with chronic pain."
 
 
Contradictions:
  • If you are pregnant, certain types of acupuncture could stimulate labor and delivery. Speak with your practitioner prior to treatment.
  • If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, acupuncture poses some health risks. It is advisable to discuss your medications and/or any concerns with your practitioner prior to treatment.
  • It is not advised to receive acupuncture if you are very thirsty, dehydrated or excessively fatigue.
 
 
References:
 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198932/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22965186/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27852100/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27145001/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36550855/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35017242/;

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, originated from China and has been used since about 500 BC. It is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), together with acupuncture, herbal medicine, blood letting, cupping, scraping and Tuina (Chinese Massage).
 
Moxibustion enails the burning of mugwort leaves. The mugwort leaf is pure yang nature and has the ability to open and penetrate the twelve meridians (namely highway of energy), muscle, tendon and bones, regulate chi (energy) and blood, expel cold and dampness, enhance the function of organs, regulate menstruation and ease the fetus etc. “Moxibustion can penetrate all meridians and eliminate hundreds of diseases.”
 
Further more, “moxibustion is the ultimate therapy when Acupuncture or Chinese Herbal Medicine is not enough”, because it has combined the advantages of both acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Namely, it does work on the channels (the high ways of energy “Chi”) and acupoints, as well as on individual body organs.
 
Moxibustion can:
(1)strengthen blood circulation;
(2)stimulate flow of energy;
(3)unblock channels (e.g. the highway of energy in the body);
(4)reduce pain and swelling;
(5)support good metabolism;
(6)improve women's gynecological conditions;
(7)strengthen the immune system to support and maintain good health.
 
 
What results to expect
The effectiveness of Moxibustion has been proven for various conditions. For example, pain relief, pain management, gynecology issue, digestive issue and mental health etc. Long term application of moxibustion is helpful for eliminating/reducing chronic issues. The meaning of Chinese character “艾灸”（moxibustion） means long term application of moxibustion.
 
A 2017 review of studies comparing moxibustion to drug therapies and sham treatment concluded that moxibustion was effective. A 2020 review of studies further concluded moxibustion and acupuncture can increase bone density, reduce spondylitis, reduce lumbar disc herniation, reduce pain, strengthen digestion system, relieve fatigue etc..
 
 
 
 
Contraindications:
Moxibustion may be contra-indicated in the following cases: patients who are dehydrated, very thirsty, fatigued or hungry
 

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/moxibustion#other-uses;

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moxibustion/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35114338/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24088418/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34189864/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24088418/;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32186109/

 

Cupping

The cupping method is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created by introducing heat in the form of an ignited alcohol cotton ball. Cupping can warm up and promote the free flow of chi and blood in the meridians, dispel cold and dampness, diminish swellings and pains. 
 
Cupping also works well to release stress, stagnated blood and qi (“chi” ) like soreness and heavy feeling in our body.
 
In practice, we also apply cupping with blood-letting to treat various disorders:
 
  • Shingles;
  • Knee pain and reduced range of movement;
  • Lower back pain and limitation of movement;
  • Shoulder pain with limitation of movement;
  • Chronic Headache.
 
Contraindication:
 
In case of injury, Cupping may be applied, but not at the area of trauma.
 
For pregnant women, Cupping shall be avoid on the belly and shall be cautiously applied around the lower back area.

Gus Sha (Scraping)

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine healing method that applies instrument-assisted unidirectional “press-stroking “of a lubricated area of body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae representing extravasation of blood/fluid in the subcutis.
 
Gua sha is working on the skin, but its efficacy can go deep to the connective tissue and alert the signals of cells in the connective tissue. In response, the cells use this signal to alter their actions of nourishing, healing and repairing the surrounding tissues.
 
In our practice, Guasha especially works well with the following concerns:
  • skin issues, like hives, eczema;
  • diabetic foot ulcers.
 
In addition, Gua sha is a great method to maintain health. 
 
Contraindication: In case of injury, Gua Sha may be applied, but not at the area of trauma. For pregnant women, Guasha shall be avoid on the belly and shall be cautious to be applied around the lower back area.

CHINESE HERB MEDICINE

Chinese herb medicine has been used for thousand years, with documentation dating back to 200 BCE. The history of herb medicine is one full of trial-and-error correction through “human guinea pigs” trying various herb formulas. Through repeated trials and documentation, the clinical efficacy of Chinese herb medicine has been well established and proven. Furthermore, its side effects have been recorded and well controlled through the synergy of herbs’ combination (“Herb Formula”).
 
A typical Herb formula consists of 4-8 herbs, in which there are main herbs (called as “Monarch”), associate herbs (called as “Minister”), assistant herbs (“Assistant”) and guide herbs ("Guide") . Monarch targets the main symptoms/syndrome; Minister is to support the Monarch to enhance its efficacy or to target the accompanying symptoms or the secondary syndrome. Assistant is to enhance the efficacy of the Monarch/ Minister through prolonging the treatment period, or by eliminating any toxicity of Monarch/Minister. Guide herbs guide the formula to the targeted meridian, organs or parts of body. Thus you could say Herb Formula is a type of team work with proven efficacy.
 
After centuries of practice, the Herb Formulas have been perfected per the typical disharmony patterns of today. Appropriate formula prescription shall be based on accurate differential diagnosis. Thus, it is important to consult your TCM practitioner to select the most appropriate formula.