Acupuncture and TCM herbs for Asthma | How it works

Asthma belongs to the category of "xiao zheng"(wheezing syndrome) in TCM. Its pathogenic factors include endopathic and exopathic aspects. The former refers to congenital defect, kidney qi deficiency and weak constitution, or allergic constitution, or the lung obstructed by long-retained phlegm. The latter is related to invasion by exogenous pathogenic factors, improper diet, emotional disturbance, over strain, etc. Phlegm, as the principal pathogenic factor, accumulates in the lung and becomes an "obstinate root" of Asthma. Because of this, an acute attack of Asthma may be induced by sudden change of climate, aspiration of allergen, improper diet, emotional disorder or over strain.

We always have parents question if TCM acupuncture or herbal medicine can help their child with Asthma. The answer is " Definitely, acupuncture and herbal medicine can reduce Asthma attacks and wheezing and also treat it from the root. But diet is crucial when it comes to treat Asthma. Nothing will work without changing the eating habits of the patient! FOOD IS ALSO MEDICINE in TCM theory.
It is not easy by any mean for children and the parents in the journey with the Diet no dairy, no sugar (except for a few fruits like apples and avocados), no cold drinks, no juice box, no pop! But NO PAIN NO GAIN! If after 3 or 6 or 12 months, No more puffer,no more steroids, no more hospital visits! Will it be great for the child? OF COURSE!

Asthma affects 1 in 6 children in North America, 50% of them have some allergies to animal dander, pollen and dust. And millions of children miss school daily because of asthma attacks.

In Chinese Medicine, childhood Asthma is often a combination of Lung, Spleen & Kidney Qi deficiency. Boosting the defensive (Wei) Qi of the Lung, and the source (Yuan) Qi of the Kidney systems, as well as nourishing the Zhong (Middle) Qi of the Spleen & Stomach with a healthy diet also with the herbal medicine from our mother nature, will result in a great outcome. 

ON top of a deficiency, there are 3 types of asthma: Cold, Heat and or Damp. No matter what, dairy and sugar should be avoided completely. 

Looking for experienced and licensed acupuncturist or TCM practitioner, please call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic @ 416-800-3978 to set up the appointment or book it online 

Asthma in TCM

When using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our TCM herbalist will customize the herbal prescription to meet the specific needs of your condition. A variety of single herbs are commonly added or subtracted to maximize the clinical effectiveness of the treatment. 

Except acupuncture ,herbal medicine, cupping  therapy is also a great option to help you beat Asthma. 

One of the most remarkable treatments to improve asthma symptoms is the ancient practice of cupping, though many mainstream and even alternative doctors have been slow to embrace it. But Hippocrates used cupping and wrote about it CENTURIES ago. And a thousand years ago, the Persian physician Avicenna described a technique for using cupping to disperse inflammation in the body (which explains its efficacy as a curative measure for asthma, considering its connection to inflammation).

Acupuncture: Effective Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve which results in pain, numbness and tingling. Sciatica pain is typically felt in the lower back radiating down the back of the thigh to below the knee. The pain may be felt as a cramp, as shooting pain down the leg or tingling in the leg or foot. Some patients report that the pain intensifies with coughing or sneezing, and bending the knees or squatting may also make it worse. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body, starting as five pairs of nerve roots in the lower or lumbar spine and extending through the buttocks and down to the lower leg. It lies near the sacrum, the back of the pelvis, the back of the thighs, behind the knee and smaller branch nerves travel all the way to the feet.

Sciatica occurs when something pushes on the sciatic nerve. This can be a muscle spasm, the spinal discs, and sometimes even the spine itself. Most often this pain is due to muscle spasms or a slipped disc, but it can also be a sign of serious illness and it is important to go to you doctor for a diagnosis. Technically, sciatica is not a disease, but a group of symptoms that affect the region of the sciatic nerve. Radiating pain is one of the more common and intense symptoms, there can also be numbness and tingling starting in the lower back radiating down the leg. Furthermore, sciatic nerve compression can be caused by several different types of spinal disorders such as: 1) a herniated disc 2) lumbar spinal stenosis 3) spondylolisthesis 4) trauma 5) piriformis syndrome 6) spinal tumors.

Acupuncture is effective for the alleviation of sciatica. Guangzhou Zengcheng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial and determined that warm needle acupuncture achieves a 96.15% total effective rate. 

Treating sciatica with acupuncture is helpful because it can really relieve the pain and inflammation within the sciatic nerve. Meiji University of Oriental Medicine did research on the effectiveness of acupuncture on sciatica treatment; they found that acupuncture not only influence humans’ pain inhibitory system, it participates in causing a transient change in sciatic nerve blood blow, including circulation to the cauda equine and nerve root. To further your understanding of how acupuncture relieves sciatic nerve pain: there are important acupuncture points within our back that can effectively trigger the sciatic nerve, thereby decreasing inflammation, numbness and pain.

Most of the patients experience substantial sciatica relief after their first treatment, for 1 - 2 times treatment per week for at least 4 to 6 weeks to see the progress.

Important note: It usually take 3 to 5 years from Low back pain slowly turn into Sciatica pain, so address your low back pain in the early stage is always better than later.

Book an Appointment with our Therapists online Now

Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today at 416-800-3978
to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.

So you can experience greater health and well-being!

Acupuncture and Natural Therapies for Sciatica

1 acupuncture point to boost immunity power by Moxibustion流感季节艾灸一个穴位提升免疫力

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy that is used in Traditional Oriental Medicine.  It is made from the Chinese herb, Mugwort (Artemisiae Argyi).  It comes in many forms, as moxa sticks, cones, loose herb, etc to provide indirect and direct stimulation on acupuncture points.  It is a gentle yet effective way to strengthen your body.  Moxibustion therapy is a gem of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 

Moxibustion or moxa on the acupuncture point ST36 is traditionally used to improve longevity and prevent illness.  It strengthens the body by tonifying the qi and blood and boosting the immune system.

Moxibustion can be a simple addition to a treatment that can boost your immunity, strengthen your body, and increase your general sense of well-being!  It’s an easy way to boost your immunity during this flu season.  

Ask your acupuncturist if moxa is right for you.

 流感季节，预防为主，这年头我们都知道拼的不是财力学历或什么权力，拼的是我们身体的自身免疫力，所以提高免疫力是防病抗毒的关键。

提高免疫力除了养成积极的生活习惯,比如充足的睡眠，合理的饮食，适量的运动，保持良好的情绪是关键外，还有一个很古老又简单有效而且在家里就可以调理的方法：艾灸，中古历代在防疫中，这不起眼的艾草从来就扮演着举足轻重的角色，因为它就是提高我们身体免疫力最简单而有效的办法。

用艾草防疫，在中国有着上千年的历史，现代医学药理也证明艾草是一种抗菌抗病毒的药物，其对病菌有着抑制和杀伤的作用，而且对呼吸系统疾病也有防治的效果。熏艾条可以除湿、杀虫、除菌。

《内经》云：“正气存内，邪不可干。”艾灸最能补人体之阳气之正气，《扁鹊心书》中说：“保命之法，灼艾第一。”“日为天之阳，艾为地之阳。”据现代科学研究表明，艾草是所有植物中进行光合作用效率最高的植物，生长过程中能极大吸收转化太阳热能。艾灸过程中，能释放大量阳气被人体吸收，循经走络，直达病灶，能有效祛除寒湿邪气，通经络，调气血，补元阳，强大身体的免疫功能。那么灸哪个穴位最能提高免疫力。我们都知道中医有这么一句话“常灸足三里，胜吃老母鸡” 为自己和家人的健康点上一支艾香。

Acupuncture Moxibustion for Fetal Malposition Breech baby

The root cause of fetal malposition is considered in traditional Chinese medicine to result from a deficiency in Kidney energy which, due to the Kidney’s relationship to the uterus and its role in nourishing the foetus, may lead to either deficiency or stagnation of uterine qi and foetal qi and blood. 

The yin of the Kidney nourishes and dominates the development and growth of the foetus through the pregnancy. As the birth date approaches and yin reaches its zenith, yang must begin to grow in order to turn the foetus and prepare for the intense activity of birth. If, towards the time of delivery, there is insufficient yang activity of the uterus, due either to deficiency or stagnation, then yang must be stimulated. Enough Yang means having enough energy, or enough strength, which it is very important for breech fetus turning around or for baby delivery.

TCM Acupuncture / Moxibustion Treatment

The traditional chinese Acupuncture /Moxibustion treatment involves the application of a tiny needle or a moxa stick to the acupuncture point Zhiyin BL-67 along with other acupoints for about 20 to 30 minutes, once a day for ten days, or twice a week for 8 to 10 sessions.

Timing of treatment 

Looking at the optimum time for turning a breech baby with acupuncture / moxibustion have found that intervention is most efficient between week 33 to week 35, before the baby has grown too big. 

Suggestion: See the licensed and experienced acupuncturist when you are as close to 34 weeks pregnant for twice a week Acupuncture / Moxibustion treatment at least for 8 to 10 sessions. It is not only for breech baby turing around, but also for a smoother delivery.

2 Acupuncture Points for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a kind of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and are at the upper end of the spectrum. Leg veins have one job to do – carry oxygen-depleted blood from the feet back up to the heart to get more oxygen. To keep blood going up, healthy veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing back down. In people with CVI, those valves fail to work well, and blood pools in the ankles and feet.

Most of the millions of people with varicose veins don't consider them a medical issue. But for some, the condition develops into something more serious.The below chart shows the different stages of Varicose Veins.  

The colour of the varicose veins is usually blue to dark purple and this colour is very significant according to traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis.

Purple and bluish veins indicate that the body system is being affected by a traditional diagnostic concept known as “Blood Stasis”.

There is saying in Chinese medical texts dating back hundreds of years that says “Blood stasis is the cause of all problems and blood stasis complicates all conditions”. 

The term blood stasis includes symptoms like varicose veins, spider veins and thick dry skin such as on the heel as well as fixed stabbing pains that could be anywhere in the body. Ancient Chinese physicians understood the concept of blood flow and the relationship of blood vessels to the heart hundreds of years before the US medical physician William Harvey wrote about blood circulation.

Many people believe that acupuncture is limited to treat nerve and pain syndromes. It then comes as a surprise to people to learn that acupuncture can help with blood circulation problems such as chest pain from heart disease, varicose veins, Raynaud’s disease and diabetes related peripheral neuropathy.

Ancient Chinese physicians even understood the connection between the lungs and heart and their relationship with oxygen exchange. A special acupuncture point on the wrist, known as tai yuan, Lung 9, was allocated the special role of being the meeting acupuncture point of all blood vessels. It can be used to treat all problems with blood vessels including varicose veins and heart pain.

Other acupuncture points on the leg such as the one called “sea of blood”, Spleen 10, is used to increase circulation of blood when it is suspected of being “stuck” as in blood stasis.

More and more people are seeking alternatives like acupuncture to treat varicose veins instead of surgery. This is because too many operations have been unsuccessful and left people dissatisfied and the word gets around. Getting surgery on veins is like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted”
 
Foot bath with Chinese herbs that will help legs blood circulation: 

Dangui(当归）、Honghua(红花）、Niuqi(牛膝)、 Cuanqiong(川芎) Ginger(姜）

Have a warm foot bath (water temperature around 40 cels degrees) every night 

Relieve the tiredness of your legs and prevent Varicose veins

1 SIMPLE HOME REMEDY FOR LEG CRAMPS

Leg cramps are common, many people expereince it occasionally, ederly people and pregnant women have higher risk to develop this issue.

When leg cramps happen, it is not so fun,expecially at night time, it could be so annoying to wake you up at midnight and it is also so painful, sometimes it goes away quick but sometimes it could last for a while. 

Here is the simple home remedy that Traditional Chiese Medicine Practitioners or TCM Doctors will recommend: Drink a cup of cane suger water. It will soothe the cramps pain right away. For night leg cramps, you can drink it before bedtime, and it will prevent the night leg cramps.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), leg cramps are muscle and tendon problems which have both external and internal origins. Since liver stores blood and rules tendons, spleen dominates limbs and rules muscles, and kidney rules bones. When these organs are weakened, that fail to nourish the muscles and tendons, there will be abnormal movements in the limbs. Meanwhile, when external pathogens like coldness and dampness or sports injuries further disturb the blood and qi (vital energy) activities in the legs, muscle cramps will be induced. Furthermore, the body's blood tend to flow back to the liver for storage at night, less blood flows to the muscles and tendons, and so leg cramps are more readily to occur during sleep.

Acupressure Massage for Leg Cramps

Acupressure or massage involves applying various manipulations to stimulate the soft tissues, stretch the muscles and mobilize the joints, which can promote blood circulation and remove stagnations, restore impaired soft tissues and correct bone and joint deformities. Massage can relax muscles and tendons, reduce pain and soreness, speed up the recovery process and help feel better. Acupressure Massage is an effective home remedy for relieving and preventing leg cramps.

3 Acupressure Points for Leg Cramps

1. Hold in fist, rub on the center of the soles to warm it up;

2. Press and knead on the 3 acupressure points: Weizhong (Bl 40),  Chengshan (Bl 57), Kunlun (Bl 60). Use the thumb to knead forcefully on each point for 30 seconds;

3. Pad the calf muscle: put all the fingers together and slightly flex the palm, then pat on the calf muscles gently for 1 minute;

4. Squeeze and roll the calf muscles with both hands, begin at the ankle and move 

In most cases, leg cramps are occasional and harmless. However, when your leg cramps keep coming back, interfering with your daily life or sleep, you should consult your doctor or healthcare provider to rule out any potential health problem. 

3 Acupuncture points for leg cramps

Acupuncture can effectively suppress hyperactive muscles, and are usually used for treating muscle cramps. In TCM, leg cramps is mainly due to coldness stimulation as well as improper blood and qi activities of the legs, acupuncture can play a role to promote circulation, loosen the tendons, alleviate cramps and ease pain.

3 most common Acupuncture points for leg cramps: Houxi (SI 3),Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Zusanli (ST 36).

TCM acupuncture cupping massage or hebal medicine treatment for leg cramps aims to reinforce internal organs, free the activities of blood and qi, nourish and loosen muscles and tendons of the legs. The remedies are chosen according to individual conditions, our TCM acupuncturists or TCM pratitioners will identify the symptoms and body signs of each patient to diagnose the body imbalances and give each individual a custom tailored treatment solutions. Looking for licensed and experienced TCM acupuncturists or TCM herbalist feel free to call Oriental Ensure Acupuncture Clinic at 416-800-3978 or book an appointment online.

Reasons to Consider Acupuncture for Anxiety or Depression

Every year, new studies show that anxiety among otherwise healthy men and women is on the rise. While a small amount of anxiety every once in a while is normal, persistent anxiety is a serious problem – it affects behaviors, it creates stress, and it hurts your overall quality of life.

Some of the solutions to anxiety are simple. Exercise, for example, is an important first step. More and more people are working in careers that involve little physical activity, and that inactivity creates misplaced energy that can turn into stress and anxiety.

But if basic lifestyle changes don’t work, and you find that your anxiety continues to impact your life, the solutions become more complicated. Pharmaceutical medications should generally be avoided, because in addition to their addictive properties and dangerous side effects, they also only numb the issue temporarily. Once you stop taking the medications the anxiety comes back; potentially stronger than ever. In addition, while several therapies exist, these solutions are generally prohibitively expensive for the modern family. It’s for these reasons that acupuncture is such a good option as an anxiety treatment.

Reasons to Consider Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an affordable, safe, non-addictive and effective way to treat anxiety. It has none of the side effects of modern medications, and has been used for centuries as a way of curing mental health issues and other health symptoms.

What makes acupuncture so effective, however, is the following:

Anxiety Points

First and foremost, there are several points that an acupuncturist can target that are designed to counter your anxiety. Acupuncturists place needles in the GV20 and other points in order to balance your chi and help your body cope with anxiety. Each of these points has been tested by generations of practitioners for the past thousands of years, and is known to have a profound effect on the way you experience anxiety. 

Tangential Points

Anxiety is not usually caused by any one issue, which is why when you really want to reduce anxiety you need to do more than simply place needles at anxiety reduction points. You also need to place needles in areas that may relate to stress, health, and other issues that could, in theory, contribute to further anxiety in the future.

Accompanying Lifestyle Changes

Acupuncture is also not considered a standalone treatment. Those that use it combine the effective techniques with exercises, anxiety reduction herbs, a healthier diet and lifestyle, and more. Because anxiety can be caused by so many different aspects of a person’s life, and because it’s so important to approach anxiety reduction from a more holistic manner, this type of treatment is underrated as a potential option for anxiety sufferers.

Choosing Acupuncture as an Anxiety Option

Those that suffer from anxiety need to depend on natural treatments if possible, because modern medicine is simply too addictive with too many side effects to make it worthwhile. Since anxiety represents such an important factor in a person’s short and long term happiness, it’s also important that you select an option that is effective right away, and lasts long enough to help create real changes in your quality of life. Acupuncture from a reputable acupuncturist has the potential to do just that, and should be considered by those looking for natural treatment options.

Oriental Acupuncture Clinic Jarry(Chinese acupuncturist since 1989) has plenty of clinical experience in treating depression, insomnia, anxiety...here's one of his successful cases.

Book an Appointment with our Therapists online Now

Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today at 416-800-3978
to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.

So you can experience greater health and well-being!

Learn more:Why Acupuncture Works for Anxiety Relief

Why Acupuncture can treat different kinds of Headaches Migraine from the root

Headache can be more complicated than most people realize. Different kinds can have their own set of symptoms, happen for unique reasons, and need different treatments.

In TCM theory, different kinds of headaches is related to different meridian's blockage or "Qi" poor flow on that certain meridian. 

1. Headaches on the top of the head - Liver Meridian 
2. Forehead headache - Stomach Meridian
3. Headahces on both side of the head - Gallbladder Meridian
4. Headache and feel heavy head - Spleen meridian
5. Headache and dry throat - heart and kidney meridian
6. Headache on the back of the head - Bladder meridian

So acupuncture on different meridians can improve these meridian "Qi" flow better and treat these different kinds of headaches from the root.  

【Case Report】25 years Tough Headache Migraine cured by 15 sessions acupuncture treatment

Looking for an experienced and licensed

 acupuncturist or massage therapist

Feel free to call 416-800-3978 to set up your first appointment.

At Oriental Ensure Acupuncture Clinic, the treatment plan is tailor-customized for you.

Acupuncture Point for Morning Sickness Motion Sickness Vomitting Nausea

 

Doing acupressure on PC6 - Nei Guan can help with nausea and prevent vomiting.

This acupuncture point is very popular for the relief of motion sickness vomiting, pregnant women’s morning sickness symptoms, and post-operative nausea side effects from chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

It is found on your inner arm 3 fingers up from your wrist line. 

Do not do acupressure on this point if:

• The skin at or near the point is peeling or blistering.
• There is an open wound at or near the point.
• There is a rash at or near the point.
• There is redness, swelling, warmth, or pus at or near the point.

How to do Acupressure on Point P-6 (NeiGuan)

1. Position your hand so that your fingers are pointing up and your palm is facing you.
2. Place the first 3 fingers of your other hand across your wrist (see above Figure). Your fingers should be placed just below your wrist crease (where your wrist bends).
3. Place your thumb just below your index (pointer) finger. Remove the 3 fingers from your wrist but keep your thumb on that spot (see above Figure). Use your thumb to press down on the spot. You should be able to feel 2 large tendons (tissue that connects muscles to bones) in between your thumb. This spot in between the 2 tendons is pressure point P-6.
• Once you have found the pressure point, you can relax your hand and keep it in a comfortable position.
4. Press down on this point with your thumb. Move your thumb in a circle while applying pressure. You can move it in clockwise (to the right) or counterclockwise (to the left) circles. Do this for 2 to 3 minutes.
   • Some people may find it hard to use their thumb. You can use your index finger instead.
   • Be firm when applying pressure, but do not press so hard that it hurts. You may feel some aching or tenderness, but it should not be painful. If you feel any pain, you’re pressing down too hard.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 on your other wrist.

You can do acupressure on this point a few times a day until your symptoms improve.

Acupressure is a complementary therapy. Complementary therapies are treatments you can use along with your cancer treatments. They can help ease your symptoms.

Feel free to call Oriental Ensure Acupuncture Clinic at 416-800-3978 for Free Consultation or Set up your first appointment for Acupuncture / Acupressure Cupping or Reflexology treatments.

Acupuncture for Meniere Dizziness Vertigo

Meniere's disease is a very disturbing illness, presenting patients with hearing loss, pressure in the ear, tinnitus, severe imbalance and vertigo.

Vertigo is the most dramatic and distressing symptom of Meniere's; it is described as a sudden loss of normal balance or equilibrium. The room may suddenly begin to spin and rotate at high speed. Focusing is difficult, and if vertigo continues, nausea and vomiting may occur. Vertigo is commonly caused by acute labyrinthitis (a viral inflammation of the inner ear), benign positional vertigo (a condition due to abnormally floating crystals in the inner ear that stimulate the nerve endings of the inner ear), delayed symptom of head injury, or result of cervical spine problems.

Hearing loss typically fluctuates with hearing being worse some days than others. The hearing loss in Meniere's may lead to severe permanent hearing loss and deafness in the affected ear.

People with Meniere's disease report that tinnitus may be variable and often worsen before an attack of vertigo. Tinnitus is often described as a motor-like whirring noise present only in the ear with hearing loss.

Pressure or senses of fullness in the affected ear are also common.

In Oriental Ensure Acupuncture clinic, we have a number of patients who were convinced that they had run out of options after finding medications and/or surgery to be ineffective for their needs.  Many of these people try acupuncture as a last resort.  Acupuncture offers effective treatment for Meniere's disease. Not only does acupuncture treat symptoms but also treats the root causes of this illness.

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Meniere's disease falls under the traditional Chinese medical disease category of Xuan Yun or vertigo and dizziness. It is mostly due to either liver-kidney yin vacuity with ascendant liver yang hyperactivity or spleen-stomach loss of fortification with phlegm turbidity obstructing the center and confounding and misting the clear yang. 

Acupuncture /Acupressure Points for Dizziness / Vertigo

• Bai Hui (GV 20) is located on the midline at the vertex of the head. It is one of the five meetings of the three yang channels of the hands and feet. It is located on the governing vessel, and the governing vessel flows freely or connects with the sea of marrow, i.e., the brain. This point also connects with a network vessel of the liver channel. Therefore, needling it is able to subdue and settle floating yang as well as revitalize the clear yang. Hence it is an effective point for the treatment of vertigo and dizziness. 
• Hou Ding (GV 19) is also a point located on the governing vessel which treats vertigo and dizziness. The technique of joining these two points with a single needle frees the flow and abducts the governing vessel qi and blood. It also quiets the spirit and stabilizes the mind. From a Western medical point of view, it promotes the circulation of blood in the region of the brain and regulates the vegetative nervous system. 
• Ting Gong (SI 19) frees the flow of the orifices and improves the hearing of the ears. 
• Tai Chong (Liv 3) is the source point of the liver, while Xia Xi is the construction point of the gallbladder. Needling these two points can, therefore, level the liver and subdue yang. 
• Nei Guan (Per 6) and Feng Long (St 40) are the network points respectively of the pericardium and stomach. Needling them is able to transform phlegm, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. 

Tai Xi（KI 3） is the source point of the kidney which enriches water so that it may moisten or sprinkle wood. This point also fosters or helps fill yin essence. Thus this protocol uses a combination of local points with chosen points on the body based on the patient's pattern discrimination. Such a combination treats both the root and tip or branches of Meniere's disease and so it gets quite good therapeutic effects.

Book an Appointment with our Therapists online Now

Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today at 416-800-3978
to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.

So you can experience greater health and well-being!

With Jarry's 30+ years of clinical experience, you will feel the difference.

Jarry Liu: Chinese Acupuncturist since 1989, 

Registered Acupuncturist and Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario

Acupuncture Natural Cures Remedies for Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. It is estimated that approximately a million people currently suffer from chronic neck pain. Acupuncture is one of the most widely used treatment options for neck pain, as it has a proven history of effectively treating this condition.

In Acupuncture theory, pain is said to be caused by the stagnation of either Qi (energy or life force) or blood in the body. When energy gets stuck, pain results. Pain that is due to qi stagnation tends to be rather mild or achy in nature, whereas pain due to blood stagnation is more severe, sharp, fixed, or stabbing. Acupuncture is often effective in either case, as it has the unique ability to regulate the circulation of Qi and restore blood flow through painful areas.

Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of Qi in meridians, which can be seen as networks that distribute Qi through the body. The meridians correspond to the major organs of the body. The bladder meridian runs along the nape of the neck and is, therefore, primarily implicated in the treatment of neck pain. The energy of the bladder meridian relates to fear, anxiety, ambition, willpower, and urgency. Therefore, many people with neck pain also have deeper layers of fear that need to be released, either from whiplash as occurs in a car accident, or in relating to the daily life circumstances of work, money, and survival. The Qi tends to get stuck around the point of Bladder 10 at the nape of the neck, which is a central point for clearing fear and anxiety.

Acupuncture should be a relaxing, gentle treatment approach, even if the painful area is being stimulated. There are occasions where the neck won’t be touched at all, as the treatment will be more effective by stimulating distal points that correspond to the imbalanced meridian.

While acupuncture is an excellent treatment option for all kinds of neck pain, Chinese herbs are used frequently as well. The following formulas are used regularly for this purpose:

• Neck Formula by Plum Flower: This formula has been found to be 92% effective in Chinese hospitals for treating all kinds of neck pain.

                                   

• Ease Plus by Health Concerns: Helps with neck and upper back tension due to excessive stress and worry

                                       

• Ge gen tang: Often used for neck pain due to the onset of a cold, but has been applied for many types of chronic neck pain as well. This formula has also been found to be useful for helping chiropractic adjustments hold for longer periods of time.

                                   

Regular yoga practice is also of great benefit for most kinds of chronic neck pain. The following poses all have a direct action on creating space between the cervical discs and relieving muscle tension through the upper back into the occipital region:

Standing forward bend

Downward facing dog

Bridge/Plow/Shoulder stand/Fish 

Meditation and deep breathing exercises can also be helpful, as most people with chronic neck and upper back pain tend to breathe quite superficially. Training yourself to breathe more deeply oxygenates the muscle tissue and provides an internal massage for the deepest layers of your musculature. 

Most of our patients with chronic neck pain commit to acupuncture once or twice a week for 3 to 4 weeks, at which time we reassess for progress. Most patients find that they feel much better after each treatment, not only in relation to the neck pain, but in their overall sense of health and well being.

Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today at 416-800-3978

to set up your first appointment!

Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience greater health and well-being!