Posts Categorized: Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Athletes

October 13, 2014

RunnersAcupuncture is a safe, effective method of treating pain and soreness from athletic endeavors. In my office I most frequently see things like plantar fasciitis and IT Band pain, but have also successfully treated shin splints and aided patients recovering from surgeries such as ACL reconstruction. Thermal imaging has shown acupuncture decreases inflammation, doppler ultrasound shows that it increases blood flow to needled areas, and neuroimaging studies show that it decreases brain activity involved in registering pain and increases brain activity involved in healing. I love treating sports injuries because patients are able to see results from the treatments so quickly and are able to stay active and pain-free. Studies have also found that acupuncture causes your muscles to release a substance called adenosine, which stimulates tissue repair and decreases inflammation. It also releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain relievers. Read more

Acupuncture for Breech Babies

January 16, 2013

Pregnant womanI recently participated in a webinar about acupuncture and moxibustion for turning breech babies. I had the honor of hearing from internationally recognized experts in this field including Debra Betts, Ineke Van Den Berg, Sarah Budd, and Becks Armstrong. For those of you who aren’t familiar, moxibustion involves burning an herb called Mugwort, or Artemisia Vulgaris. The herb can be placed directly on the skin or compressed into a cylinder shape and held a few inches from the skin until warmth is felt. The goal is to invigorate blood and warm the body. Read more

How Acupuncture Helps with Fertility & IVF Success Rates

January 14, 2013

Pregnant womanYou may have heard that acupuncture can increase overall fertility and the success rate of IUI and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). How exactly does it help? Research has shown that there are several factors.

1) Increased blood flow to the uterus- this can result in thicker endometrial (uterine) lining as well as a higher quality lining. Although there is some debate about exact numbers, usually if the lining is less than 6mm it is considered “too thin”. Lining just before ovulation should be about 8-13 mm thick- and will continue to get thicker up until your period begins. Quantity isn’t the only important factor- the quality is also vital. Research has shown that healthy endometrial linings have three distinct layers; without these three layers there can be problems with implantation. If conception does not take place, the “trilaminar” (three layered) appearance” usually disappears 48 hours after ovulation. Read more