If the spring brings on allergies, commonly known as hay fever, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, 58 million Americans suffer each year from allergic rhinitis.The response is typically brought on by the release of pollen into the air, which our immune system attacks like it would bacteria and viruses. The result? A runny nose, itchy throat, watery eyes, and general feelings of unpleasantness.

If over-the-counter antihistamines aren’t bringing enough relief, studies show acupuncture helps hay fever. Perhaps the best evidence of its effectiveness comes from a 2013 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. German researchers examined 422 people aged 16 to 45, all of whom tested positive for pollen allergies. The researchers divided the participants into three groups: one which received 12 acupuncture treatments, plus antihistamines; one that received 12 treatments of faux acupuncture (meaning the needles were placed randomly instead on proven acupuncture points), plus antihistamines; and one that received antihistamines only.

After two months of treatment, 56 percent of people in the second group reported improvement in their symptoms. However, 71 percent of those treated with real acupuncture as well as antihistamines reported improvement, as well as less use of medication compared to the other two groups.

“I have seen many patients who failed medication and allergy shots respond to acupuncture,” says Dr. Patrick LaRiccia, a doctor of Internal Medicine at the Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia. “Often patients get some relief during the first visit while lying on the exam table with their acupuncture needles in place.”

Those with mild allergies may only need a few acupuncture treatments to feel substantial relief from their symptoms. However, those with chronic allergies may need to begin with two sessions a week for up to six weeks. “Patients can determine the effective of acupuncture treatment by tracking the number of sneezes per day and the number of itching episodes around their eyes,” Dr. LaRiccia explains. “After an initial series of treatments, patients can come in for further treatments as needed. Some come back once or twice a year for a booster, while others may come more often.”

If allergies stop you from fully enjoying the spring, consider ditching over-the-counter medication in favor of a more holistic approach. Schedule an appointment with a licensed acupuncturist who can design a treatment plan for your needs.

Frequently thought of as a condition that afflicts tennis players and golfers, tendonitis can affect people of all ages and activity levels all across the globe. The condition is caused by inflammation in the soft tissues that connect our muscles to our bones. This inflammation can result in pain, loss of motion, and, for many, the inability to enjoy activities they once loved. It may even interfere with everyday movements such as driving, typing, and climbing up stairs.

When these symptoms arise, the most common treatments prescribed are steroid injections and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. For those who seek a more natural and holistic approach to treating chronic pain, acupuncture may offer much-needed relief.

In one study, published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, patients aged 18 to 70 suffering from chronic Achilles tendonitis were split into two groups: one treated with acupuncture and one asked to perform resistance exercises. While both groups reported a decrease in their pain, those who underwent acupuncture felt 85 percent more reduction immediately after treatment, and 113 percent more reduction later while at rest.

In another study conducted by Dr. Peter Dorsher, 100 percent of patients experienced pain relief following acupuncture, with “maximal relief” being achieved after an average of 3.9 sessions. What’s more, these patients reported significantly longer lasting results than those of medications and other traditional methods. More than eight months after treatment, 77 percent of patients were still experiencing complete resolution of their symptoms.

Acupuncture for tendonitis uses high-grade surgical steel needles to stimulate the pain points, as well as other acupressure points along the corresponding meridian. The stimulation of these points activates the immune system while also increasing blood flow — both of which help the body jumpstart itself into healing. Acupuncture may also prompt the body to release a surge of endorphins, which can act as immediate relievers of pain.

While individual plans vary, the treatment of tendonitis with acupuncture typically involves multiple sessions. These sessions may last as little as 20 minutes, but can provide months of ongoing relief. If you suffer from tendonitis or other chronic pain, schedule an appointment with a licensed acupuncturist in order to design a treatment plan specifically for your needs.

Originally developed over thousands of years ago, the Chinese treatment of cupping therapy has found its way into modern-day medicine. It’s an ancient practice in which small glass or plastic cups are placed on the skin. Suction is then generated using one of two methods: A small fire is created in the cup using a flammable substance such as rubbing alcohol or paper. As soon as the fire goes out, the cup is applied to the skin. As the air cools, it creates a vacuum, causing the skin and underlying muscle to be pulled into the cup. In more modern treatments, cups may have small rubber pumps, which allow the air to be drawn out without using fire.

The ultimate goal of cupping is to enhance circulation, relieve pain, fight fatigue, and release toxins from the body, among many other benefits. While cupping can be performed on its own, it’s frequently combined with acupuncture in a single treatment. A 2012 study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that cupping, when used in conjunction with other traditional Chinese treatments, was far better than anything else at curing those with skin conditions like shingles and acne. It also addressed issues caused by nerve damage, such as facial paralysis.

Over the course of a cupping treatment, cups are typically left on the body for 5 to 15 minutes. Massage oil may be applied in order to allow the cups to be pulled across the skin. During this time, the skin becomes red due to the congestion of blood flow. This discoloration may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. There may also be some slight bruising, but this shouldn’t be painful. Once the marks have disappeared, the treatment can be repeated until the condition is resolved.

In recent years, even celebrities have been singing its praises. Stars like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow have been vocal about their devotion to cupping thanks to its relaxation benefits. Chinese swimmer Wang Qun, tennis pro Andy Murray, and many of the players on the Mets have adopted the therapy as a way to relieve soreness and address injuries.

As with most traditional Chinese medicine, cupping treatments are unique to each individual and their current needs. It shouldn’t be used on people who bleed easily or have skin ulcers. While pregnant women can safely undergo cupping, it needs to be performed with extreme caution and never on the abs or the lower back. If you think you may benefit from this therapy, meet with a qualified acupuncturist to create a plan designed specifically for you. Schedule an appointment today!

What is gua sha?

Acupuncture, yoga and cupping are increasingly seen in the media and gaining popularity as a holistic treatment method for pain reduction. I want to introduce you to gua sha. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese treatment — whose name roughly translates to “scraping bruises” — and involves using a smooth spoon-like instrument to break up restricted muscles. This method often creates bruising on the skin. The most constricted muscles turn the deepest red during scraping. The treatment’s been used by Asian acupuncturists since at least 220 CE, but it’s recently been gaining popularity in the West.

You might be wondering why someone would voluntarily choose to scrape up their skin. Let us explain.

Gua sha releases unhealthy elements and stimulates blood flow in the soft tissue. By creating a deliberate injury above and below the skin, the body jump-starts itself into healing. This produces immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects that can last for days following a single treatment. Gua sha for pain relief and stiffness is most commonly used, but it can also address conditions such as asthma, fever, chills, colds, and spasms.

During the treatment, a lubricating medium, such as massage oil, is applied to the area being treated. The acupuncturist then uses the instrument to apply a variation of long and short strokes to the skin. Treatment typically lasts for about 30 minutes and, for some, can be a bit uncomfortable. Following therapy, the treated skin will look red and bruised, and possibly show some welting. This should subside after just a few days, during which time issues such as muscle pain and poor circulation should rapidly improve.

One study published in a 2011 issue of Pain Medicine found that those who suffered from neck pain felt significant improvement after one treatment with gua sha, compared to the use of a thermal heating pad. Similar studies have been conducted at Harvard University and by teaching faculty at the Beth Israel Medical Center.

As with any treatment of this nature, it’s important to first meet with a qualified acupuncturist to determine your individual needs. If you’re found to be a good candidate for the therapy, your acupuncturist will create a plan specifically for you. Schedule an acupuncture appointment today!

What is Zusanli?

Zusanli is an acupoint running along the stomach meridian. If there is an interruption in this meridian it can cause an imbalance that results in discomfort, pain, and illness and induce abdominal distention, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and acute appendicitis.

Most acupuncture therapy involves stimulating numerous points along the body, however those who suffer from certain stomach issues may find one of these acupoints to be particularly beneficial. It’s called zusanli, and it’s located about four-finger widths below the bottom of the knee, towards the outside of the shin. While many acupuncturists prefer to perform more complex treatments, stimulation of this point, even on its own, can mean profound improvements on quality of life.

According to Ma Danyang, a famous Daoist known for his work with acupuncture, zusanli is one of the 12 most important acupoints on the body, and perhaps the most critical when dealing with issues of the stomach. Needling this point can help stop disease, and restore vitality — in some cases, with a single 10- to 20-minute treatment.

Perhaps the most convincing argument for the importance of zusanli acupuncture is just how crucial our stomach is to our overall health. The lining of the gut is the core of the immune system, so when the stomach’s not working properly, we put ourselves at risk for viruses and bacteria. The stomach also produces 95% of the body’s serotonin. The brain produces the other 5%, meaning the brain and stomach are in constant contact. If our stomachs are in distress, it alerts the brain to feel stress, which causes a host of other negative impacts on the body.

If you suffer with any of the stomach issues listed above, consult with a qualified acupuncturist. Treatment of the zusanli acupoint may be able to bring you some relief, as well as lead you on a path towards better health. Schedule an acupuncture appointment today!

For couples trying to get pregnant, the process can be one of the most excitingly joy-filled or exhaustingly frustrating times of their lives. 

Treatments like in vitro fertilization and hormone shots have varying reliability and sometimes come with a steep financial burden. These factors often leave couples looking for alternative approaches to complement their existing infertility treatments.  You might be surprised to learn that acupuncture helps over 4.5 million couples/year with infertility.

According to Dr. Raymond Chang, who’s both a Western-trained physician and a classically trained acupuncturist, the ancient Chinese treatment can stimulate egg production in women who can’t or don’t want to take fertility medications. In a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, he notes that acupuncture increases the production of “feel good” endorphins, which play a critical role in regulating ovulation.

Dr. Raymond Chang reported to WebMD “When you compare the pregnancy rates for an egg producing drug to acupuncture alone, the rates are equal, “a 50 percent chance of pregnancy in three months for patients not undergoing IVF. However, acupuncture is even more successful when used in conjunction with IVF. 

A 2012 study conducted by Tel Aviv University found that 65.5 percent of a test group who combined the treatments were able to conceive, compared to 39.5 percent of the group who did IVF alone. Why did this happen? It largely comes down to stress.

Acupuncture has been proven to be an incredibly effective tool for stress management. When stress is lowered, blood flow is increased throughout the body, including the uterus and ovaries. This increased blood flow creates a thicker uterine wall, and therefore a stronger environment for an egg to be nourished and carried full term.

For those who are struggling with infertility, many doctors recommend this type of two-pronged approach. Acupuncture helps infertility by allowing your body to function more efficiently, which in turns makes your more responsive to treatments like IVF.

If you’re considering treatment for infertility, speak to your OB/GYN and find a licensed and qualified acupuncturist. Experts estimate you’ll need a 30-minute session roughly two times per week, and it may take several months before your body begins working as it should. Hopefully, with the right acupuncturist and the proper treatment plan, you’ll be picking out maternity clothes before you know it.