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Self Acupressure Points for Arthritis

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Wherever the pain and inflammation is, gently hold the area and focus on deep breathing for a few minutes. Heat, generated by heating pad or other infra-red lights are extremely helpful. Magnets are also extremely useful in relieving tension, inflammation, and pain on the joints.

Two important points for all arthritic and joint pains, both on the Gallbladder meridian.

GB 34  — Yang Ling Quian

GB 34 Yang Ling Quian

Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the leg. Benefits: Strengthens the body, benefits the joints, and relieves the fatigue that often results from the drain of dealing with arthritic pain.

GB 20 – Feng Chi (Wind Pool, Gates of Consciousness)

GB 20 – Feng Chi Wind Pool, Gates of Consciousness

Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two large, vertical neck muscles, two to three inches apart depending on the size of the head.

Benefits: Relieves arthritis, as well as the following common complaints that often accompany arthritic pain: headaches, insomnia, stiff neck, neck pain, fatigue, and general irritability.

Nutrition and Diet for Arthritis

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Like all other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of arthritis, especially Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown to medical world.

Major culprits of autoimmune conditions are believed to be: poor nutrition and/or food allergies; exposure to the pollutants and heavy metals that contaminate our air, soil and water; overgrowth of pathogens such as bacteria, virus, mold-fungus-yeast and parasites; and toxic vaccinations and medical drugs.

Any of these can cause certain parts of your body, like your joints, to be unrecognizable to your body’s own immune system so that the body’s immune system attacks them as “invaders”. The sad part is that once one autoimmune condition sets in, another autoimmune disease almost always show up.

Nutrition response testing offers a systematic and extremely precise protocol in determining the deepest cause of a body’s autoimmune state.

Having said that, let me introduce several tips to avoid and/or minimize arthritic conditions.

  • Avoid Wheat, Sugar, and Dairies as they cause INFLAMMATION throughout the body. Actually, we avoid these three food groups, most of diseases will get better quite dramatically, in a short period of time.
  • Avoid greasy or spicy foods as they tend to create “dampness and heat” in the body that negatively affect the joints and cartilages.
  • Bone Broth, made of either organic chicken or organic beef (with marrow) as these are filled with collagen, numerous minerals and vitamins, and amino acids.
  • Ginger – A natural anti-inflammatory, available as powdered extracts in capsules as well as alcohol-based extracts. Follow the dosing directions on the label. Or make tea by combining one-half teaspoon of grated ginger root with eight ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste.
  • Fresh pineapple – Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, reduces inflammation. Be sure the pineapple is fresh, not canned or frozen.
  • Cherries – Recent research has shown that tart cherries are an excellent source of nutrients that may help to reduce joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis.
  • Fish – Cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep joints healthy as well as reduce pain and swelling. If you don’t care for fish, consider supplementing your diet with fish oil capsules.
  • Turmeric – Another natural anti-inflammatory. Look for an extract of whole turmeric, in health-food stores; follow the dosage directions on the label.

Arthritis From the Chinese Medical Point of View

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Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been found to be extremely effective at treating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. According to Chinese medical theory, arthritis is caused by the blockage of Qi along the meridians of the body. This type of blockage is called “bi” syndrome, and has been widely studied and treated with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs.

The Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture points to treat Arthritis are located all over the body, not just directly over the affected area. During the acupuncture treatment, tiny needles could be placed along your legs, arms, shoulders, and perhaps even your little toe!

There seems to be little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. A brief moment of discomfort is typically followed by deep relaxation throughout the body. The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. Typical treatments last from five to 30 minutes, with the patient being treated one or two times a week. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.

Acupuncture is a clinically safe, effective, and well-proven therapy for both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Many people can avoid unnecessary and painful surgeries with acupuncture, while enjoying added benefits such as improved digestive functions and/or better sleep patterns.

What is Arthritis?

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As one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States, arthritis affects  one out of every three Americans, or roughly 70 million people. For most people, arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis. Joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed Acupuncture, Nutrition, and sensible exercise programs.

Arthritis isn’t just one disease; it’s a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While these two forms of arthritis have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, they often share a common symptom—persistent joint pain.

Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis ~

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. OA begins with the breakdown of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. OA commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When OA is found in a less frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma may contribute to the development of OA. If you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling, or squatting, for example, you may be at high risk for OA of the knee.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) ~

The other arthritis is Adult and Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are a type of autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the synovial fluid membranes surrounding the lubricating fluid in the joints (there are at least another 100 lesser known subtype autoimmune arthritic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis AS).

RA can affect many different joints and, in some people, other parts of the body as well, including the blood, the lungs, and the heart. Inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. RA can last a long time and can fluctuate between flares (active symptoms) and remissions (few to no symptoms).

Nutrition for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal tunnel syndrome can be effectively treated through regular exercise, consistent self-massage, and a healthy diet. Many times, these concerted efforts will eliminate the need for surgery.

Food items to minimize:

  • Salt intakes in diet because salt causes the retention of water that results in swelling in the wrist and the hands.
  • Fatty and oily foods must be avoided also as these foods will cause the tissues to swell in a similar way to that of salt.

What to Take:

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Lots of vegetables rich in folic acid and iron such as kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach.
  • Liver, peanuts, lima beans, kidney beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, lentils and rice.
  • Iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, Vitamins B7, B12, A, and D.

Self Acupressure Points to Relieve Pain from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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LU9 (Tai Yuan, Great Abyss)

Lung 9 is a crucial point for relieving pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. This point is located on the wrist crease, on a line with the thumb. Circling around this point with a substantial strength may provide a huge relief for any arm pain and wrist pain. This point is also effective in aiding in treating asthma, cough, palpitations and breathing problems.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

PC 7 (Da Ling, Great Mound)

Located in the center of the inner side of the wrist crease, this point is highly effective in relieving all types of wrist and thumb pain caused by tendonitis, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This point is also excellent in lessening hot flashes associated with menopause.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

TH 5 (Waiguan, OuterPass)

Located on the outer side of the forearm, midway between the two bones, two and a half finger widths above the wrist joint, stimulating this point on both arms using fingertips is useful in relieving wrist pain. This point is especially effective in boosting immunity so that the body can fight better against colds and allergies.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

Tips to Avoid Carpal Tunnel

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There are some holistic tips you can try to decrease your pain and increase your ease of movement. If you haven’t felt any symptoms yet, but want to prevent carpal tunnel from developing, try these pointers:

  • Move as much as you can at work. Avoid maintaining the exact same position for more than 45 minutes at a time.
  • Keep warm. Often, people who frequently have cold hands are more prone to developing carpal tunnel. Keep your circulation strong.
  • Try to use each hand evenly. Don’t let one overcompensate for the other.
  • Maintain correct posture at your desk. The longer you sit on one position in front of a computer, the more you’re likely to slouch. Slouching puts strain on the neck and shoulders, which in turn affect your wrists and hands.
  • If you’re working on a keyboard, try to keep your forearms level with the keyboard. Avoid bending your wrists for long periods of time.

Can Acupuncture Help Carpal Tunnel Patients?

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A study appeared in “The Clinical Journal of Pain” in May, 2009, revealed the efficacy of using acupuncture and Chinese medicine. This study compared two groups of patients with mild to moderate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. One group received eight sessions of acupuncture treatments over the course of eight weeks. The other group received daily doses of a drug called prednisolone, a steroid used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Evaluations at the end of the second and fourth week revealed that both groups enjoyed a significant reduction in symptoms. However, the acupuncture group received an exceptional benefit that the steroid group did not. At the conclusion of the trial, the patients receiving acupuncture treatments showed a statistically significant drop in their nocturnal awakenings.

From an Oriental medicine perspective, CTS is seen as a disruption of the flow of Qi and Blood within the area and associated with Cold, Dampness or Wind penetrating the muscles and sinews of the wrist.  Acupuncture points, stretching exercises, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements are chosen to treat accordingly.

Acupuncture is extremely effective at treating carpal tunnel syndrome; eliminating the need for surgery or the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids. In fact, one of the most common reasons that people get acupuncture is for repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Not only reducing the swelling, inflammation and pain in the wrist, acupuncture addresses any headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness and sleeping problems that often accompany this condition.

Your treatment may also take into account any underlying conditions that contribute to the development of CTS including obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, diabetes, hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause.   

If you or someone you know suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome, please call our office at 201.760.8811 to find out more about how acupuncture, Chinese medicine and nutritional supplements can help.

Chinese Medicine in Treating Anxiety and Depression

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Chinese Medicine views that we human beings (just like all other living organisms) are made of three different aspects: body, mind, and spirit. Physical symptoms may stem from mental/emotional/spiritual disorders; emotional issues are often being displayed as physical ailments as the body and mind are seamlessly woven together in one energy field. Therefore, treating emotional/mental issues only with medications, without addressing inter-related   physiological counterparts, is not only ineffective, but may exacerbate the conditions.

In Chinese medicine, the underlying causes of anxieties/depression differ drastically from one patient to another. Typically, Chinese medical practitioners look for “pattern disharmonies” in treating depression/anxiety patients. The most prominent pattern disharmonies in depression disorders are:

* Heart and Spleen Qi deficiency – Physical symptoms may include palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, lack of appetite, fatigue, poor digestion, and a pale tongue. Emotional symptoms include excessive worry and feeling timid.
* Heart Yin deficiency – Physical symptoms may include absentmindedness, dizziness, insomnia, low back soreness, dryness, sensations of heat, tinnitus, and a red tongue with little coating. Emotional symptoms include sensitivity and irritability. Yin deficiency is commonly seen during menopause.
* Excessive Phlegm – Physical symptoms may include obesity, feeling weighted down, congestion, dizziness, fatigue and a swollen tongue. Emotional symptoms include depression and feeling cloudy or experiencing dullness of thought.
* Liver Qi stagnation – Physical symptoms may include nausea, bloating, premenstrual symptoms, rib-side pain, belching and possibly insomnia. Emotional stress affects the liver and includes irritability, frustration, and anger.
* Liver and/or Heart fire – Fire is often caused by prolonged Liver Qi stagnation. Symptoms include a bitter taste in the mouth, headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, sores in the mouth, red eyes, red face and a quick temper.

Depending on pattern diagnosis, acupuncture protocols are determined to address the underlying causes. Generally, results with acupuncture and herbs are cumulative, improving week by week. Treatment begins with one or two sessions per week and tapers off as the condition improves.

Acupuncture and herbs are not only safe, but also effectively used together with anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications. Many patients find these medications to be inadequate at completely resolving their symptoms. Others, together with their doctors, would like to wean themselves to lower dosages in order to decrease the occurrence of side effects. Most patients turn to acupuncture and herbs for a variety of reasons – mostly because of their clinical success.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

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Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel such as numbness, tingling, pain, burning, and weakness in the arms and hands often, but not always, result from inflammation due to frequent, repetitive physical movements.

There are a number of things that can cause or put you at risk for developing CTS. These include:

  • Genetic predisposition: Small bones or a small carpal canal increases the risk.
  • Hormonal changes: For women, hormonal fluctuations increase the chances of the syndrome; pregnancy and menopause can be particularly problematic.
  • Diseases: Conditions like arthritis, lupus, diabetes and obesity can lead to narrowing of the canal.
  • Repetitive motions: Excessively doing activities like typing, using hand tools, gardening, golfing, sewing and massaging can repeatedly strain the area, causing localized inflammation and trauma.

The onset of symptoms may start gradually and become worse over time, especially if the same motions are repeated on a near daily basis. Even though some repetitive motions such as typing on the computer or using the phone are not strenuous activities in and of themselves, if performed often enough, the cumulative effect builds up. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to what is known as nocturnal awakenings, which refers to waking up in the middle of the night from pain and discomfort.