Mississauga Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Chris Di Tecco appears on CP24's "Wylde on Health"

2011-07-13T14:43:00.001-04:00

On July 8, Acupuncturist Chris Di Tecco had the opportunity to appear as a guest on the natural health program hosted by Bryce Wylde called "Wylde on Health" which airs on the CP24 channel. The topic of the episode was Insomnia and Sleep Disorders.

The discussion on the topic of natural approaches to treating sleep disorders was conducted by Bryce Wylde and included Chris Di Tecco and Dr. Les Priemer DDS. The July 8 episode was entiltled "Sleeping Your Way to Better Health" and featured discussions on Sleep Apnea & Snoring, Insomnia, and the role acupuncture and herbal medicine can play in providing effective treatment for sleep disorders.

You can view the July 8th show on CP24's website here:

http://www.cp24.com/wyldeonhealth/

Enjoy.

Facebook Fan Page for Mississauga Acupuncture

2011-03-10T08:55:00.002-05:00

Facebook users "LIKE" the Mississauga Acupuncture Facebook page to receive updates via Facebook.

Information and articles regarding Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine will be posted regularly. Follow the link to become a fan of Mississauga Acupuncture's Facebook Page:

Open House Event November 12

2009-11-03T22:33:00.002-05:00

Would you be interested in learning more about NATURAL and EFFECTIVE health care options? Are you curious about HOLISTIC approaches to healing without the use of pharmaceuticals?

Southdown Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, a multi-disciplinary, family health clinic, will be hosting an Open House on Thursday November 12 starting at 7pm. Wine and refreshments will be served and you will have the opportunity to tour the facility and talk with our team of experts.

The clinic offers:

Chiropractic care and custom orthotics with Dr. Paul Zmiyiwsky DC.
Registered Massage Therapy with Sara Poirier RMT.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine with Chris Di Tecco.

We welcome you to bring your friends and family to the event. Please RSVP by Monday November 9.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Southdown Chiropractic & Wellness (map)
1494 Southdown Rd., Mississauga, ON L5J 2Z4
905.822.8606

Chris Di Tecco is relocating to Clarkson in South Mississauga

2009-07-15T14:43:00.003-04:00

The Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine practice of Chris Di Tecco will be moving to Clarkson in South Mississauga in August.

Chris is pleased to announce he will be joining the team at Southdown Chiropractic and Wellness Centre. Located at 1494 Southdown Road in Mississauga, Southdown Chiropractic and Wellness Centre is a family practice owned and operated by Dr. Paul Zmiyiwsky DC. Chris brings his expertise to the clinic which also provides Chirpractic care and Registered Massage Therapy.

Chris will begin practicing at Southdown Chiropractic and Wellness Centre starting August 4th. His availability will be Tuesdays to Thursdays and Saturdays by appointment only. You may call for an appointment now at 905.822.8606.

Swine Flu Prevention

2009-05-07T15:50:00.006-04:00

Has the recent media frenzy about Swine Flu caused you increased stress and anxiety? Not to worry! This brief article will help empower you to take steps to boost your immune system in order for your body to defend itself from contagious disease that may possibly be future "pandemics".

Personally, I think the media likes to sensationalize issues like this. There are risks and some precautions must be taken but I don't feel there is any real cause for mass hysteria. The best defense is a strong immune system. Those who are at greatest risk are those with depressed immune systems.

Here are some simple steps you can take to boost your immunity:

1. Increase your intake of vitamin C. If you struggle with recurring colds and flus, stress, and low energy this will be of benefit to you.

2. Chinese herbal medicine is highly effective for boosting immunity. Several formulas have been devised and used for centuries to aid in preventing illness and strengthening the internal systems that defend the body from external invasion of pathogens. Chinese medicine is not a "one-size-fits-all" product. You will have to see a Chinese herbal medicine specialist to make sure you are getting a formula specifically suited for you.

3. Minimize your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates. Sugar consumption directly reduces your immune function (many studies figure consumption of refined sugars decrease immune function by 20%).

4. Keep your hands clean with thorough washing or the use of a hand sanitizer.

These are some very simple yet effective strategies that are easily implemented by everyone. For those with a depressed immune system additional treatment will likely be necessary. People who have been struggling with a protracted illness, overcoming major surgery, or with very low energy and are constantly catching colds and flu's would benefit from acupuncture or herbal treatment to bring their immune system back into balance and proper functional capacity.

Try Acupuncture to relieve Morning Sickness

2008-11-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

Research from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Adelaide University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has now shown that acupuncture is an extremely effective treatment for morning sickness in early pregnancy.

Nausea and/or vomiting is a common experience for a high percentage of women in early pregnancy. Some women experience these symptoms throughout the entire pregnancy. These symptoms can affect the quality of life for these expectant mothers leading to distress and anxiety.

Luckily, research has shown acupuncture treatment can be an effective tool to relieve the nausea. In some cases one treatment can produce significant changes.

For more information on this study please visit: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-02/wach-nrf022402.php

Acupuncture effectively relieves pelvic pain during pregnancy

2008-11-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

Pelvic girdle pain is a common complaint among pregnant women worldwide, but no cure exists.

Researchers in Sweden identified 386 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. Women were randomly divided into three groups; one received standard treatment (a pelvic belt and a home exercise programme), another received standard treatment plus acupuncture, and the third received standard treatment plus stabilising exercises to improve mobility and strength.

Pain levels were recorded every morning and evening using a recognised scale and all women were assessed by an independent examiner at the end of the treatment period.

After treatment, both the acupuncture group and the stabilising exercise group had less pain than the standard group in the morning and in the evening. Reduction of pelvic girdle pain as assessed by the independent examiner was greatest in the acupuncture group.

Acupuncture or stabilising exercises as an adjunct to standard treatment offers clear clinical advantages over standard treatment alone for reduction of pain in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain, say the authors.

Acupuncture was superior to stabilising exercises in this study, they conclude.

For more information on this article visit: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-03/bmj-arp031605.php

Acupuncture among best choices to treat neck pain

2008-10-25T12:11:00.008-04:00

A seven-year, international study finds that some alternative therapies such as acupuncture, neck manipulation and massage are better choices for managing most common neck pain than many current practices.

Therapies such as neck collars and ultrasound are not recommended. The study found that corticosteroid injections and surgery should only be considered if there is associated pain, weakness or numbness in the arm, fracture or serious disease. Acupuncture is an ideal treatment because it is non-invasive and natural therapy without side-effects.

Neck pain can be associated with headaches, arm and upper back pain and depression. Whether it arises from sports injuries, car collisions, workplace issues or stress, it can be incapacitating. It is disabling for approximately two out of every 20 people who experience neck pain and affects their ability to carry on with daily activities.

Tips for neck pain suffers:

* Stay as active as you can, exercise and reduce mental stress.
* Don't expect to find a single "cause" for your neck pain.
* Once you have experienced neck pain, it may come back or remain persistent.
* There is relatively little research on what does or does not prevent neck pain; ergonomics, cervical pillows, postural improvements etc. may or may not help.

If you are suffering from neck pain be sure to GET HELP NOW. Waiting for the problem to get better on its own is the best way to have it develop into a long term CHRONIC problem. The longer the problem persists usually has a direct correlation on how long it will take to effectively treat and how difficult it will be to get positive results.

For more information regarding this article please visit http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/aca-snp021508.php

Acupuncture is promising treatment for cocaine addiction, Yale researchers find

2008-10-09T21:14:00.003-04:00

In the first such finding from a controlled study, Yale researchers have successfully used acupuncture to treat cocaine addiction, a disorder for which there are few effective treatments.

Published in the August 14 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, study results showed that participants who received auricular acupuncture -- needles inserted into specific parts of the outer ear -- were more likely to have cocaine-negative urine screens over the course of the study compared to those in control groups.

"Our study supports the use of acupuncture for cocaine addiction and shows that alternative therapies can be combined with the arsenal of Western treatments for fighting addiction," said Arthur Margolin, the study's principal investigator and research scientist in psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. "This promising finding suggests that further research on acupuncture in this application is warranted."

Results showed that 54.8 percent of participants tested free of cocaine during the last week of treatment, compared to 23.5 and 9.1 percent in the two control groups. Those who completed acupuncture treatment also had longer periods of sustained abstinence compared to participants in the control groups.

"Additional benefits of acupuncture include its low cost, and that it seems to have few, if any, adverse side effects," Margolin said.

For further details on this article read http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2000-08/YU-Aipt-1208100.php

Chris Di Tecco is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Southdown Chiropractic and Wellness in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Scientific Studies of Acupuncture and the Treatment of Pain

2008-10-09T20:59:00.004-04:00

Acupuncture better than drugs alone for osteoarthritis of the knee

Acupuncture, as a complementary therapy to drug treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, is more effective than drug treatment alone, find researchers from Spain.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is common, affecting almost a tenth of the population aged over 55. The role of acupuncture in osteoarthritis remains controversial and few studies comparing acupuncture and drug treatment have been conducted.

The acupuncture group had a greater reduction in pain and stiffness, improved physical functioning and quality of life than the placebo group.

For more information on this subject please visit http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-11/bmj-abt111704.php

Acupuncture treatment may be more effective than conventional therapy in treating lower back pain

Six months of acupuncture treatment appears to be more effective than conventional therapy in treating low back pain, according to a study in the Sept. 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

“Low back pain is a common, impairing and disabling condition, often long-term, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 70 percent to 85 percent,” the authors write as background information in the article. “It is the second most common pain for which physician treatment is sought and a major reason for absenteeism and disability.” Acupuncture is increasingly used as an alternative therapy, but its value as a treatment for low back pain is still controversial.

“The superiority of acupuncture suggests a common underlying mechanism that may act on pain generation, transmission of pain signals or processing of pain signals by the central nervous system and that is stronger than the action mechanism of conventional therapy,” the authors conclude. “Acupuncture gives physicians a promising and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain, with few adverse effects or contraindications. The improvements in all primary and secondary outcome measures were significant and lasted long after completion of treatment.”

For more information on this subject please visit http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-09/jaaj-atm092007.php

Chris Di Tecco is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Southdown Chiropractic and Wellness in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Using Acupuncture to Stop Suffering From Headache Pain

2008-02-25T16:53:00.007-05:00

Of all medical conditions, headaches are among the most common. Are you among the 70% of the population who get headaches? As you read this, 25% of people are currently suffering from a headache ranging from an occasional annoyance to a chronic, crushing head pain. A headache can be a short, isolated episode or a daily event. The pain can be located in various areas of the head and may vary from a dull aching to an unbearable, stabbing pain. There is good news! Acupuncture and herbal medicine offers safe and effective treatment with lasting relief.

Short-term solutions are available in over the counter medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ASA and the like). These chemical solutions do not address the cause of the problem - they merely cover up the symptoms. The host of side-effects and health risks associated with long-term use of pharmaceuticals makes these options less attractive over the long term.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classifies a headache only as a symptom, not an actual disorder itself. Ancient Chinese healers saw the human body as a dynamic, interconnected network of energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”). Centuries ago they discovered this vital energy circulated throughout the body on specific pathways called meridians. Modern science has proven the existence of these electro-magnetic pathways in the body. What western medicine would refer to as illness, TCM would refer to as an imbalance or disharmony of the Qi. According to TCM theory, pain is due to a blockage in the flow of energy (Qi) and/or blood. Depending on the cause and location of blockages, acupuncture points and herbs will be selected to stimulate those areas and rebalance the circulation. The treatment aims to not only relieve the headache pain but correct its cause as well.

Practitioners look for a unifying theme through the patient’s entire presentation, not just their distinct symptoms. All patients suffering from headaches are not simply treated the same way. Practitioners identify and treat the pattern of disharmony that is based on all of the patient’s symptoms, along with their pulse and tongue diagnosis. This helps us to get a deeper picture of what the root of the problem is. As long as the correct pattern is identified, the headaches should be treatable.

The treatment protocol will be partially determined on the nature of the headache pain (dull, heavy, throbbing, stabbing), the location of the pain (behind the eyes, temples, base of the skull, on one side of the head only, the top of the head), what triggers the headache or aggravates the headache pain (certain foods, weather conditions, emotions, menstruation).

Both acupuncture and herbal therapy, on their own, or in combination, give excellent results for headaches. Treatment will vary depending on what type of headache a person suffers from. Some patients benefit from only a few acupuncture sessions while others require a longer course of herbal therapy combined with acupuncture. Chronic cases (experiencing symptoms for more than several months) generally take longer, sometimes 3-6 months of treatment is required for successful results. Acupuncture is an incredibly effective and safe option for people with chronic headaches of all kinds. I often will recommend that patients with chronic headaches commit to treatment once a week for 4-6 weeks, then assess for progress.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used along with other medications to both enhance the effects and mitigate the side effects. There is no need to discontinue Western medication while receiving Chinese medicine. However, many people have, in time, decreased or totally eliminated their reliance on these medications as their condition continues to improve.

It was reported by the BBC that recent research in England the treatment of headaches showed “acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic headaches and should be more widely available… introducing acupuncture services could lead to significant long-term benefits for patients with chronic headaches.” Research also determined patients who received acupuncture treatment had fewer headaches than patients who did not and made less visits to the doctor and reduced their use of painkillers.[1]

Things you can do to help eliminate headaches:

Dietary Strategies: Avoid foods that cause inflammation in the body, such as sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoid synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame. Try to drink 4-6 glasses of filtered water daily

Triggers: Do your best to observe possible triggers for your headaches: foods, weather patterns, particular smells, specific activities. Avoiding triggers to your headaches can help minimize their occurrence. Identifying what triggers your headaches can also be helpful for your healthcare practitioner(s) because they may be able to direct treatment towards eliminating the particular sensitivity.

Relaxation: Consciously taking time every day to de-stress will induce the relaxation response. Relaxation is not a luxury but a NECESSITY! Relaxation is required for the body to recharge and allow proper circulation of the Qi and blood.

Exercise: It is recommend exercising 20-30 minutes a day, 3-5 days per week.

[1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3506400.stm

The Treatment of Insomnia with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

2008-01-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

Good sleep is a sign of good health. When a person suffers from difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep (or both!) the negative affects upon health and mental clarity begin to add up quickly. Effective treatment for insomnia is available with acupuncture and herbal medicine.

This article has been published by Vitality magazine. Please click here to view the article.

Healthy Living and TCM

2008-01-18T08:46:00.001-05:00

In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), the famous doctor Sun Simiao believed that, when a person is sick, the doctor should first regulate the patient’s diet and lifestyle. In most cases these changes alone are enough to effect a cure over time. The ancient Chinese realized they could achieve and maintain good health and deal with stress through proper diet, exercise and relaxation.

Diet

The basis of a good diet is the regulated intake of nutritious and easily digestible foods for health and longevity. The average North American diet consists of 40% fat while the traditional Chinese and Japanese diet consisted of 5%. This fat is not only made up of excess dairy products but also greasy, oily and rich foods which are predominant in the North American diet. Adherents of the traditional Chinese & Japanese diet have lower incidence of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Traditionally, the Chinese preferred cooked food over raw. Most foods consumed were cooked or at least lightly steamed with the exception of seasonal fruits. Cooked foods are easier to digest and the nutrients available are more easily absorbed.

Western society has a predominant preference for serving drinks cold. Pop and sweetened juices are often the drink of choice. Sulfates found in carbonated drinks leach minerals from bones and the sugar content of fruit juices and pop is far too high. “Diet” alternatives for pop and juice are not acceptable substitutes. Many of the sweeteners used instead of sugar are now known to be carcinogenic. Furthermore: it takes approximately five glasses of water to flush the sugar and sulfates from the body after a single can of pop.

Coffee is another very popular beverage choice. Coffee has an interesting relationship with health studies. On any given day it seems studies suggest coffee is good for you or coffee is bad for you. Some sources tell us we should drink up to six cups a day while others tell us it should be avoided altogether. It has been shown that ingredients in the coffee bean triggers the body to produce stress hormones. Decaffeinated coffee is not an acceptable substitute, it still contains the active ingredients that release stress hormones in the body, not to mention the possible effects of the chemical process used to remove the caffeine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory is quite clear about the effects of coffee: it is heating and drying. Regular intake of coffee is not recommended.

Dairy products, much like coffee, are another food category that seems to have a positive and negative relationship with scientific health studies. Traditionally, the Chinese avoid dairy products partly because of an extremely high rate of lactose intolerance amongst Asian adults. TCM also classifies dairy as damaging to the digestion because it creates dampness and phlegm. A TCM teacher I had studied with used to say: “cows milk is only for baby cows”.

Tea is a much better choice. Green tea is high in antioxidants and helps prevent various forms of cancer. Black tea also reduces the risk of some types of cancer reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Both types boost immunity and reduce cholesterol and tests show it can increase bone density. Many find tea served with meals aids digestion.

One of the branches of TCM is Dietary Therapy. This branch combines the TCM theory of digestion and disease with the knowledge of the energetic qualities of foods creating an effective modality for treating common ailments. The following are general guidelines for dietary choices that will maximize health and vitality while protecting the digestive function from damage:

1. Overeating sugar and sweets. Damages digestion as well as depresses the immune system. Sugar intake (especially refined sugar) depresses the immune system by 20%.
2. Excessive cold or chilled food. Ice cream, cold drinks, and foods consumed directly out of the fridge should be avoided. This causes constriction in the digestive tract.
3. Excessive hard to digest foods. Raw food and greasy fried foods are much more difficult to digest than cooked foods and require more calories to be burned in order to digest. Congesting the digestive system with cold, raw, or greasy, hard to digest foods will require more energy to breakdown nutrients and slow down the entire process. This will not enable one to enjoy the full benefit of the nutrition in the food being consumed.
4. Overeating. Clogs the digestive system and slows down the digestive process. One should eat to only to feel 80% full.
5. Worry & over-thinking. In TCM theory the spleen is a factor in digestion. Worry and over-thinking damages its energetic function. Eating while problem solving or worrying should be avoided.
6. Over Taxation. Over work or a chronic illness will deplete your body’s energy and effect digestion. Eating while working or “on the run” is not a healthy choice.
7. Antibiotics. Cold natured and kill off beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract (intestines) which negatively affects the immune system.
8. Under activity. Little to no exercise causes digestive weakness. Taking walks after meals is advised because its aids digestion ands stimulates qi circulation.

Eat meals at regular times and in a relaxed state. Skipping meals and working while eating taxes the digestive system and will create unnecessary fatigue. Do not consume a lot of fluids with meals because it will flood the digestive system. It is recommended that one sips tea or some type of broth with meals.

Exercise

Exercise promotes the movement of energy and blood in the body. Exercise is also beneficial for those suffering with a lot of stress. The exercise not only forces the energy to circulate but also allows the person to “blow off some steam”.

Aerobic exercise is best and should be done every other day for 30 minutes. You may also add some weights into your activities but aerobic exercise is most important. Aerobic exercise is any physical activity that raises one’s heartbeat 80% above their normal resting heartbeat and maintains it for at least 20 minutes.

It is wise to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or have suffered a physical injury in the past. Choose an exercise routine that is suitable for your level of physical fitness and will not cause physical injury (ie: prone to knee problems, heart conditions etc.). Be sure to choose activities that are not boring because the likelihood of maintaining a routine will be low.

Stretching and flexibility are an important part of exercise. Stretching works the muscle fascia and the fascia surrounding the organs. The fascia surrounding our viscera is what transports the electromagnetic energy (the qi) throughout the body. Flexibility aids and facilitates the circulation of blood and energy. In TCM the ligaments and tendons are related to the liver. Stretching aids in the flow of qi and relaxes the liver which helps deal with stress. Qi circulation will not be impeded if one is relaxed and the muscles are supple.

Relaxation = Healing

According to TCM theory good health is characterized by qi that is flourishing and flowing throughout the body free of blockages. Qi and blood cannot flow freely if the muscles and body are tense. Body/Mind exercise such as T’ai Chi, Qigong and Yoga serve to relax the mind and body while cultivating one’s sensitivity to the qi circulation. We generally tense our muscles, especially the muscles in our upper back and shoulders, when we feel frustrated or stressed. At the same time, many of us hold our breath. In TCM, this tension constricts the flow of energy in the body.

Many people in the world today do not know how to relax. Gently concentrated, deep breathing is a simple and effective exercise to help one de-stress and relax. Relaxation can lower blood pressure, aid with anxiety disorders, body temperature, appetite, digestion, sleep, energy and mood. Studies have shown meditation and relaxation exercises practiced by those with gastro-intestinal disorders found it to be a useful adjunct to therapy. It is important to keep this a daily practice in order for it to be effective.

Preventative Maintenance

TCM excels at what is termed “preventative medicine”. The TCM medical system works very well at diagnosing imbalances in the very early stages and treating them before they progress to more serious diseases.

A saying in Chinese medicine goes: “The great healer can treat the problem before the disease manifests, the medium healer treats the disease after it has appeared.” While this statement rings true, even the greatest healer cannot help someone who does not come in for a check-up! Fine-tuning of the body’s various systems on a regular basis (whether it be acupuncture , massage, chiropractic, or herbal therapy) would be an excellent way to prevent illness from taking root. Ideally, healthy individuals would make the use of such services every four to six weeks for quality preventative therapy.

With proper treatment and proper education about appropriate lifestyle and diet choices, most health conditions or concerns can be effectively dealt with. It has also been scientifically verified that acupuncture triggers a relaxation response, lowers elevated blood pressure, improves circulation and calms the nerves.

Unfortunately, the modern world is full of toxic byproducts and pollution. Our lives are burdened with greater stress while our level of activity and exposure to fresh air has been reduced. A healthy lifestyle paired with preventative health care is now indispensable in our efforts to achieve optimal health and well being.

Take an active part in your own health and vitality!

Women's Health & TCM

2006-12-18T18:42:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact most women experience some sort of discomfort during their “time of the month” TCM would argue this should not be viewed as “normal”. Although many of the symptoms are widespread in today’s society this is a sign that the woman’s body is out of balance. A woman’s journey through the menstrual cycle should be smooth and free of any discomfort, fatigue and emotional changes.

The following article will discuss the treatment of PMS, Painful Menstruation (dysmenorrhoea) and menopause.

Premenstrual Syndrome [PMS]:

The term PMS, broadly describes emotional and/or physical discomfort occurring before the period. The symptoms may include depression, sadness, irritability, anxiety, lethargy, loss of concentration, aggressiveness, changes in libido, changes in bowel habits, skin eruptions, food cravings, crying, outbursts of anger, headaches, bloating, distension of the abdomen or breasts and insomnia. The symptoms vary in duration as well as intensity, ranging from 1 day to 2 weeks before the period. PMS is more common among women in the age range of 30 to 40. Symptoms can be very mild to extremely serious and debilitating.

TCM & PMS: Generally speaking, symptoms of PMS are caused by a disharmony of the liver and the spleen. Chinese medicine views these two organs quite differently than Western medicine. The liver initiates the menstrual cycle and the spleen follows through. The causative factors for symptoms of PMS are often emotional strain, overwork, and improper diet. Using herbal therapy and acupuncture has been found effective at restoring harmony to the liver and spleen. Proper instruction for diet, exercise and relaxation will also help the patient make the appropriate lifestyle changes to curb the factors causing the disruptive symptoms.

PROGNOSIS: Both acupuncture and herbal therapy, by themselves, or in combination, give excellent results for PMS. It could be said that there is hardly a case that cannot be helped, although some cases may take longer. As with all menstrual problems, it generally takes a minimum of three menstrual periods to regulate the cycle completely, although some improvement will be apparent after the first month.

Painful Menstruation:

Dysmenorrhoea, or painful menstruation, occurs prior to, during or after menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea is one of the more common gynaecological disorders. It is estimated that 50% of menstruating women experience this condition and 10% of these women will miss several days of work each month. The pain associated with menstruation occurs in the lower abdomen, sacral region (lower back) and sometimes extends to the legs. In severe cases, there may be nausea and vomiting or even fainting. Associated Western conditions include; mittleschmerz, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and myoma.

TCM & PAINFUL MENSTRUATION: TCM views painful menstruation as an imbalance of energy within the human body. In order for a normal, pain free period to occur, the blood must be abundant and move adequately. Proper movement of blood relies on the free flow of energy which is governed by the liver. If the energy stagnates or is obstructed, there will be pain. Pain can occur differently for women during the period. For some, it may be painful before the onset of the period, for others the period is characterized by stabbing pain which is only relieved by the passing of dark clots. Another symptom is a hesitant period, one which starts and stops suddenly.

Emotions, external environment, overwork, chronic illness and excessive childbirth are the main causes of painful menstruation in TCM. Emotional strain causes stagnation in the flow of energy, which eventually leads to stagnation of blood in the liver and uterus, which leads to painful periods. Excessive exposure to a cold and damp environment, especially during the years of puberty, will lead to cold invading the uterus causing constriction and stagnation of blood, therefore painful periods.

Prognosis: The TCM protocol for treating painful menstruation is to disperse the static blood and qi which is causing the pain and if necessary strengthen the blood and qi. Both acupuncture and herbal therapy, on their own, or in combination, give excellent results for Painful Menstruation. It could be said that there is hardly a case that cannot be helped, although some cases may take longer. As with all menstrual problems, it generally takes a minimum of three menstrual periods to regulate the cycle completely, although some improvement will be apparent after the first month.

Menopause:

Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 48 to 55. Menopause is not a disease, but is a normal physiological transition in a woman’s life from a reproductive to a non-reproductive age. The main problems a woman is likely to experience with varying degrees of severity during menopause are: headaches, tiredness, lethargy, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, depression, insomnia, inability to concentrate, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sweating.

According to TCM medical theory menopause is part of the natural aging process. At the time of menopause a woman’s body no longer produces sufficient blood to sustain a monthly period without overly draining her system. Therefore, the body in its wisdom redirects the downward flow of blood and energy from the heart to the uterus. The flow of blood and energy is directed upward to nourish the spirit.

TCM practitioners may use acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine, or a combination of both to treat menopausal syndrome. The treatment will aim to nourish the energy and blood in the body, quiet the spirit, and clear heat to rebalance woman’s entire organism.

If a woman is having hormone replacement therapy, treatment with Chinese medicine will not interfere because the two treatments work in different ways. In China, maturity is highly honoured and the time after menopause is often referred to as a woman’s second spring. The transitional time of menopause can be made much smoother with the use of acupuncture and herbal therapy. The prognosis is very good for helping women suffering from menopausal symptoms. Chinese medicine has helped women for thousands of years enjoy their second spring by making their transition a smooth and comfortable one.

TCM as an alternative form of health care is growing in acceptance in Western societies because it works! Perhaps the strongest feature of TCM is its ability to treat chronic conditions for which conventional medicine has no answers or effective treatments other than long-term prescriptions that come with a host of possible side-effects.

For more information visit www.chrisditecco.com

Treating Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis with Chinese Herbal Medicine

2006-12-12T17:33:00.001-05:00

This article is currently being updated, please check back soon for detailed information.

TCM for Pregnancy & Labour

2006-11-18T15:38:00.002-05:00

For thousands of years acupuncture has been effectively used to aid and assist with the birthing process. For turning breech babies, reducing time spent in labour, and even inducing labour acupuncture is the simple, natural and non-invasive solution.

This article has been published by Vitality magazine. Please click here to view the article.

Acupuncture and the Treatment of Pain

2006-11-18T15:28:00.001-05:00

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on the internal energy of the body – the qi (pronounced chee). The qi circulates throughout the body on specific pathways called meridians. What modern medicine would refer to as illness, TCM would refer to as an imbalance or disharmony of the qi. A TCM practitioner would diagnose and treat accordingly to correct the qi flow and return the body to balance. In Chinese medicine, good health is a state of harmony between the mind, body and spirit.

TCM is growing in acceptance in Western societies because it works! Perhaps the strongest feature of TCM is its ability to treat chronic conditions for which conventional medicine has no answers or effective long term treatments.

An ancient Chinese proverb says; “When there is pain there is no free flow of Qi. When there is free flow of Qi there is no pain”. Pain is essentially a blockage in the flow of energy within the body. By stimulating acupuncture points blockages can be opened to restore the proper flow of qi and relieve pain.

An acupuncturist inserts needles into the appropriate points to stimulate energy flow into or out of an effected area/organ to balance excess and deficiency patterns. The desired result is to balance the energy and blood flow of the body and restore harmony. For cases of fatigue or constitutional weakness accompanied by pain the practitioner will select points in his treatment protocol to boost the vital energy of the body along with points to alleviate pain. For straightforward cases involving pain, the practitioner will select points to disperse stagnant qi and stimulate correct circulation in the effected area.

Pain, simply stated, is caused by a lack of proper circulation. External factors such as wind, cold, dampness, and heat can cause the flow of energy and blood to be obstructed. The result of this obstruction can be pain, numbness, a feeling of heaviness, stiffness and sweeling of the joints and muscles. In severe cases motor impairment in the limbs will occur. Acupuncture stimulates circulation and corrects improper circulation in the affected area. Once proper circulation of energy and blood is restored the pain will recede. During the diagnostic assesment the TCM practitioner will look for "patterns" exhibited by the patient. The specific type of pain the patient suffers from, combined with other signs and symptoms will explain a lot about their constitution and specific ailment.

Types of Pain:

Achy, dull, distensive pain that is aggravated by damp weather (DAMPNESS). Pain due to dampness is generally characterized by a feeling of heaviness and sluggishness. The practitioner will choose a treatment protocol to drain dampness and alleviate pain.

Pain that is worse with heat, red, raised, painful, hot (HEAT or FIRE, DAMP HEAT). People who suffer from pain caused by heat generally describe the pain as burning. Rigidity of the affected area is a common symptom with increased pain upon motion of the affected area. Pain due to heat is usually accompanied by fever, thirst and restlessness.

Wandering Pain (WIND), pain is in no fixed location and generally “wanders” around the body. The location of the pain tends to move and has an ascending nature. Wind type pain commonly affects the upper body and limbs (shoulder, elbow, and wrist) and is often described as a pulling pain and/or numbness.

Constricting, sharp, colicky pain that is relieved by the application of heat (COLD). Often accompainied by cold sensation in the joints. A practitioner will often stimulate acupuncture points with heat (warmth is applied with a clinical heat lamp or by burning the Chinese herb moxibustion and holding it over the acupuncture point) to alleviate pain and dispel cold.

Sharp stabbing, fixed pain (BLOOD STASIS). Indicates very poor circulation of the energy and blood. The practitioner will treat to invigorate the circulation of blood.

Pain that is reduced with the application of pressure, or pain that is worse after physical exertion (QI DEFICIENCY). The treatment will focus on boosting the vital energy of the body and aiding circulation.

Treatment Protocols:

All these signs lead the practitioner towards the underlying cause of the pain and he/she will direct the treatment to specifically address the issues causing the pain or illness. Sometimes the energy need simply be moved to disperse the stagnation. Other times the patients qi (energy) will need to be boosted to help move the qi as well. The treatment protocol will be designed based on the nature of the patients condition. How chronic or long standing is the condition or if is it a relatively acute episode will determine the approach of the treatment.

The main object in treatment of pain is to break the pain cycle. For someone suffering from chronic pain it is possible they experience continuous pain day and night. It is important to break this cycle. At first the pain may only disappear for a matter of minutes or a few hours before it returns. Subsequent treatments will enable the cycle of pain to be broken for longer and longer periods of time until the patient is pain free.

I prefer to treat until the patient is pain free then add one more treatment to ensure longer lasting effect. Patients experience less “flare-ups” of the injury if they see the treatment plan through to the finish rather than discontinue the treatment too early.

In the cases of patients suffering from chronic, long standing conditions it can take up to 3 to 6 months of treatment to see successful results. In some cases continuous “tune-up” treatments will need to follow depending on the person’s specific condition or occupation. Acute sprains or injuries may require 1 to 10 treatments depending upon the severity and nature of the accident/injury.

Compatibility with other modalities:
Acupuncture for the treatment of pain works well in conjunction with treatment from other modalities such as: chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy. There is no need to discontinue other therapies while receiving treatment with acupuncture. Combining treatment with other modalities has been known to speed up recovery time and increase positive results.

Acupuncture has proven effective in the treatment of the following types of pain:
• Arthritis
• Traumatic Injury
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Tension (stress)
• Tennis elbow
• Knee injury
• Frozen shoulder
• Repeated stress syndrome (computer work etc.)
• Back pain, Sciatica
• Sports Injury
• Muscle, joint pain
• Headaches
• Painful Menstruation
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• And many more…

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