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Dec 02 2018

Sciatica Pain Management With Acupuncture and more

Ever experienced pain in one side of your lower body extending from your lower back down your thigh and on through the leg? How about pain that stems from prolonged sitting or extended intervals of driving? Long hours at the office or a major traffic jam can literally be a major pain in the butt. This seemingly inevitable discomfort is called sciatica and can affect up to 40% of the population at some point in our lives.

Many assume sciatica means back pain but as shown in the diagram below, the sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. Sciatica pain is most common in individuals between the ages of 25 and 45 years old. The leg pain is typically more intermittent than constant and sufferers can also feel numbness, cramps, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Related: 7 Natural Ways to Find Relief From Back Pain

Sciatica pain management diagram and where it starts to hurt
Pain can emerge when the sciatic nerve is inflamed or pinched. There are multiple methods of sciatic pain management.

There may be various levels of pain depending on where in the leg the sciatic nerve is affected. In some cases, the aching can be felt all the way down past the knee and to the foot and toes. As humans age, the spine changes and is more susceptible to herniated discs and bone spurs. Pain can be more severe when the lower body is straining, lifting, sitting for an extended period of time, and even when sneezing or coughing.

How to Manage Sciatica Pain

When seeking how to manage sciatica pain, several methods have been proven to relieve and prevent aches and physical hardship. Sciatica can be treated by stretching, taking Over-the-Counter pain relievers (such as Ibuprofen), ingesting prescription muscle relaxants, ice and heat applications, biofeedback, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and more. Preventative techniques also include regular exercising, applying proper posture, and keeping in mind the twists and turns and lifting activity that can inflict pain.

If pain is relatively mild and subsides within four to eight weeks, this is known as acute sciatica and medical attention may not be required. In most cases, sciatica pain management improves with a few weeks of conservative treatment. However, a visit to the doctor can help peace of mind and clear up any questions as physicians will have the patient do multiple leg stretches that can pinpoint sciatica pain.

Related: Does Acupuncture Really Work?

A first option when seeking pain management for sciatica is by taking a readily accessible pain reliever, such as Advil or Motrin. Aside from medication, acute sciatica pain management can improve through acupuncture, physical therapy, and exercises that provide a manageable routine and posture tips to improve existing sciatica pain and prevent future occurrences. Exercising and even light walking get the blood flowing and the body in motion to alleviate inflammation and that dreaded feeling of stiffness. It is recommended to keep back, leg, and hip muscles as fluid and flexible as possible and consistently perform good posture by sitting and standing up straight.

What About Severe Sciatica Pain?

More severe pain that exists for longer periods of time is known as chronic sciatica and usually involves a mix of medication and self-care practices. If OTC medications do not improve symptoms, prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants can be administered to relieve the extreme, sharp pain affected by the sciatic nerve. In addition, physical and cognitive behavioral therapy can help train the body and the mind to minimize, tolerate, and react differently to the pain. On some extreme occasions, surgery may be suggested to relieve and remedy sciatica pain often affected by herniated discs and snags with the spine causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.

The two most common surgical procedures are lumbar laminectomy (spinal cord widening to reduce nerve pressure) and discectomy, which is partial or full removal of a herniated disc. For patients who opt not to undergo surgery but strive to find an alternative to reduce the bothersome, consistent pain, steroid injections into the spine might be worth exploring.

Take Care of Yourself

As the years pass by, the body seems to become more fragile and vulnerable to pain. Amidst our busy lifestyles, it can be very beneficial to take time during the day to stretch, breathe, disconnect, and tend to our body and soul. One recommended stretching technique that helps manage sciatica pain guides you to lift your left leg, place your right ankle over your left knee, and hold the position for a moment. Repeat the same exercise with the other leg. This can relieve pain caused by an inflamed piriformis muscle in the buttocks pressing against the sciatic nerve. Additional tactics for sciatic pain management caused by herniated or bulging vertebral discs include stretches from chest to knee, knee to shoulder, standing hamstring chest, and stretches extending the spine and hip flexors.

Although it may seem like an obvious issue with the leg when experiencing sciatica pain, the discomfort typically stems from instant pressure on the nerve caused by a herniated disc in the spine, arthritis, or hitches in the pelvis. Women would agree it is no surprise to hear that sciatic pain can arise during pregnancy.

Sciatica pain can be extreme and at times practically debilitating; therefore, bed rest may be tempting and could provide a few days of relief. However, it will not help completely eliminate the pain over the long term. Many of the sciatica pain management options referenced above should be applied in moderation and with a devoted focus on self-improvement. It is promising and reassuring to acknowledge that the proper self-care and medication intake can make a major difference in alleviating sciatica pain and leading to a healthier, pain-free quality of life.

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Written by Scott Cooper · Categorized: News

Nov 20 2018

What is Facial Rejuvenation?

Sometimes (especially during summer) we forget that spending hours out in the sun can cause extensive damage to the skin on your face and accelerate the effects of aging. Unfortunately, sunbathing and maintaining that youthful glow do not go hand in hand. So, as summer comes to an end and your tan begins to fade, it’s a good time to start thinking about your skin’s health again. Rather than just hope your face will “go back to normal” with minimal damage as we start to spend more time inside,  consider trying an acupuncture technique that will actively repair your skin: facial rejuvenation.

What is facial rejuvenation? It is a form of cosmetic acupuncture that counteracts the systemic inflammation,  stress, and build-up of toxins that contribute to the appearance of aging

Facial rejuvenation is a form of cosmetic acupuncture that counteracts the systemic inflammation, stress, and build-up of toxins that contribute to the appearance of aging. By manipulating the acu-points associated with the face and skin, facial rejuvenation acupuncture balances the flow of energy through the body and face, creating younger and healthier looking skin. Facial rejuvenation treatments also help your body produce more collagen, which improves the elasticity of your skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone and provides a more even complexion.

How Does Facial Rejuvenation Work?

Healthline explains the science behind facial acupuncture: “As the needles puncture the skin, they create wounds within its threshold, which are called positive microtraumas. When your body senses these wounds, it goes into repair mode. This is the same idea microneedling uses to get bright, anti-aging results — except acupuncture is a bit less intense, averaging about 50 punctures. Microneedling applies hundreds of pricks through a rolling device.

These punctures stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory system, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. This helps even out your complexion and promote your skin’s glow. The positive microtraumas also stimulates the production of collagen. This helps improve elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.”

Types of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Endpoint Wellness offers restorative facial acupuncture, which is the insertion of tiny needles into acu-points associated with the face (described above) and microcurrent facial rejuvenation, or Energy Light Rejuvenation. Energy Light Rejuvenation is a technique using microcurrent (electric current) and therapeutic colored light applied in a specific protocol which includes the use of acupuncture points on the face. According to Dr. Darren Starwynn, who developed the Energy Light Rejuvenation technique, “both microcurrent and light help restore the energy circulation and communication within the cells of the body. The amount of aging we see in our faces is in direct proportion to the blockage and reduction of this energy communication in our bodies.”

Endpoint Wellness also offers holistic skin treatments and therapies such as herbal supplements that can promote healthy skin, nails, hair and other cosmetic features. You can also make an appointment for a massage, or esthetician services including brow shaping, facial hair removal, brow and lash tinting.

Proof That Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Actually Works

According to New York AcuHealth Acupuncture, The International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported in a recent study of 300 people, 270 perceived a marked decrease of facial wrinkles after just one treatment. Their skin felt firmer to the touch and elasticity was improved. Their website also states that facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a timeless beauty technique dating back to ancient Chinese culture during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 AD).

Healthline.com calls facial acupuncture “the reportedly safer alternative to Botox” and claims that “unlike injection procedures, facial acupuncture addresses not only signs of aging, but also the skin’s overall health.”

Another study done by the National Institute of Health examined the effects of acupuncture on 27 women between the ages of 40 and 59 showed that after five acupuncture sessions, 12 exhibited no change, while 15 showed a positive, single-level improvement in their skin’s elasticity.

Facial rejuvenation treatments can be as effective (not to mention safer) as dermal fillers and even surgical facelift procedures. However, the best results occur through prevention; by beginning facial rejuvenation treatments today, you can maintain a healthy glowing complexion and protect your skin from premature aging.

What Contributes to Premature Aging?

Why do we need facial rejuvenation in the first place? Chances are, unless you are someone with no stress, who doesn’t spend any time outside or wear any makeup, you will experience one or more of these factors that contribute to premature aging:

  • Pollution, makeup and/or poor cleansing habits block pores. Clean skin is the first step to beautiful skin!
  • Sunlight. The sun provides us with warmth, energy and Vitamin D, however, overexposure to the sun can be harmful.
  • Smoking, alcohol, drug use and caffeinated beverages take their toll on our skin.
  • Stress. Reducing stress and tension in your life will benefit your mind and body, including your skin.
  • Lack of sleep. Sleep rejuvenates the body and the mind.

If you want to explore the benefits of facial rejuvenation acupuncture for yourself, make an appointment with Endpoint Wellness today!

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Written by Scott Cooper · Categorized: News

Aug 06 2018

Acupuncture For Allergies

Acupuncture, a medical treatment originating from ancient Chinese culture, has become increasingly popular in the United States and Western Medicine. When most people think of acupuncture, they think of it as a treatment for pain relief, particularly back pain. While this is a very common use for acupuncture, as is receiving acupuncture for sports injuries, depression, anxiety, insomnia and cosmetic benefits, there is another increasingly popular reason people are trying: acupuncture for allergies.

People can user acupuncture for allergies and allergy relief

In the past decade alone, more and more studies have been conducted resulting in evidence that acupuncture for allergies and allergy symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes really works. When you think about how acupuncture works in the body to relieve pain and other complications, it makes sense that it would also cure the uncomfortable symptoms that go along with having allergies.

Acupuncture works by restoring the healthy flow of energy, or qi, through the body’s meridians by inserting tiny needles at specific points throughout the body. Specifically for allergies, acupuncture aims to correct the blockages and imbalances that occur in the meridians and organs as a result of allergic reaction to pollen and other allergens. When these allergens are released, mostly in the spring and summer, the attachment of the allergens to the body’s white blood cells often causes the release of the chemical histamine, which causes allergic reactions.

Does Acupuncture For Allergies Really Work?

In an article by Patrick J. LaRiccia, M.D. at American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, he states that “Western medicine views seasonal allergies as a form of immediate hypersensitivity reaction which occurs when anti-bodies produced by lymphocytes interact with airborne particles such as pollen.” He goes on to describe the locations of lymphocytes as being in the bloodstream, gastrointestinal tract, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. In his acupuncture practice, he claims that the spleen, stomach, and large intestine meridians are utilized a great deal for patients with allergies. Some patients even get relief during their first visit from acupuncture, he says.

Another study to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture for allergies was done at the University Medical Center in Berlin. An article on healthline.com outlines the study of the effectiveness of acupuncture allergies. In this study, 422 people were divided into three groups for two months: one group received acupuncture treatment, the second received “fake” acupuncture, with needles placed in random, meaningless spots on their bodies, and the third group only took antihistamines. At the end of the study, the group that received acupuncture therapy reported greater relief from symptoms than the other two groups.

Related: Preventing Colds and Flu as Fall Approaches

Despite studies and testimonials claiming that acupuncture for allergies does work, many people are still skeptical and believe that not enough scientific evidence is available to support this claim. In an article on Evidence Based Acupuncture, the author details the scientific ins and outs of exactly how acupuncture reduces the symptoms of allergic Rhinitis, such as a runny nose. This article provides multiple scientific research-based sources that prove that acupuncture does improve the quality of life of patients who experience seasonal allergies.

Other Natural Ways To Relieve Allergy Symptoms

Over the counter antihistamines can cause uncomfortable side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, confusion and more. Rather than rely on pharmaceutical drugs to treat symptoms for allergies, consider trying out one or all of the methods below, in addition to acupuncture:

  • Herbal Supplements
  • Herbal supplements such as green tea, licorice root, and an herb called butterbur contain natural antihistamines and may reduce allergy symptoms.
  • Dietary Changes
  • Spicier foods can help relieve congestion, so try adding cayenne pepper, hot ginger, onion and garlic to your meals.
  • Nasal Rinses like Neti pots can relieve nasal congestion.
  • Allergy Proofing
  • Vacuuming to eliminate dust, closing windows and doors, and buying dust-proof pillows and mattresses can call provide relief for allergies.

In our society today, more people are turning to natural approaches to illness rather than over-the-counter prescription drugs. Because of its rising success rate and non-existant negative side effects, acupuncture is quickly becoming one of the most commonly used natural approaches to medicine.

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Written by Scott Cooper · Categorized: News

Aug 02 2018

Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain

Acupuncture has proven to have many positive effects on the body and mind and is becoming more and more common as an alternative medical treatment every day. According to WebMD, acupuncture for lower back pain is the number one reported reason people seek out acupuncture. The same article states that “guidelines from the American Pain Society and American College of Physicians say doctors should consider acupuncture as an alternative therapy for patients with chronic low-back pain that’s not helped by conventional treatment.”

A man skateboarding because he got relief with acupuncture for lower back pain.

There have been numerous studies, firsthand experiences and surveys that show acupuncture for lower back pain really works. Many patients with lower back pain go through endless doctor appointments, chiropractor appointments and pain medications, without ever finding a solution that really works. Acupuncture for lower back pain relief is natural, originating from China more than 2,500 years ago. Acupuncture is completely safe, natural and non-addictive. The best thing about acupuncture, however, is that there are numerous studies and evidence that prove its effectiveness.

Causes and Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain may occur from a number of different reasons. The pain may result from an injury, or come from skeletal, muscular or nerve issues. The body’s largest vertebrae are found in the lumbar spine, supporting most of the weight of the upper body. These vertebrae are highly susceptible to degeneration and injury, and an injury at one spinal level can cause a number of symptoms. If you started experiencing lower back pain from a sports injury, Endpoint Wellness can also assist in the healing of your injury through sports acupuncture. No matter what the cause is, lower back pain is always uncomfortable and the pain should be managed as early on as possible. Symptoms of lower back pain include:

  • Dull, aching pain
  • Pain that travels to the buttocks, legs, and feet
  • Pain that is worse after prolonged sitting
  • Pain that feels better when changing positions
  • Pain that is worse after waking up and better after moving around

If you have any or all of these symptoms, you should consider contacting Endpoint Wellness today for a consultation on how acupuncture can help your lower back pain.

How Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain Works

Acupuncture is described as the insertion of anywhere from 1 to 20 thin needles into the skin, ranging from less than one to several inches long. The needles are inserted at different “acupoints” throughout the body which are connected by different pathways or “meridians.” When these acupoints – more than 2,000 throughout the body – are stimulated, it improves the flow of energy throughout the body, or qi. As mentioned earlier, there are many different healing powers of acupuncture, but acupuncture for lower back pain is one of the most common and sought-after benefits.

There are many different theories on why acupuncture works for relieving lower back pain. The most common one is that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system which causes the release of opioids, naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that block the feeling of pain. Another theory is that acupuncture stimulates the electromagnetic points in the body, which is believed to start the flow of endorphins, another natural painkiller in the body. It is also said that the stimulation of these electromagnetic points could cause the release of immune cells throughout the body, also promoting healing of the damaged area.

The last theory is that acupuncture activates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, altering the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Neurotransmitters are altered in a way that dampens nerve impulses, reducing the pain, and neurohormones are altered to positively affect the function or activity of an organ in the bod, according to WebMD. Both WebMD and spine-health.com cited these as possible reasons acupuncture is effective, as well as a plethora of other evidence.

The aftermath of acupuncture includes increased range of movement and reduce your pain while your body naturally repairs injured or degenerated tissues. We have some more natural ways to relieve back pain as well! Endpoint Wellness will work with you to determine the type of acupuncture treatment best suited for your back pain to find relief. Contact us today for a consultation and acupuncture appointment with Dr. Geoffrey N. Hayes.

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Written by Scott Cooper · Categorized: News

Jun 28 2018

Acupuncture: Effects on the Mind and Depression

When most people hear the term “acupuncture” they assume people receive acupuncture for pain relief, either for back pain or other muscles. While acupuncture is a great alternative medicine for pain relief and muscle rehabilitation and is used by many for those purposes like depression, it also has numerous benefits for issues that are controlled by the mind. Research has shown that acupuncture has proven to be as effective as prescription drugs and other forms of treatment when it comes to the problems below.

Three Positive Mental Outcomes from Acupuncture You Would Not Expect

Acupuncture for Depression

In a recent article by the Healthcare Medicine Institute, acupuncture was found just as effective as prescription drugs in the treatment of mild depression. Acupuncture has been thought of as an alternative medicine for depression and anxiety since it has become more widely accepted in the past decade, but now there is substantial proof. In a recent study by the Guangdong Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, researchers found that acupuncture with moxibustion produced a similar outcome for patients as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) commonly used to treat depression, paroxetine.

Acupuncture for Depression

Of the three groups of subjects (acupuncture, paroxetine, and the standard control group), the group who received acupuncture and moxibustion showed an 84.3 effective rate in reducing depression with fewer negative side effects than the group who received the paroxetine, which received an 86% total effective rate.

The side effects from the group who received the paroxetine included palpitations, dry mouth, loss of appetite, dizziness, constipation, and one patient cut his finger (possibly due to dizziness caused by the drug). The only negative side effects from the acupuncture included one case of a hematoma and four of blistering due to moxibustion. Another article outlines a study that showed acupuncture was just as effective as the anti-depressant fluoxetine (the generic name of Prozac) in reducing symptoms of depression.

The study tracked levels of glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a neuroprotective protein in patients that is said to be lower among patients with major depressive disorder. After six weeks, the groups who received the drug fluoxetine and acupuncture both showed restored levels of GDNF, but acupuncture achieved the results faster.

Research suggests that acupuncture is effective because the needles may activate natural painkillers in the brain, or  because acupuncture is believed to improve functioning by correcting energy blocks or imbalances in the organs.

Acupuncture for Insomnia

In another study done by Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, acupuncture was found to be more effective than a drug, zopiclone, in improving sleep duration, quality, latency, efficiency and daytime functioning. Of two groups of patients, the group that received the zopiclone achieved a 67.9% total effective rate and the group that received the acupuncture achieved a 92.9% total effective rate.

The study also revealed that ten patients completely recovered in the acupuncture group, whereas there were only 3 complete recoveries in the drug group. One theory why acupuncture is such an effective tool for sleep aid is that insomnia is caused by an imbalance of the body’s yin and yang, which determines the sleep and awake cycle. By performing acupuncture, which balances the body’s qi and yin and yang, the sleep and awake cycle can be restored, curing the insomnia.

An additional benefit of receiving acupuncture for insomnia is that it is a natural treatment and non-addictive, unlike some sleep aid drugs like zopiclone. In some cases, the alleviation of insomnia directly correlates to an improvement in depression.

According to another article, a study showed that for patients with anxiety, acupuncture increased the brain’s production of melatonin, which is the hormone that regulates sleep. Many studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in treating insomnia for patients that do not have additional mental health problems, also.

Acupuncture for Addiction

Not only has acupuncture proven effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and insomnia, but there is also hope for those struggling with addiction thanks to acupuncture. A recent study by Daegu Haany University and Qiqihar Medical University, researchers investigated acupuncture as a means of suppressing intravenous methamphetamine self-administration, according to an article published by the Healthcare Medicine System. In the study, the application of acupuncture to an acupoint located on the wrist suppresses methamphetamine self-administration via the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor system. GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for inhibiting central nervous system excitability in adults.

Researchers concluded that these findings are consistent with results from another investigation proving that acupuncture reduced morphine-related addictive behaviors.  The website recovery.org also lists acupuncture as an alternative or complementary method for addiction recovery, stating that “auricular or ear acupuncture is a popular form of this treatment that involves shallow insertion of a thin needle at various points on the skin of the external ear to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction that might benefit from acupuncture in the Albuquerque area, contact Endpoint Wellness today to make an appointment.

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Written by Scott Cooper · Categorized: News

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