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May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
“Brain Fog” and Hormone Levels During Menopause Improve Markedly From Acupuncture Treatment
For many women, menopause is a difficult time. Mood swings, weight gain, depression, night sweats, hot flashes, forgetfulness – these symptoms and more can make life miserable. For some women, menopause comes and goes in a hurry. Unfortunately, for many more, the entire process can take as long as five years.
One of the symptoms of the process of menopause that is often mentioned is “brain fog.” This condition is accompanied by fluctuations in hormone levels. Symptoms may be alleviated by replacement hormones, but some of these drugs have turned out to be dangerous. Specifically, Equilin, Estradiol, Estrone and Mestranol were found to be carcinogenic after they had been prescribed to women for years.
Fortunately, a far less invasive form of treatment has been developed using Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Beijing, this treatment was tested on thirty-five women with thirty more women with similar symptoms serving as a control group. After 24 treatments over 4 weeks, the Acupuncture treatment was found to be more effective than medicine.
In the Acupuncture group, 12 cases were fully recovered, 16 cases improved “markedly,” and 6 cases improved. The total effective rate was calculated as high as 97.14 percent. Only one patient did not show any significant improvement.
What is even better is that medical tests of the hormone levels of these women confirmed that they weren’t just feeling better and thinking more clearly, their bodies and hormone levels had actually changed. Hormone tests after the course of treatment showed a shift of key menopausal-related hormone levels to more normal ranges.
At the Wahls of Wellness, we add herbal therapies to this program of treatment. The combination of herbs and acupuncture, along with essential oils and aromatherapy (when indicated) as well as working with women to enhance their inner HealingSpirit, offers the possibility of even more improvement in the lack of mental clarity and in reducing hot flashes and night sweats—those common symptoms that are so often associated with menopause.
Source: Perimenopausal Brain Fog, Acupuncture and Herbs to Stimulate Brain Activity, May 2005, http://www.itmonline.org/arts/brainfog.htm
Source: Menopause article, 18 December 2009, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000894.htm
Source: TOXNET article on Estradiol, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~pqhcYF:1, 1999
Source: TOXNET article on Mestranol, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~xKhEH8:1, 1999
Source: TOXNET article on Estrone, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~QaQVi0:1, 2005
Tags: Acupuncture, depression, hormonal, hot flashes, menopause, mood swings, night sweats, pms, women's health
Posted in PMS/Menopause/Hormonal | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles from Ian Wahl
Acupuncture Found to be Better than Drugs for Headache Relief
If you are one of the approximately 45 million people in the United States that suffers from a chronic headache condition, there is some very good news that may help eliminate the need to take medication.
Researchers at Duke University Medical School have shown that Acupuncture is more effective than drugs in reducing both the severity and the frequency of chronic headache conditions.
“Acupuncture is becoming a favorable option for a variety of purposes ranging from enhancing fertility to decreasing post-operative pain because people experience significantly fewer side effects, and it can be less expensive than other options,” said Dr. Tong Joo Gan, a Duke anesthesiologist who lead the study. “This analysis reinforces that Acupuncture also is a successful source of relief from chronic headaches.”
It’s interesting to note that the U.S. National Institute of Health began recommending Acupuncture as a viable treatment to help people with a chronic headache condition over 10 years ago.
Duke researchers looked into more than 30 studies involving over 4,000 patients who suffered migraine headaches, tension headaches and additional headaches with multiple symptoms. All of the studies they looked at were conducted over a period of time that lasted for more than 4 weeks.
One of the main findings of the study had to do with the comparison of Acupuncture to the effectiveness of drugs. In the 17 different studies comparing Acupuncture to medication, Acupuncture provided relief to 62 percent of the patients while only 45 percent found headache relief with drugs.
With Acupuncture known to provide this type of relief, often in a matter of 5 or 6 treatments that last only about 30 minutes, it seems clear that headache sufferers should put aside their medications and seek the relief offered through his age-old treatment. “One of the barriers to treatment with Acupuncture is getting people to understand that while needles are used, it is not a painful experience,” said Dr. Gan. “It is a method for releasing your body’s own natural painkillers.”
According to researchers, over 20 million American women are among the 45 million people that suffer chronic headaches. Based on the experiences of the majority who were involved in these studies, it would be wise for drug users to consider putting away their medications. Many people could find long-term relief with some relaxing and healing visits to an acupuncturist.
Source: Duke University Medical Center. “Duke Study: Acupuncture Offers Better Headache Relief over Medication.” December 2008. http://durham.mync.com/site/Durham/news/story/20465/duke-study-acupuncture-offers-better-headache-relief-over-medication/
Tags: Acupuncture, headache, migraine, Pain
Posted in Headaches | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Acupuncture Improves Fertility in Men, Too
It’s become rather commonly known that Acupuncture has produced some very positive and even remarkable success stories in solving fertility problems in women. Now, new research shows there’s a very good possibility that Acupuncture might hold some enhancement benefits for their male counterparts as well.
Over the years, women have born all of the children as well as the brunt of criticism when they are unable to do so. In reality, men suffer from infertility issues almost as frequently as women. According to statistics from the National Infertility Association (an organization also known as RESOLVE), between 35% and 40% of infertility problems among couples are actually caused by male conditions.
Male fertility issues commonly fall into the categories of low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, abnormal sperm size and reduced motility (capability of movement). Additional influencing factors can also fall into the areas of lifestyle, genetics and physiological changes, but these were not really major areas of consideration for this study.
Twenty-eight men who were diagnosed with idiopathic (unknown) infertility issues were chosen for this study. Sperm samples were taken from each man prior to the start of the study with each individual asked to abstain from sexual contact for 3 days prior to sampling.
A portion of the men received Acupuncture twice per week over a 5-week period, while the control group received no such treatment.
Overall, the men in the Acupuncture group showed significant improvements in sperm motility; number and percentage of healthy sperm produced; and showed significant changes in sperm structure and quality.
For instance, while median motility levels increased some in the control group, they increased from 44.5% to 50% in the Acupuncture group. At the start, the percentage of healthy sperm among men in the Acupuncture group and their sperm volume were on the low side. After 10 sessions of treatments, the healthy sperm of the average person in the group had increased four-fold, with the number of sperm per sample increased five-fold. In addition, significant changes in sperm structure and quality were seen in the samples from the Acupuncture group. There was little to no significant changes in the sperm of the control group.
The authors concluded that despite the inability of Acupuncture to significantly reduce some sperm abnormalities, the treatment could be used to improve overall sperm quality, leading to the possibility of increased fertility.
At the Natural Fertility Health Centers, one of our sister clinics, we offer our DADS program to help enhance male fertility. This simple program not only helps balance the male hormonal system, but also helps relieve stress, raise virility levels, and increases feelings of better health and well-being.
For more information on all of our fertility programs for men and women Click Here.
SOURCE: Acupuncture Today http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2005/oct/10infertility.html
Tags: Acupuncture, DADS program, fertility, IUI, men's health, natural fertility health centers, sperm quality
Posted in Fertility and Pregnancy | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Reduce Fatigue with Acupuncture/Acupressure
Blockages of energy flows in the body have long been recognized by practitioners of Chinese medicine as the cause of reduced health and disease. This “life energy” that flows through the body, known as Qi (pronounced chee) is responsible for illness when it is not flowing properly. Restoring the natural flow of Qi returns the body to harmony and positive results occur. Acupressure can help to return the flow as well.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is one such blockage problem that can be successfully treated with Acupuncture. Whether a person subscribes to a Western definition of Acupuncture helping due to a release of endorphins in the brain, or the Eastern thinking that has Qi now flowing freely through the body’s meridians –– what’s most important is that Acupuncture helps the condition.
CFS is characterized by debilitating fatigue, plus flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, swollen lymph glands, fever, headaches and muscle pain. While a Western medicine approach would likely include medications for the problem, a Chinese medicine and Acupuncture approach would be quite different.
“A typical diagnosis for CFS would involve kidney-adrenal exhaustion, spleen-stomach digestion deficiency, liver stagnation and blockage,” says Dr. Maoshing Ni, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine who’s used Acupuncture in his treatments since 1985. Mainly, I think we’re looking at the over-taxation of one’s vital energy resources. Treatment with Chinese medicine would involve trying to resolve those issues.” Diet changes and Acupuncture would both be uses.
Now, for those who don’t have access to an acupuncturist, Dr. Ni has several self-help suggestions for persons suffering from fatigue. He suggests 3 separate Acupressure points where a person can do some “self-administered” treatment applying a little bit of pressure for several minutes a day.
Stomach point #36 improves immune function. It is located in the outside of the leg about 3 inches below the bottom of the knee cap. Feel for the outside head of the shin bone and apply steady pressure for about 1 minute, just hard enough to feel a bit of tenderness.
Kidney point #3 fortifies the kidney-adrenal system. This is very important says Dr. Ni as people with CFS have kidney and adrenal systems that are virtually exhausted. The point is located in the inside back of the ankle between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. Again, apply pressure for 1 minute.
Large Intestine #4 relieves pain, plus fights bacterial, fungal and microbial problems, too. It’s located in the web of the hand between the thumb and the index finger. To find it, make an “OK” sign and feel for a back of the hand muscle bump. Press there for 1 minute.
“Not everyone has access to Acupuncture, but certainly they have a finger they can use,” Dr. Ni says. “It will stimulate in much the same way as an Acupuncture needle.”
Source: Hormones, Health, and Happiness, by Steven F. Hotze, M.D. with Kelly Griffin, Greenleaf Book Group LP, Austin, Texas, 2005.
Tags: adrenal, cfs, Fatigue
Posted in Fatigue | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Insomnia? Acupuncture Provides Relief to Those in Need of Restful Sleep
Restful sleep is naturally one of mankind’s most basic needs. Without it, life isn’t much fun. A tired person may be more prone to illness. Known causes of insomnia include physical illness, anxiety, use of caffeine or certain medications, jet lag, suddenly stopping medications such as sedatives, alcohol or drug use, aging and physical discomfort.
The insomnia remedy the medical profession has relied on for years has been the benzodiazepine class of drug. These drugs are sold under the brands names Xanax, Librium®, Klonapin, Valium, Ativan and many others. In medical trials, those taking benzodiazepines did go to sleep faster and sleep longer, but benzodiazepines have been associated with unpleasant side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dizziness and memory impairment. They are also drugs of abuse and addiction.
There’s a newer class of “non-benzodiazepine” drugs, but trials for these drugs only lasted four weeks at most. There have been no studies of what happens when a person suffers from chronic insomnia and takes one of these drugs for months. As well, side effects of these drugs include headaches and dizziness. One of the drugs also caused an increased chance of hip fracture in older women taking it.
The National Institutes of Health points out that over-the-counter sleep aids that contain antihistamines may make the problem worse, not better, and may result in feeling “hung over” in the morning.
The first address to insomnia should always be the least invasive method. Common sense methods include avoiding upset, stress, alcohol or caffeine late in the day, relaxing before going to bed and exercising regularly.
If these don’t work, consider Acupuncture as a solution. In 2007, an analysis was made of several studies that used Acupuncture to help people who were having sleep problems. Those doing the analysis stated that, “Acupuncture and Acupressure may help to improve sleep quality when compared to a placebo.”
Another study measured how well Acupuncture treatment could help those suffering from HIV. Sleep disturbance often appears early in HIV disease and contributes to decrease the quality of life during the course of the disease. The study found that sleep activity and sleep quality significantly improved after five weeks of Acupuncture treatment.
Source: PubMed, “Acupuncture for insomnia,” University of Hong Kong, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China, July 2007, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17636800, PubMed, “Effects of individualized acupuncture on sleep quality in HIV disease,” Department of Administrative and Clinical Nursing, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, January 2001, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11211670, Medline Plus, “Sleep disorders,” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000800.htm, Medline Plus, “Sleeping difficulty,” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003210.htm, PubMed: Clinical Q & A, “Comparing Newer Drugs for Insomnia,” Laura Dean, MD, National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), November 2007, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=ebm∂=hypnotics
Tags: insomnia, sleep
Posted in Disturbed Sleep | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Do you suffer from one or more digestive disorders?
Heartburn, gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea can restrict normal daily activities and even interfere with quality of life.
Pharmacy shelves are lined with products that may provide temporary relief, but do they address the underlying cause that creates these symptoms?
Have you ever been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or some other digestive disorder, and tried different treatments only to become discouraged at getting temporary relief at best?
Most digestive problems stem from either food sensitivities or are stress related—or a combination of both. At the Wahls of Wellness we can address both sides of the digestive equation.
Tags: constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, IBS, indigestion
Posted in Digestive Disorders | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Timeless beauty comes from within
Experience the beauty secrets used by the Asian nobility for thousands of years. With Midwest Beautiful Image Facial and Body Sculpting you can harness this time-honored wisdom and reclaim a radiant and youthful appearance. We all age. We should be proud of our age and the wisdom we have gained in our lifetime. And we should age gracefully, beautifully, healthily with vitality and vigor. Inner health is the source of our beauty and our face reflects that beauty.
At the Wahls of Wellness our Midwest Beautiful Image anti-aging treatments take a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach toward cosmetic rejuvenation. There is no surgery, no pain, no needles, no drugs, no abrassion, no bruising, no redness, no downtown–just remarkable results. We treat your body (face, neck, abdomen,thighs, buttocks, cellulite, etc.) with painless microcurrent and acupressure massage; we use herbal formulas and ancient herbal creams and oils to bring balance to your body and skin; and we give you nutritional insights and recommendations specific to your needs. We provide customized, life-affirming affirmations to empower your mind toward health and healing. And we give you Qi Gong exercises and offer our unique HealingSpirit Consultations and HealingSpirit Retreats for Women to inspire you toward healing from the inside out. We also customize a complete Home Care Program so you can enhance the results of your treatments at home or when you travel.
Your journey seeking cosmetic rejuvenation can become the most fulfilling journey you could have ever hoped to follow. Let us walk with you on your new journey toward timeless beauty and inner health.
Tags: acufacial, acupuncture facelift, acupuncture tummy tuck, anti-aging, body sculpting, cellulite, Cosmetic Acupuncture, facial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, facial sculpting, lunch time face lift, mei zen, microcurrent, Midwest Beautiful Image, nefeli, smile lines, tummy tuck, wrinkles
Posted in Anti-Aging Cosmetic Treatments | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
How Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Work Together
Acupuncture and herbal medicine work together to restore the body to optimal functioning. While they work together, they also work differently. Acupuncture needles increase the flow of blood, oxygen, and energy through the body. Herbal medications are plants, roots, stems, leaves, and minerals that are taken internally as medicine. Whereas acupuncture enhances circulation and blood flow, herbs are natural energetic substances that gently correct underlying deficiencies and clear obstructions.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are a fundamental part of our program. At the Wahls of Wellness, we only use the highest quality herbs offered on the market today. We base the herbal formula on the individual’s diagnostic pattern. These herbal formulas may need to be adjusted at different times during a treatment plan. We individualize our treatment plans, with the ultimate goal of restoring hormonal, digestive, and emotional harmony, rebalancing the body’s energies and nerve flow, and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of our patients. Thus our patients can reach their optimum level of health.
Tags: chinese herbs, herbal medicine, herbal teas
Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine | No Comments »
May 20th, 2010
We may be the only doctor that your children will love coming to!
We know how difficult it is to bring children to a doctor’s office. That’s why we provide a children’s playroom available for them to use:
- It is a safe, though unsupervised, environment
- We provide a variety of toys, Legos, coloring books, etc.
- We also have DVD’s available or bring your child’s favorite DVD to watch
Because the playroom is unsupervised we do not recommend leaving children under 5 years old alone in the playroom.
Tags: children
Posted in Children's Playroom | 5 Comments »
May 20th, 2010
Check back soon for more articles…Ian Wahl
Behavioral problems are aggravated by allergies and sensitivities, especially in children
Allergies or sensitivities to certain foods, molds, artificial preservatives, food colorings/flavorings, sweeteners, fragrances, chemicals, even sensitivities to sounds and touch, can contribute to behavioral and emotional issues. There is also research that indicates certain food sensitivities can aggravate autism symptoms in many people.
If you suspect that you or your child’s behavior may be affected by food, chemical, or stimuli sensitivities, schedule an Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) assessment to find out. We will even include the first treatment at no charge.
Tags: ADD, ADHD, allergy, autism, behavior, children, emotion, food allergy, food sensitivity, mood swings, stimuli
Posted in Behavior Issues | No Comments »
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