en-us New articles added to FindMyAcupuncturist. http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-30.htm http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-30.htm Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 FindMyAcupuncturist.com When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Too much or too little of these vital body chemicals and it can drastically influence energy levels, body weight and your mental health. With over 20 million Americans living with some form of thyroid disease, much attention has been given to the many ways that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can treat thyroid problems. What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation, body weight and blood calcium levels. Thyroid disorders stem from either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, your body can experience a variety of symptoms: Hyperthyroidism: * Weight loss despite increased appetite * Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration * More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea * Muscle weakness, trembling hands * Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck) * Lighter or shorter menstrual periods Hypothyroidism: * Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression * Reduced heart rate * Increased sensitivity to cold * Tingling or numbness in the hands * Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck) * Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Hormones secreted by the thyroid are measured, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers hormone production in the thyroid. Some milder forms of hypothyroidism can also be detected by a consistently low basal body temperature. How can acupuncture help? Both Western and Eastern medicine offer various methods to restore thyroid hormone levels. Western treatments rely mainly on drugs and surgery while Eastern treatments aim to restore immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises. In the treatment to thyroid problems, acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep, emotions and menstrual problems. There are several powerful acupuncture points on the ear and the body that can be used to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Treatments take all of your symptoms into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health. http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-32.htm http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-32.htm Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 FindMyAcupuncturist.com Acupuncture performed on the ear is known as Auricular acupuncture. An ancient medicinal practice originating in China, Acupuncture is better known as the science of healing by inserting fine needs at the specific meridian points in the body. Of late, there are numerous groups of acupuncturists that specialize in one or more areas of this traditional Chinese healing science. Auricular acupuncturists focus on the acupuncture techniques of the ear and certified acupuncturists are familiar with over 200 meridian points that are known to exist on the outer ear for providing relief. However, it is of vital importance to be informed that acupuncture needles are never put into the auditory canal but specific super fine needles are only inserted into the fleshy part of the ear or auricle (pinna). The insertion of fine needles on the outer ear is known to help cure a wide variety of diseases. This auricular stimulation enhances the blood flow in the body. Each point has a correspondence to the kidney, liver, shoulders, hips, knee, heart, lungs and other parts of the body. The needles that are inserted into the ear can even stimulate the brain or activate a particular organ whose connecting nerve has been activated. Many people opt for auricular acupuncture as a therapy form for drug and alcohol rehabilitation or as a support system with other rehab therapies. This form of acupuncture is also know to relive muscle and joint pain, and vitalize organs and the brain apart from numerous therapeutic effects. The standard size of the needles is 3 mm to 5 mm and they are inserted for about 10 to 20 minutes as per the diagnostics of the therapist. As with any form of acupuncture, each point in the outer ear is related to other parts of the body. The density of acupoints in the outer ear is extremely high which explains the need for the specialization of auricular acupuncture therapy. http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-34.htm http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-34.htm Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 FindMyAcupuncturist.com Five-Element Acupuncture is one of the various forms of ancient treatments that are used to treat patients at the mind, body and spirit level for a harmonious living. The ailments that affect the person are treated considering emotions and the complete lifestyle. The harmony of body mind and spirit is achieved by looking at the person as a whole being which includes all emotional, physical and mental symptoms and treatment is given accordingly. The Five-Element Acupuncturist lays significance upon the understanding of a patient’s physical and emotional condition, their history and environs, while focusing on the working of the Five Elements in his or her life. These Five basic elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Water and Metal are considered the building blocks of the existence and functioning of human beings. Each element has its own specific color and functioning while the personality traits are attributed or judged as per the balance of these Five Elements. Specific training allows them to diagnose, treat and heal the person as a whole by treating the root cause of the discomfort or illness. Most acupuncturists are trained to treat immediate ailments and symptoms; however Five Element Acupuncturists dig deeper to heal the cause. The ultimate goal of these Acupuncturists is to create harmony and eliminate disease by diagnosing and treating the mind, body, and spirit as a whole. Wirth the use of numerous diagnostic methods, they look for disharmony amidst the Five Elements such as any blockages in the flow of energy within the acupuncture meridians that flow through the body. Upon discovery of these blockages, they will judge which of the Five Elements has higher influence and which one has the most weakening effects leading to the cause of the disease. Treatment of the problem or discomfort is performed using fine needles to clear blockages for free energy flow leading to harmonization. http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-35.htm http://www.findmyacupuncturist.com/article-35.htm Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 FindMyAcupuncturist.com Japanese Acupuncture is based on the basic Chinese medicine theories, but trials and tests have improved to created and formulate a unique system of acupuncture that has been accepted worldwide as a separate style. The foundation has remained the same but the techniques are different. The basis of Japanese acupuncture is to use the slightest stimulation while creating the highest effect in the individual seeking treatment. Japanese acupuncturists use smaller and finer needles than Chinese acupuncturists. These needles are also inserted at a more shallow depth. Fewer points are used with higher precision thus requiring more highly developed skill. This delicate technique is challenging for the acupuncturist but reduces the level of pain for the individual undergoing therapy. Due to the accurate and precision based stimulation, Japanese acupuncturists require a longer training period that their contemporary Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists. With shallow insertions, usually the patients are not even aware of the pricks leading to a sense of higher relaxation during treatment. Japanese Acupuncture treatment has two different categories- local and root methods of treatment. The local treatment refers to providing relief to the problems of the patient and the Root treatment address the energy balances and structural issues to provide body, mind and spirit harmony. In most cases, local treatment resolves the issues but in many cases, there is a need to bring relief from long term or complex issues that have been plaguing the patient. Japanese acupuncturists put emphasis on finding the exact acupoints or active points for stimulation leading to balancing energies for healing. With energized points or acupoints stimulation, the energies of the body are activated bringing a complete healing of mind and body, resolving temporary and chronic problems.