December 27, 2017

Acupuncture for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Can Acupuncture help with Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neruopathy (CIPN) is a common and often severe side effect of a number of chemotherapy treatments with symptoms generally appearing in a dose dependent & progressive manner throughout treatment. In fact, up-to 1 in 4 patients receiving chemotherapy may develop some form of peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately for many, these symptoms rarely alleviate once chemotherapy have been ceased. Acupuncture has showed promising results when administered in adjunct to chemotherapy in order to alleviate symptoms & improve quality of life in a number of cases.

acupuncture may help with peripheral neuropathy

What is Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy?

CIPN is defined as damage to the peripheral nerves resulting in weakness, paraesthesia “pins & needles”, numbness, loss of proprioception & pain. These symptoms mainly appear in the hand & feet of the individual, however can also affect many other areas &/or functionality of the body. The specific set of symptoms a person may experience is reliant upon whether sensory, motor or autonomic nerves have been affected.

Motor Nerves | control muscle movement.
Sensory Nerve Damage | control & receive sensations (i.e. temperature, pain, touch, vibration).
Autonomic Nerve Damage | control automatic processes (i.e. blood pressure, heart rate, digestion & bladder function)

Can acupuncture assist me?

Acupuncture has been clinically trialled & found to be up to effective in the management of CIPN. Research conducted by Donald, Tobin & Stringer (2011) reported 82% of patients receiving a total of 6 acupuncture sessions reported an improvement in CIPN symptoms. Treatment was also found to have additional benefits including improved sleep quality, stress reduction & improved moods.

A systematic review conducted by Franconi et. al (2013) found acupuncture to be effective in reducing pain scores in patients experiencing CIPN across most studies included in the review. A number of studies showed positive effects of acupuncture on motor & sensory symptoms associate with CIPN & improve quality of life for the participants significantly.

Acupuncture may also have a beneficial influence over inflammatory pathways which may contribute & precipitate CIPN symptoms such as pain & loss of mobility. Activation of the nervous system may also be responsible for the reduction of symptoms & rehabilitation of normal functionality including mobility, muscle control & sensory

For more information regarding CIPN & acupuncture please email info@artofacupuncture.com.au or click here to book a consultation.

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Bob Wong was raised in a traditional Chinese medicine family and moved to mainland China to study and train for almost a decade. During that time, he was able to learn from some of the top acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. His mission is not bring that knowledge and experience to help his patients.

*Results may vary from person to person. The owner of this website does not claim to cure, or prevent any disease or illness. For more information on how acupuncture works, contact info@artofacupuncture.com.au

December 11, 2017

Can Acupuncture Assist in Management of Anxiety?

Anxiety is a very common condition, in fact, it’s the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average 1 in 4 people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life. That’s a lot of people experiencing anxiety.

It’s important to understand that anxiety is much more than just feeling stressed or worried from time to time, It’s a chronic mental health condition & for many individuals can become a lifelong battle. It is characterised by ‘a persistent feeling of dread, apprehension & impending disaster or tension and uneasiness’ and so much so that it’s significant impairs the individual’s ability to live a normal life. Everyday tasks can become incredibly difficult & even a major trigger in some cases.

Acupuncture is a non-invasive alternative medicine modality which has been successfully used in the treatment of anxiety for many years. So how exactly does it help manage anxiety & how do I know if I’m the right candidate?….

acupuncture may be able to help for anxiety

Can Acupuncture help manage Anxiety?

There are many different strategies that can be utilised to aid in the management of anxiety. Acupuncture may be successfully used to alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety & assist the individuals’ recovery. In fact, research is beginning to catch up & prove the capability of acupuncture to reduce chronic symptoms associated with anxiety.

A literature review published in the prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ) (2007), focusing on the efficacy of using acupuncture to relieve anxiety, compared results from 10 randomised control trials. They concluded that acupuncture was beneficial for the management of both situational & generalised anxiety. In a separate literature review published in CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics (2011) researchers found that acupuncture was as effective as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety.

Will Acupuncture be right for me?

Due to acupuncture’s non-invasive & gentle nature it really is suitable for anyone. However always consult with your health care professional prior to commencement of any new treatment strategies.

acupuncture anxiety

How does Acupuncture help manage anxiety?

The principle by which acupuncture is able to assist individuals manage their anxiety is based upon the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy that health is dependent of the fluent & balanced movement of energy throughout the main channels of the body. Intense stress & emotion, as experienced during anxiety, begins to disrupt & block this flow of energy resulting in a number of the chronic physical & psychological symptoms suffers may experience including panic, sweating, headaches, muscle tension & even insomnia.

Acupuncture seeks to address imbalances between body, mind, emotions & spirit. It achieves this by improving circulation & oxygenation of the entire body, particularly the brain. Acupuncture may also stimulate the nervous system & facilitate natural production of endorphins & enkephalins, the body’s natural feel good hormones. This essentially means that acupuncture aims to alleviate stress & reduce the impact it has on physical & emotional health by essentially “resetting the nervous system”.

If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety and would like to inquire about treatment options please email info@artofacupuncture.com.au or click here to book a consultation.

Reference

Beyond Blue (Anxiety) https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety
Pilkington K, Kirkwood G, Rampes H, et al’ Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders – a systematic literature review’, Acupuncture in Medicine 2007;25:1-10.
Errington-Evans, N, ‘Acupuncture for Anxiety’, CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics2011,

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