In this comprehensive guide, we explore a spectrum of strategies, from the ancient art of acupuncture to the modern technology of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), demonstrating how natural remedies for anxiety can be both effective and empowering. 

We’ll dive into clinical trials, research shows, and anecdotal experiences that underscore the value of these methods in managing stress and anxiety.

Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact

Anxiety disorders represent the most common mental health condition, affecting over 300 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms of anxiety can range from the occasional panic attack to persistent, debilitating worry that interferes with daily life. 

While prescription medication is commonly used to manage these symptoms, an increasing number of individuals are seeking natural remedies for anxiety relief to avoid the side effects often associated with pharmacological treatments.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief

In a world where the pace of life continues to accelerate, the search for natural remedies for anxiety is more pressing than ever. Many individuals are turning away from the prospect of long-term dependency on prescription medication and instead are leaning into the embrace of Mother Nature’s own solutions. 

These natural remedies span a diverse range, from herbal concoctions steeped in ancient wisdom to lifestyle adjustments rooted in modern behavioral science. 

Each option presents a pathway to tranquility that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, offering a sense of empowerment and control over one’s mental health.

Regular Exercise for a Balanced Mind

Research shows that regular exercise can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, known as the body’s natural mood lifters, which can alleviate stress and anxiety. 

Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a more vigorous workout, finding a physical activity you enjoy can be a crucial step in managing anxiety levels.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, have been clinically proven to help cope with anxiety. 

Studies show that dedicating time each day to mindfulness can lower the stress response, allowing for better management of anxiety disorders.

The Power of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy using essential oils is another well-known method for inducing relaxation. Oils such as lavender and chamomile are touted for their ability to promote calmness and improve sleep, both of which can be adversely affected by anxiety.

 

Nourishment for the Nervous System

A balanced diet can also play a role in managing anxiety. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamins can support brain health and help regulate mood. 

Simultaneously, reducing caffeine and sugar intake can prevent the spikes and crashes that may trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.

The Emergence of CES Therapy

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) represents a significant leap forward in natural anxiety relief. It is a non-invasive modality that applies a small, pulsed electric current across the head. 

This current is believed to modulate the brain’s bioelectrical activity, helping to calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of anxiety

Learn More About CES Ultra

How CES Therapy Complements Natural Remedies

CES therapy can be integrated seamlessly with other natural remedies for anxiety. 

For instance, pairing CES sessions with a mindfulness-based practice or using it after a session of exercise can enhance the calming effects and contribute to a comprehensive anxiety management plan.

CES Relief

Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce Anxiety Symptoms

Lifestyle adjustments play a crucial role in establishing a solid foundation for mental well-being. It’s about more than just occasional interventions; it involves transforming daily habits to cultivate a sustainable, anxiety-reducing lifestyle. 

These changes can range from tweaking daily routines, improving dietary choices, to rethinking physical activity levels, each contributing uniquely to alleviating anxiety. 

Emphasizing regular, structured patterns throughout the day can significantly stabilize mood and reduce stress triggers. Such adjustments not only aid in managing existing anxiety symptoms but also in preventing the escalation of stress into more severe anxiety episodes. 

By adopting healthier lifestyle choices, individuals can create a more resilient framework for their mental health, enhancing their capacity to handle life’s challenges with greater ease and less anxiety.

 

Good Sleep Hygiene

Maintaining good sleep hygiene is vital in managing anxiety disorders. Research shows that a regular sleep schedule and a bedroom environment conducive to rest can significantly improve anxiety symptoms and overall mental health.

Healthy Diet 

Diet also plays a critical role in managing stress and anxiety. Consuming a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can help regulate mood and support brain health.

Social Support

Finally, social support is essential in coping with anxiety. Connecting with others, whether through support groups or friends and family, can provide comfort and decrease feelings of isolation associated with anxiety disorders.

Natural Anxiety Relief as a Sustainable Solution

While prescription medication has its place in treating anxiety, natural remedies and techniques offer a viable alternative or complementary option for those seeking relief. With regular exercise, mindfulness practices, essential oils, and innovative CES therapy, individuals have a host of tools at their disposal to cope with anxiety without depending on medication. 

These strategies not only address the immediate symptoms but also build the groundwork for long-term mental resilience.

Learn More About CES Therapy and Natural Anxiety Relief

To explore how CES therapy can be part of your journey toward natural anxiety relief, visit CES Relief. 

Remember, while self-care strategies can be highly effective, it’s crucial to consult with a mental health professional before making changes to your health regimen, especially if you suffer from severe anxiety or a panic disorder.

Anxiety doesn’t have to dictate the terms of your life. By embracing these natural, accessible strategies, you can reclaim your calm and move forward with confidence and serenity.

The post Finding Calm in a Chaotic World with Natural Anxiety Relief appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

Insomnia can be a challenging condition, but there’s good news. With a combination of good sleep hygiene, natural sleep aids, and the latest in Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) devices, you can take control of your sleep right at home. 

This guide dives into practical strategies and innovative solutions like CES therapy to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, ultimately improving your sleep quality.

The Challenge of Insomnia

Insomnia isn’t just about struggling to fall asleep; it’s a multifaceted challenge that can impact every aspect of your life. 

Whether it’s due to stress, poor sleep habits, or underlying health issues, the consequences of chronic insomnia are more than just feeling tired. They can extend to your mental sharpness, emotional balance, and physical health.

Research on Insomnia Treatment

The scientific community has long been captivated by the search for effective insomnia treatments. The condition’s complexity demands a multifaceted approach, and as a result, research has spanned various domains, from pharmaceutical solutions to behavioral therapies. 

In recent years, attention has turned toward integrative practices that patients can comfortably utilize at home, with a significant focus on non-pharmacological interventions.

Validating Natural and Behavioral Strategies

A vast body of research validates the effectiveness of natural and behavioral strategies in treating insomnia. These methods are rooted in the understanding that sleep is a holistic process, influenced by physical, psychological, and environmental factors.

 Among these strategies, a few stand out due to their evidence-based success:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is a structured program that helps people identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems with habits that promote sound sleep.

• Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation have been shown to reduce stress and prepare the body and mind for sleep.

• Sleep Restriction Therapy: Limiting the time spent in bed can help consolidate sleep and increase sleep efficiency.
• Consistent Sleep Schedules: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can regulate the body’s internal clock and improve sleep quality over time.

Researchers have found that when individuals incorporate these behavioral modifications into their routines, they often experience significant improvements not just in sleep duration but also in the quality of their sleep. It’s these changes in sleeping habits and the adoption of good sleep hygiene that lay the groundwork for a long-term solution to insomnia.

The expansion of these research-based strategies into the home setting is especially promising. With the convenience of self-administration, people with insomnia can take proactive steps nightly to facilitate better sleep patterns and overall health.

The following section will delve deeper into these practical applications, providing insight into how you can incorporate these strategies into your own nightly routine to combat insomnia effectively.

Natural Sleep Aids for Better Sleep Hygiene

When it comes to battling insomnia and improving sleep hygiene, the natural route offers a gentle yet effective path. Integrating natural sleep aids into your nightly routine can complement your body’s internal processes and encourage a tranquil transition into sleep. 

These remedies, backed by tradition and increasingly validated by science, work in harmony with your body’s natural rhythms, aiding in the quest for restful slumber without the dependence on pharmaceuticals. 

Below, we dive into several natural solutions that you can easily incorporate into your evening routine to foster better sleep hygiene and support your journey toward consistent, quality rest.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity contributes to healthy sleep patterns. However, it’s best to avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime as they may lead to increased alertness.

In addition to these natural aids, we’ll explore the integration of innovative technological solutions like CES therapy, which offers a modern approach to enhancing sleep hygiene and combating insomnia from the comfort of your home.

Learn More About CES Ultra

What is CES?

CES stands for Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation. CES therapy treats insomnia without medication. It’s a form of neuromodulation that applies a small, pulsed electric current across the head. This current interacts with the brain’s bioelectrical processes, helping to regulate sleep patterns and reduce stress.

CES Relief

The CES Device

A CES device, such as those provided by CES Relief, is portable and easy to use, making it an ideal component of a comprehensive at-home treatment plan for insomnia. It’s crucial to note that these devices usually require a prescription, which can easily be obtained after purchase if you don’t already have one.

How CES Works

CES therapy works by delivering electrical impulses to the brain, which has been shown to decrease stress hormones like cortisol and increase neurotransmitters associated with relaxation, such as serotonin and endorphins.

Research-Backed Results

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of CES therapy in improving sleep quality, treating insomnia, and providing a good night’s sleep without the side effects associated with many pharmaceuticals. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a non-drug solution for insomnia.

Embracing CES therapy could be a pivotal step in your journey toward overcoming insomnia. The following sections will expand on how CES can be seamlessly incorporated into your life, potentially setting the stage for improved sleep and a higher quality of life.

Combining CES with Natural Strategies for Comprehensive Care

When tackling insomnia, it’s often most effective to employ a multi-pronged approach. Combining the advanced technology of CES therapy with time-honored natural sleep aids creates a synergistic effect, addressing various aspects of insomnia. 

Together, they offer a comprehensive care strategy that enhances the body’s natural sleep mechanisms while also engaging the mind’s innate ability to relax and unwind. This integrated approach not only aims to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep but also enhances the overall quality of sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for the day. 

By harmonizing cutting-edge CES therapy with natural remedies and sleep hygiene practices, you can craft a personalized bedtime routine that promotes consistent, restful nights.

Embrace a Holistic Approach to Insomnia Treatment

For those who struggle with insomnia, combining natural sleep aids, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and incorporating CES therapy can be a powerful approach to achieving a restful night’s sleep. 

With the right strategies and tools, you can improve your sleeping habits, reduce stress, and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Discover how CES therapy can be part of your insomnia treatment at home and explore your options at CES Relief.

Remember, chronic insomnia might require consultation with a healthcare provider to address any underlying conditions. The combination of natural strategies and CES therapy could be your path to a long-term solution for a better night’s sleep, treating insomnia with minimal side effects and supporting your overall health and well-being.

For those interested in exploring the benefits of CES therapy further, you can learn more about how these devices can complement your at-home insomnia treatment plan.

The post Insomnia Treatment at Home: Natural Solutions and CES Therapy appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

With the integration of technology and traditional techniques, the acupuncture industry is experiencing a renaissance, offering practitioners an array of tools to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and elevate the standard of care. 

Here, we explore eight groundbreaking tools from Miridia Technology that can transform your acupuncture practice into a beacon of success and innovation.

1. AcuGraph Digital Meridian Imaging

AcuGraph stands at the forefront of integrating technology with traditional acupuncture. This revolutionary digital meridian imaging system provides a modern approach to assessing the energetic state of a patient’s meridian system. 

By measuring electrical skin conductance at acupuncture points and presenting data through insightful graphical representations, AcuGraph facilitates precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and progress tracking. 

Its objective assessment capability, combined with patient education tools, significantly enhances treatment customization and patient engagement.

Discover AcuGraph

2. Auriculo 360: Revolutionizing Auriculotherapy

Auriculo 360 is a state-of-the-art software designed specifically for auriculotherapy, a form of acupuncture focusing on the ear. This comprehensive platform features point location guides, treatment planning, and patient management tools, enabling practitioners to deliver precise, efficient, and customized treatments. 

Auriculo 360 is an invaluable resource for expanding your practice’s offerings and embracing the power of auriculotherapy.

Explore Auriculo 360

3. Points Acupuncture Reference Software

The Points Acupuncture Reference Software is an exhaustive digital guide for acupuncture points, providing detailed information, interactive visuals, and a robust search functionality. 

This tool is designed to enhance patient care by supporting acupuncturists in making informed decisions quickly and accurately. It serves as an essential educational resource, ensuring that both practitioners and students have access to reliable acupuncture point information.

Learn More About Points Acupuncture Reference Software

4. Pointoselect Digital: Precision Auriculotherapy Treatment

Pointoselect Digital elevates the practice of auriculotherapy by combining positive and negative point detection, advanced treatment protocols, and popular preset frequencies in one powerful device. The Pointoselect Digital has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work. Bipolar point detection with adjustable sensitivity ensures you’ll find precisely the right point, whether it has positive or negative polarity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width.

This digital device is tailored for practitioners seeking to provide targeted treatment, enhancing traditional acupuncture methods with electrical stimulation for improved patient outcomes. 

Its versatility and efficiency make it a must-have tool for any modern acupuncture clinic.

Discover Pointoselect Digital

5. Electroacupuncture Medicine (EAM) with Pointoselect

EAM represents the cutting edge of electroacupuncture medicine, focusing on precise electrical stimulation of acupuncture points with the needle stimulator attachment. 

The EAM needle stimulator attachment is specifically designed for this innovative treatment approach, offering acupuncturists a way to enhance therapeutic efficacy through specialized, precise treatments. 

This tool underscores a commitment to incorporating advanced therapeutic options into your practice. If you are a student of Dr. Jeremy Steiner’s, this is the device you need. Check out the package options for multiple treatment rooms for the best discount that includes everything you need to start using this treatment in your clinic.

Explore Electroacupuncture Medicine (EAM)

6. CES Ultra: Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation

The CES Ultra device offers a complementary therapy option through cranial electrotherapy stimulation, addressing both common and debilitating conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
It is a beacon of hope for anyone seeking a scientifically backed, drug-free path to better sleep or anxiety relief. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) technology, offers a gentle, non-invasive way to ease into natural sleep patterns without the dependency or side effects often associated with medications.

By integrating CES therapy into your acupuncture practice, you provide patients with a holistic treatment plan that encompasses both traditional and modern therapeutic approaches.

Learn More About CES Ultra

7. Gunalight: Harnessing the Power of Light Therapy

Gunalight introduces the therapeutic benefits of full spectrum, restructured  light therapy into the acupuncture practice. This device is designed to address a variety of conditions through specific wavelengths and intensities of light, offering a non-invasive complement to acupuncture.

In this chaotic world, patients are more deficient than ever before. Gunalight is a revolutionary tool designed to recharge the acupuncture pathways with uniquely restructured, full-spectrum light. Gunalight’s never-before-seen technology unlocks the door to deeply restorative and effective treatments that balance and rejuvenate the body—so that even the most deficient patients can heal and thrive under your care.

Discover Gunalight

8. Photizo: Advancing Photobiomodulation Therapy

Photizo harnesses the power of red light therapy to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Photizo Light Therapy has broad treatment applications. By using these units, wounds and other injuries can heal faster and chronic conditions can be managed without the over use of pain and anti-inflammatory medication.

This device offers a convenient, non-invasive option for patients to receive therapy at home, complementing traditional acupuncture treatments and broadening the scope of care.

Explore Photizo Light Therapy

Embrace Innovation with Cutting-Edge Acupuncture Tools

Incorporating these advanced tools into your acupuncture practice not only demonstrates a commitment to providing the highest standard of patient care but also positions your practice as a leader in the integration of traditional and modern therapeutic approaches. 

Each tool offers unique benefits, from enhancing treatment efficacy and patient engagement to expanding treatment options and improving practice efficiency. 

Embrace these innovations to build a successful, forward-thinking acupuncture practice.

The post 8 Essential Acupuncture Tools to Transform Your Practice appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

As the frost of winter melts away, ushering in the splendor of spring, the opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation presents itself not only in nature but also within our practices and well-being. Dr. Mackenzie “Kenzie” Dawson-Agnew, a leader in the field of holistic health, invites fellow acupuncturists and wellness practitioners to embrace the transformative power of the season with her new blog post, “Embrace the Season: 5 Essential Auriculotherapy Protocols for Spring”.

Join us in this exploration of auriculotherapy’s potential to harmonize with the season’s essence, fostering well-being and vitality among your clients. Dr. Kenzie’s dedication to sharing her knowledge and passion for holistic health is evident in every protocol, offering a unique opportunity to deepen your practice and embrace the season with open arms.

Auriculotherapy Protocols for Spring: Migraines

Pardon the interruption, but isn’t this lifelike ear amazing? This protocol for Migraines is pulled straight out of our Auriculo 360 software.

We’ve saved you the trouble of guessing and wondering. We scoured the top 15 auriculotherapy textbooks in the world and compiled the best of over 300 points and over 200 protocols, straight from the experts.

You can access all of this information and so much more in a single app that syncs across all your devices—AND, it features a 3D, moveable, extremely lifelike ear.
Auriculo 360 is the most accurate auriculotherapy tool on the market—and hundreds of practitioners across the world use and love it.

You can try it free for 30 days! Cancel anytime. Sign up at this link: Auriculo 360 Free Trial

Back to our Auriculotherapy Protocols for Spring…

Weight Loss

Okay so, picture this. The sun is shining, you are packing up all your winter gear, and are pulling out the shorts and other warm weather accessories! Uh oh, the lack of walking this winter and the increase in cozy night snacking have caught up a little. Your warm weather clothes don’t quite fit comfortably. Previous versions of yourself would have panicked, however you know an Ear Acupuncture Protocol to help support your body’s natural weight loss process! No extreme dieting or harmful cleanses are necessary!

Today, there are many toxic weight loss products and programs being promoted. The extremes to which these often go can be potentially harmful to both your body and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture is a wonderful way to support healthy and maintainable weight loss. It gently supports the glands and hormones related to weight loss to promote a change in fat reduction. Instead of resorting back to unhealthy habits of starting a severe calorie deficit, eliminating a whole food group, or over exercising, try this Ear Acupuncture protocol!

Auriculotherapy Protocols for Spring: Seasonal Allergies

Sneezing! Rashes! Watery eyes! As excited as we are for the warmer weather and greener grass, many of us dread the seasonal allergy period. An allergy is the general term for an excessive immune response to a substance that is generally not considered harmful. Many people suffer symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, hives, etc. These reactions can be debilitating and interfere with our daily lives. There is an emotional component to these reactions because people start to dread certain times of the year, and\or limit themselves to the indoors.

Seasonal allergies affect so many of us! In 2021, approximately 81 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). This equals around 26% (67 million) of adults and 19% (14 million) of children. Patients who suffer are typically recommended different antihistamine therapies to manage their symptoms. However, in Chinese Medicine, auricular protocols have been developed and utilized in practices for countless years to mitigate the body’s excessive immune response and help with seasonal allergy symptoms.

Liver Dysfunction

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spring is the transitional season of the Liver and its partner the Gallbladder. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of blood, Qi (energy), and emotions throughout the body. It is a time of creating, cleansing, activity, movement, growth, and renewal. Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being.

Just as we spring clean our house, it is a good time to deep clean our bodies! Many people are quick to buy expensive detox kits but often forget that we each have a natural detox system within ourselves – the liver. When properly supported, the liver does a wonderful job at filtering out chemicals, toxins, hormones, and other properties that do not serve us well. 

The liver organ network includes all of the elements that are associated with the liver, such as the gallbladder, eyes, tendons, and the emotions of irritability, depression, and anger.

Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most commonly experienced sensations in our modern world. The demands we have in society are astronomically damaging. The pressure to perform well in school, financially afford basic needs, and maintain a social life while working 40+ hours a week. We are living in a world that is breeding anxiety.

To get specific, anxiety is a relatively constant state of worry and fear, which is out of proportion to the actual level of stress or threat in one’s life. Anxiety can be caused by a physical or psychological stimulus, producing mental and physiological reactions leading to illness. Studies show anxiety can be caused by hereditary, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences.

There are many modalities supported today to help aid with anxiety, we present to you an amazing Ear Acupuncture Protocol for anxiety. This protocol was created to support the adrenals, activate the parasympathetic state, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Whether battling headaches, seasonal allergies, or anxiety, these auriculotherapy protocols exported from Auriculo 360 offer drug-free relief. Auriculo 360 software, featuring over 300 points and 200 protocols, is your comprehensive solution synced across all devices. Experience the lifelike ear and try it free for 30 days!

The post 🌱 Embrace the Season: 5 Essential Auriculotherapy Protocols for Spring appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

We had a huge response to my last blog: The Graphing Game.

I loved reading your individualized perspectives on this patient’s graph. So many of your responses were right on. Isn’t it awesome how experienced AcuGraph users  can look at a graph and learn so much about a patient?

Patients are really impressed when you  pinpoint certain aspects of their life based on graph analysis. In fact, when I shared your perspectives on the graph with this patient, he was VERY impressed you were able to recognize so many of his health problems.

Here’s the graph we were analyzing. If you want to go back and read the whole original article, click here: The Graphing Game.

Below you’ll find breakdown of what YOU found by analyzing at the graph.

It was interesting for me to read the multiple perspectives on WHY your answers were chosen. That’s one of the things I really love about AcuGraph. Every graph gives you a different perspective, depending on how you view Chinese medicine diagnostics. Are you a 5-Element practitioner? Do you analyze best by looking at Yin/Yang disorders such as Tai Yin, Shao Yin, Yang Ming, etc? Or does looking at the flow of energy from channel to channel make more sense to you? AcuGraph has many ways to analyze the patient.

If you really want a great learning opportunity, I’d suggest you go back and read the comments section under The Graphing Game blog. Our AcuGraph users have a lot of really great insight.

Okay, let’s see how you did.

*****

Case Study

The Patient: 62-year-old male

Chief Complaint: Back pain

Background:

Busy business man. Just returned from a two-week trip out of the country. About 80 pounds overweight. Spends most of his time working. Comes for acupuncture to alleviate chronic lower back pain. Isn’t too interested in working on lifestyle, mostly comes in for pain relief.

We’ll talk about the symptoms he presented with that day as we analyze each graph below.

The first thing I look at in the Baseline Graph is upper body versus lower body. In his case, the lower body is more excess than the upper body. It’s not a “belt block” per say, but questions are formulating…

• Edema or poor circulation?
• Low back pain?
• Enlarged prostate?

When I see excess in the Liver channel, I like to ask the patient if they have been grumpy or irritable. Nearly 100% of the time they answer YES. The rest of the time the answer is: I don’t think so, but my family says I am.

Other questions which come to mind when asking about excess in the Liver channel include:

• Any headaches involving the eyes?
• How about eye twitching?

More questions will come up regarding the Liver as we analyze subsequent graphs.

Symptoms the patient presented with in relation to the Baseline Graph include: 

• Irritability
• Lower back pain
• Edema

Next, let’s look at the Yin/Yang Graph.

First, I’ll focus on the Tai Yang (Small Intestine and Bladder) disorder. Both channels are excess. If you click on these channels to look at channel pathways, you will see how this graph screams pain. (Patients really like it when you click the graph!)

Other notable thoughts on this graph include:

Tai Yang: Beyond the pain aspect, Tai Yang imbalances also include symptoms of low immunity. Wei Qi is strongest in the Small Intestine and Bladder channels because they are so close to the surface of the body. The fact that both of these channels are excess generally indicates his immune system is working extra hard. This makes sense because he has been traveling out of the country and spent a lot of time in airports.

Tai Yin Imbalance: When the Tai Yin (Lung and Spleen) is weak, it’s easy for a Tai Yang disorder to progress inward quickly. We know that his immune system is down because of the Tai Yang imbalances. It is really important to boost this patient’s immunity right away. The natural progression is from Tai Yang to Tai Yin. Because the Tai Yin is also imbalanced, he is more prone to progress with a Wind/Cold  attack rather quickly.

Yang Ming Deficiency:  Both the Large Intestine and the Stomach channels are weak. My question: “How are your bowels?” His answer: “I’ve been constipated for the last week.”

Symptoms the patient has in relation to the Yin/Yang Graph include:

• Upper back pain
• Lower back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Constipation
• Feeling early onset of a cold

Are you beginning to see why all of his symptoms make sense?

Let’s take it a step further with the By Element Graph.

Metal, Earth and Wood are imbalanced. Several things come to mind when I look at this graph.

Earth: He has a tendency toward weight problems anyway. He just finished a trip out of the country–eating unfamiliar food and eating at odd times of the day. Excess in the Spleen tells me there is damp. Stomach qi is deficient. The Spleen and Stomach are not working together.

Metal: Lung and Large Intestine are both low. We already know that he is suffering from constipation. There isn’t enough Lung Qi to move the bowel in the Large Intestine. When I asked him about allergies or breathing issues he reminded me that he has been diagnosed with sleep apnea. (He hadn’t told me that previous to this visit. Isn’t it nice that AcuGraph triggered a question from me regarding sleep?)

Wood: Liver is out of control. We established that earlier. Now let’s think about the havoc Liver Yang Rising (internal wind) can cause. Headache, eye twitching, trouble breathing, muscle spasms, irritability etc. He had all these symptoms.

Symptoms the patient has in relation to the Yin/Yang Graph include:

• Poor Digestion–bloating, gas, indigestion
• Feeling heavy and lethargic
• Sleep apnea
• Headache
• Eye twitching
• Muscle spasms

Finally, let’s look at the Energy Cycle Graph.

In the instance of this graph, I am not seeing more symptoms, but I am seeing a quick solution to many of his problems. The excess in the Liver Channel is preventing the smooth flow of energy to the Lung, Large Intestine and Stomach channels. This helps me prioritize what is important in today’s visit. I definitely want to work on the problem in the Liver Channel TODAY.

I’m sure his wife will thank me for that later, because he will go home less irritable. The bonus is he’ll also probably have a good bowel movement and his immune system won’t be compromised because the Lung and Large Intestine won’t be so weak.

Treatment:

I always start by balancing the graph first. This time I chose to use the Back Shu points to balance the graph. Take a look…

Remember, his chief complaint was back pain. I needed to focus on back pain and also balance the graph.

Here’s how I treated:

1: Balance the graph: To balance the graph I treated the back shu points. The added bonus to this treatment is that balanced the graph AND it also helped with the back pain.

2. Chief complaint: Ashi points for back pain relief. SI 11, GB 21, BL 10, BL 40, and BL 10.

3. Irritability: I  added Auriculotherapy for the irritability. First, I treated the points with the Stimplus Pro and then added ear seeds for home care, just to make his wife happy.

This was his complete treatment. There was no need to focus on the rest of the symptoms we found by analyzing the graph, as we treated the most important items, which will affect the other findings.

The awesome part about treating the recommended points in AcuGraph is that 80% of the patient’s symptoms resolve because of balancing the graph. You can focus on what is left on the next visit.

Here’s what his graph looked like the following week.

Many of his symptoms had resolved. I then got to take his NEW graph and start analyzing what I needed to focus on next.

Read ‘The graphing Game Part 1’ here.

*****

I hope you enjoyed the Graphing Game!

Everyone can become excellent at graph analysis, it just takes practice! Buy this CEU course now and spend a little time this summer practicing to become an EXPERT. You won’t be sorry!

Until next time…

~Kimberly

 .

Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.

Acupuncture Research Analyst

Miridia Technology

kimberly@miridiatech.com

The post The Graphing Game—Part 2 appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

So, how did the rest of you do?

If you’ll recall…a couple of weeks ago I posted two graphs that were similar yet different, and a list of several questions to ponder. (If you haven’t read the first part, click here).

If you did not see the last assignment, you may want to take a minute to look at the blog post:

Graph Analysis Tutoring Session Part 1

Now I’ll share my own perspective on these two graphs, along with the patients’ chief complaints.

Patient #1

Patient #2:

You’ll notice that both of these graphs show an upper/lower body imbalance. Graph #1 has a larger concentration of energy in the upper body, and in graph #2 the energy is focused more in the lower body.

Questions

Even without the patient telling me their chief complaint–my mind immediately begins formulating questions.

Graph #1:

• Are you experiencing any neck and/or shoulder tension?
• How have your emotions been? Have you been suffering with anxiety?

Graph #2:

• Are you experiencing low back pain? Headaches–frontal, temporal, occipital, vertex?
• Are you having any bloating? How about swelling/edema in the lower body?
• Female: Tell me about your menstrual cycle? Do you experience PMS, cramping or clots? Are you having any problems with vaginal discharge?
• Male: Do you have an enlarged prostate?

Commonalities

Both patients have spleen deficiency. If energy isn’t flowing smoothly through the middle jiao, it would make sense that the Spleen cannot perform its job of transporting and transforming food into energy efficiently.

My immediate goal would be to treat the Dai Mai and the Spleen. Once these imbalances are resolved, I would expect the patient to present with a completely different diagnosis on the next visit.

Points that I would choose are as follows:

• Dai Mai: TE 5, GB 41
• Spleen: CV 12; SP 6, ST 36

Treatment Approaches

Extra points that I would consider using–beyond the points listed above might include the following.

Graph #1:

• CV 17
• HT 7
• Neck and/or shoulder treatment

Graph #2:

• LR 6: This is the Xi Cleft for the channel. I have found that creating swift movement up the Liver channel helps energy disperse from the lower body up.
• Back shu treatment: This will affect all the channels that are out of balance and create nice movement in the bladder channel in general.

TCM

Can you begin to formulate any TCM patterns by looking at the graph? Of course you’ll need to use additional diagnostic skills beyond AcuGraph to come up with a full TCM pattern diagnosis, but do you get any clues of what you might find just by looking at the graph. Here are a few thoughts that come to my mind:

Graph #1:

• Heart Fire
• Spleen Qi Deficiency
• Fire not promoting Earth

Graph #2:

• Liver Yang Rising
• Stomach Fire
• Spleen Qi Deficiency
• Liver overacting on Earth

Chief Complaint

I didn’t tell you these patients’ chief complaints before we began picking the graph apart for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted you to realize that, with a little practice, you can gain a lot of information simply by analyzing the graph. Second, often I graph the patient before I ask the chief complaint, just so that I can “guess” what is going on in their body based on my graph findings.

Patient #1: This patient had just lost her mother to cancer. Obviously, she was going through a lot of emotional turmoil. Her body was experiencing the residuals of emotional trauma. Her heart channel was full–emotionally and energetically.

Patient #2: Her chief complaint was bilateral low back pain. She also has chronic digestion problems, including a lot of gas and bloating. Her diet is poor, and she drinks of a lot of ICE water and diet soda.

I hope you enjoyed this graph analysis tutoring session. We’ll do another one soon.

Have a great day!

 Read ‘Graph Analysis Tutoring Session Part 1’ here.

Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.

kimberly@miridiatech.com

Acupuncture Research Analyst

The post Graph Analysis Tutoring Session Part 2 appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

I recently received an email from a practitioner asking some really important questions about AcuGraph.  I thought many of you would benefit from hearing the answer too–so I’ll address it in today’s blog.

Hi Kimberly,

I have been in deep thought the past couple of weeks on how to really know how many treatments each patient needs.  I have been starting patients out with 1 course of care (12 visits) and then doing a progress exam to determine what steps to take next and now as I am reaching my progress exams I do not have a definite answer of how to move forward.  I graph my patients during their exam and once again at the progress exam–the graphs come back either improved or worse and I know that when the body is healing other areas become blocked or deficient while the body learns how to function normally again. 

I am wondering what you base your treatment plans on?  Do you have some sort of rating system that you use?  

Any suggestions, advice or ideas is greatly appreciated!

Shana

These are really GREAT questions–which are common for a lot of practitioners. I’ll break my answer into three parts.

#1: What Happens when a New Patient Comes into my Clinic?

When a patient comes in for their FIRST visit–I do a full evaluation which includes a complete history and intake, AcuGraph diagnostics, a printed AcuGraph report, AND treatment.

While I’m going over the AcuGraph findings, patients almost always ask how many times they will need to be treated. My answer goes something like this:

• It depends on how chronic your condition is.
• The longer you have had your condition, the more visits it will take to balance your meridians.
• I start all of my patients on an initial five visit regimen–which includes their initial examination plus treatment, along with four more visits. We’ll be doing the same for you.
• After we’ve treated you for five weekly visits, we’ll know how well your body is responding to acupuncture.
• A general rule of thumb is this: For every month you have suffered with a chronic condition, it will take an additional week of acupuncture for your body to return to normal. Example: If you have had chronic shoulder pain for two years–you should expect an additional 24 treatments.
• But–everyone responds differently. Some respond faster and some take a little longer. Regardless, you will see progress along the way.
• After five visits, you and I will sit down to evaluate how well you are progressing. At that time, I’ll be able to make a better judgment on how many future visits you will need.
• Let’s get ahead and put you on the schedule for the next four visits right now…

#2: The Importance of Graphing on EVERY Visit

Energy constantly shifts in the body from day to day–even from minute to minute. Graphing and developing a long-term treatment strategy based on a FIRST graph is ineffective. After the first treatment, the body will continue to change (which it should). AcuGraph allows you to grasp a picture of what has changed from visit to visit. The points that were important to treat on your first visit, will not likely be the same points that need attention on the next visit.

Example:

The graph above was taken on a first visit. Let’s analyze it:

• There are obvious excesses and deficiencies that need to be addressed. I could treat the sedation points for the Liver, Kidney and Gallbladder meridians; the tonification points for the Pericardium and the Large Intestine meridians; and the Luo point for the Bladder.
• In fact, there is an obvious difference between the upper body meridians and the lower body meridians in this graph. Notice how the meridians listed on the left are much lower than the ones listed on the right. This tells me that this patient has a lot more energy in the lower body in comparison to the upper body. Another strategy might be to simply treat the Dai Mai channel to develop a better flow between the hand and the foot meridians.

Same patient, new graph–one week later:

Would it make sense to repeat the same treatment plan that I developed for her the previous visit?

NO…

I’ll repeat this pattern of re-graphing and treating based on what I find  each day, throughout the entire treatment series.  It wouldn’t be wise if the treatment strategy for the next four visits, was based on the graph findings from this patient’s first visit.

Our goal is to create a positive change, or shift, in the meridian systems with acupuncture treatment. AcuGraph tells you where the imbalances are on each visit, and then keeps a record of changes that are happening from treatment to treatment.

#3: It’s Time to Re-evaluate

After the patient has received their first five visits, we look at all the graphs and reevaluate. The first five visits are very important.

I tell each of my patients that it takes a minimum of five visits for me to work through several layers of possible factors, which may be contributing to their blockages. With each visit, I balance the graph and look for underlying problems.

• Musculoskeletal tension
• Scar tissue
• Diet
• Digestion
• Bowel function
• Emotions

These five visits allow me the chance to gather AcuGraph data.

In the end–I can use the data I have collected in my AcuGraph reports to show how well my patient has progressed. AND then–we can make logical decisions about future treatment plans.

Shana, I hope this helped. How about the rest of you? Was this helpful information for your clinic? I’ll bet that many of our AcuGraph users have great information to share. Tell us how you manage your treatment strategies? Let’s turn this into a discussion so we can all learn!

Thanks everyone!

.

Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.

kimberly@miridiatech.com

Acupuncture Research Analyst

The post Treatment Plans –You’ve Gotta Have One…or Two! appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

Three weeks ago, I had a hysterectomy that greatly affected my Triple Energizer channel. I wanted my body to heal as quickly and effectively as possible, and I had a lot of time on my hands, so I decided to study this strange organ on a deeper level. I learned some very interesting information which has broadened my understanding of this amazing phenomena known as the Triple Energizer. And–as a bonus–it is helping me heal faster.

When I was in college, I was a tutor. I loved tutoring because I felt that if I could study something that was complicated, then teach it to someone else, I learned it even better than my students. So today, I thought I would share what I have discovered with you. Are you ready to be tutored?

First, lets look at the Triple Energizer in relation to the Shao Yang.

Shao Yang = Triple Energizer and Gallbladder

The Shao Yang is a pivot between the Tai Yang and the Yang Ming. The Tai Yang relates to the exterior surface of the body and the Yang Ming relates to digestion. The Yang Ming regulates movement from the outside of the body to the internal organs. The Shao Yang is in the middle. If it doesn’t regulate smoothly, then problems arise with immunity in relation to the exterior surface of the body and internally with digestion–thus it is referred to as the pivot.

When you think of the Shao Yang, you should think Qi and Fluids…

#1: Spaces which surround the internal organs:

• The Triple Energizer is specifically in charge of regulating qi and fluids.
• It isn’t really an organ. Instead, it has to do with the qi and fluids which move through the spaces that surround the internal organs known as the interstitial spaces.
• When the Shao Yang is compromised, heat and qi become clumped in the interior of the body.

#2: Sinews and bones:

• The Shao Yang is related to movement in the spaces between the sinews and bones where the synovial fluid moves.
• Problems occur in the joints because of poor fluid circulation.

#3: Problems in the Shao Yang:

• Related to lack of movement.
• Stagnant qi in the TE causes painful constipation.
• Stagnant qi with heat causes tinnitus, conjunctivitis, dizziness, and high blood pressure.

#4: Palpation to diagnose:

• The channels can be palpated to confirm diagnosis. Palpate for bumpiness on the channel both in the arm and along the GB channel on the outer leg. Bumpiness means that the qi isn’t flowing properly. If there is tenderness AND bumps with palpation–then heat is involved.
• Treatment of stagnant qi: TE 6 and GB 34 to dredge the channel and eliminate clumping.
• Treatment of stagnant qi with HEAT: TE 5, GB 41.
• If there is heat and stagnation–you must clear the heat first.

Now, let’s talk specifically about the Triple Energizer…

Some facts:

• It has a name but it has no form. TE is not an organ which can be removed from the body or observed on a lab table.
• The TE is yang in nature and it warms and moistens the internal organs to keep fluids moving.
• The Source Qi is the primary stimulus of the TE. If the source qi is not strong, then the TE will be weak.
• It regulates fluid–not only in the spaces around the organs as discussed above, but also in the fluid that surrounds the muscles, nerves and vessels in the peripheral limbs, interstitial fluid in the connective tissue.
• All fluids in the TE ultimately come from and return to the blood at the capillary level.
• If there are G.I. problems, the TE is a good starting point.

Specifics to think about when you see problems in the TE channel:

• Metabolism: Think of the fluid pathway in cellular metabolism. The TE channel helps the conveyance and removal of waste from the cells.
• Digestion: Because the TE regulates the fluids that surround the organs it also regulates peristaltic movement from the esophagus to the colon.
• Hormones: The fluids guide hormonal information from one part of the body to the next.
• Obesity: The greater omentum (part of the peritoneal lining which surrounds the organs) drapes over the lower abdomen and a lot of fatty deposits can be found there.

My own analysis of how surgery effects the Triple Energizer and the Shao Yang channel.

Anesthesia and the Triple Energizer don’t get along. When you put the body to sleep and stop all bodily functions, it takes a while to wake up and start functioning properly again. This is why it takes the bowels so long to work after surgery. I remember feeling extreme pain in my hips and the inability to lift my legs because of my surgical position. I immediately had a lot of work done on both the TE and the GB channels. The doctor was impressed with my progress and said: “It’s too bad that everyone can’t have acupuncture after surgery.”

My extreme lack of energy also took on a whole new meaning after studying the TE channel. The TE needs the source qi to keep things moving. My source qi didn’t want to help the TE because it was busy putting its energy into wound healing. This is why it takes so long to get your energy back after a surgery. Your source Qi is busy working on healing. The rest of your body becomes sluggish and slow. I have come to the conclusion that it is supposed to be sluggish and slow. Imagine what would happen if a surgical patient tried to get back to normal life too quickly. They would deplete their source qi in a hurry. I have also had problems with low appetite, lack of digestion and hormonal imbalances. All of these make sense when you understand the important roles of the TE.

Finally, why does it take three months before a person really feels back to normal? Toxins from the anesthesia stay in the body for months after a major surgery. It is the TE’s job to move fluids through the lymphatic system in order to cleanse the interstitial fluid.

I have learned a lot by sitting around with my feet up after surgery. I am not a very patient person and I’m not very good about sitting around and doing nothing. I have overcome that challenge by finding ways to help myself heal faster and tutor my blog followers!

Look forward to part two of this blog. I’m going to put the things that I have learned to the test on my patients when I get back to treating in my clinic. I can’t wait to report back. Look for a blog titled: Graph Analysis # 4: Triple Energizer.

Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.

kimberly@miridiatech.com

Read ‘Graph Analysis # 4: Triple Energizer’ here.

The post What the Heck is a Triple Energizer Anyway? appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.

I hope that you are enjoying our new series on Graph Analysis. These posts are designed to be an interactive, learning opportunity. I have developed my own style for interpreting the graphs based on the 12 seminar DVD series, Dr. Fratkin’s Seminar and my own clinical experience.

I’m counting on input from YOU! We have all developed our own little bit of insight through experience in our own clinics. By sharing graph-analysis and treatment strategies, we will be benefiting the entire AcuGraph community.

There are four graphs that I like to review when analyzing treatment for my patient: Baseline, Yin/Yang, By Element, and Energy Cycle. In my last blog, Graph Analysis Series #1, I shared my thought process for each graph. Today, I won’t get into details explaining why I like each graph. I’ll just jump in and start analyzing.

Baseline:

Usually, I look for a Dai Mai problem on the baseline graph, but I didn’t necessarily see one this time. But, I am questioning whether or not this patient has some issues going on in the lower body.

Reality: She is female and she is menstruating.

Yin/Yang:

What the yin side tells me…

First I look at the yin side. The most important channels for treatment are the yin channels. I learned from Dr. Fratkin that if you treat the yin channels then the yang will follow. But–he also taught me to treat the yin deficincies first and then the yin excesses. On this graph, I am going to take some creative liberties to analyze beyond what the AcuGraph is telling me.

You will notice, according to the AcuGraph, that there are not any low channels on the yin side. We see a lot of red and green, but not any blues. I’d like to argue that the LU and the LR are both low. AcuGraph has a certain ratio in which an excess and a deficiency is calculated. Obviously, on this graph, the LU and the LR didn’t make the cut. But that’s okay. I’m going to treat both of those channels as deficient anyway. I write down the points that I’m considering treating.

• LU tonification point: LU 9
• LR tonificaton point: LR 8
• SP sedation point: SP 5 is what the AcuGraph suggests. I like to use the xi cleft point when sedating the SP channel so I write down SP 8.
• KI sedation point: KI 1 is what the AcuGraph suggests. My favorite point to sedate the kidney channel is KI 3. Source points can be used for tonification or sedation.

*Note: To learn how to analyze different points for tonification and sedation, I highly recommend the Dr. Jake Fratkin Seminar Series.

What the yang side tells me:

The BL is deficient and so is the LI. I ask my patient about bloating, and constipation.

The ST channel is excess. I ask my patient about acne, ravenous hunger, acid reflux and digestive upset.

Reality: She had just had a big weekend of eating a lot of extra food. She is constipated and has acid reflux.

By Element:

Notice on this chart the Kidney is excess and the bladder is deficient. I can take care of both of those problems by simply treating Luo of the bladder–BL 58. That also takes care of my earlier concern regarding treating the sedation point of the kidney. I love treating BL 58 because it also relaxes all of the muscles in the back.

Notice also that the SP and ST are both excess. Once I treat the sedation points for the SP/ST, I think that I’ll add in some TCM points to regulate the SP/ST function. My favorites are SP 6, ST 36 and CV 12. I’ll probably also add in a ST 44 to clear excess heat out of the ST channel.

Energy Cycle:

I really love looking at this chart, because it shows how the energy is supposed to be flowing. Notice in this graph how the deficiency in the LI channel is stopping the flow of movement into the ST and SP channels. The best point for tonifying the LI channel is LI 11. In TCM, I was taught that LI 11 is used for clearing heat. It has been my experience that deficiency in the LI channel leads to excess in the LI channel later. Luckily, we are getting things moving by adding extra focus on the SP/ST channels, but it won’t hurt to add in LI 11 to expedite the process.

Final treatment: 

I didn’t want to tell you her chief complaint earlier, because I want to emphasize how important it is to analyze where the imbalances are in the body first and then treat the chief complaints after the fact. Most of the time, balancing the graph takes care of 80% of the patient’s problem.

She came in complaining of emotional turmoil, acid reflux, and hives. She has chronic hives which manifest all over her body at times, but on this day they were mostly on her legs.

Here is how I treated.

Yin channel problems: LU 9, LR 8, SP 8.  *I took care of the Kidney excess below.

Yang channel problems: ST 44

Element treatment:  BL 58 (*This took care of the KI and BL), and SP 6, ST 36, CV 12.

Energy cycle additions: LI 11

**I would like to emphasize that you can simply treat the tonification and sedation points suggested by the AcuGraph and get very good results. This analysis is meant for those who want to dig a little deeper and analyze the graph with a more advanced mindset.

Don’t forget to add your thoughts. Your feedback will help guide the direction of how this series progresses.

Have a great week!

If you want to learn more about Graph Analysis, check them here.

Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.

kimberly@miridiatech.com

The post Graph Analysis Series #2: Why I like each Graph appeared first on Acupuncture Technology News.