This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Digestion. Acupuncture demonstrates a significant immediate effect in reducing discomforts for digestion and gastrointestinal disorders. Research shows the efficacy and safety of acupuncture to improve digestion and help gastrointestinal disorders.

Indeed, Acupuncture can help manage gastrointestinal disorders by regulating the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and improving gut motility. This is accomplished by stimulating specific acupuncture points that influence the digestive system, promoting relaxation and balancing hormones. Therefore, this can lead to improved digestion and reduced symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions.  Ultimately, you will have overall better gut health.

 

What are gastrointestinal disorders?

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are diseases or health problems of the digestive tract. Your digestive system includes your esophagus (tube leading to stomach from mouth), stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.  The digestive process involves breaking down of food and drink into nutrients that your body can absorb.  Next, your body uses these nutrients as energy and building blocks for cells.

The following are some common gastrointestinal disorders.

 

1. Reflux Esophagitis/ Hiatal Hernia/ G.E.R.D.

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest.  This results in retention of acid and other contents. These acids and other substances can easily reflux into the esophagus causing heartburn. So if heartburn continues and is more frequent it can become GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

The symptoms of GERD are also epigastric (upper central region of the abdomen) pain after eating a large meal and lying down. Your esophagus is a muscular tube that connects your mouth and your stomach. The esophageal sphincters (rings of muscle) contract and relax to allow food and liquid to pass. The tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may decrease with age and also with ingestion of certain foods.  In addition, smoking and certain medications also will decrease the tone of the LES, leading to reflux.  Moreover, increased pressure from obesity may aggravate symptoms. However, esophageal reflux can be common in healthy athletes, such as conditioned runners, cyclists, and weightlifters.  Several mechanisms may account for this, including position, Valsalva (forcefully breathing out against closed windpipe), and indirect effects of exercise on lower esophageal tone.

 

2. Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer disease, also referred to as stomach or duodenal ulcers, is usually caused by bacteria or the overuse of common pain relievers.  Although you may have pain after eating, for most people, pain occurs when the stomach is empty.  Moreover, it is four times more common in men than women. 

 

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a condition with chronic recurrent abdominal pain with constipation or diarrhea.  However, there are no signs of bleeding or inflammation.  And  IBS is the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorder.  Indeed, it is stress related.

 

4. Regional Enteritis (Crohn’s Disease)

Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in your digestive tract (small and large intestine). The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. Researchers think that an autoimmune reaction may occur.  The symptoms are severe cramping and diarrhea.  Because of malabsorption of nutrients, anemia,  fatigue, and weight loss happens.

 

5. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It is usually only in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.  Again, the cause is attributed to autoimmune disease.

Symptoms include episodic cramping and bloody diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis is most common in young adults.  In addition, it may be accompanied by systemic (whole body) symptoms.  And there is a high risk for future colon cancer.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Digestion: Research and Empirical Evidence

Firstly, Acupuncture has been used for relief of acute illness, such as pain and indigestion in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Many case reports have demonstrated that acupuncture therapy was very helpful for a patient for pain relief. A Chinese case study reports the positive effects of treating ulcerative colitis with acupuncture (1).

Secondly, acupuncture was started in the Western world only after the historical visit of President Richard Nixon to China in 1972. So within this time, one of the reporters from the New York Times underwent an emergency apendectomy in China.  Afterward, he suffered from postsurgical paralytic ileus. This condition causes the muscles of the intestines to stop working, causing a blockage. It’s characterized by a lack of bowel movements and the inability to pass gas. Moreover, this leads to abdominal distention, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Paralytic Ileus can be caused by various factors, including abdominal surgery, infection, certain medications, and electrolyte imbalances. Lastly, the reporter’s problem was resolved by acupuncturists in China.  Thereafter, it was widely introduced to the west.

Thirdly, a Scientific Research trial investigated the effect of acupuncture on nausea and vomiting after minor gynecological surgery. Acupuncture significantly reduced both nausea and vomiting.(2)

Fourthly, A US research trial investigated the effect of acupuncture on the incidence of nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy. Compared to the control group (standard comparison group), the anti-emetic (anti nausea medicine) requirement was significantly lower in the group receiving acupuncture. 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Digestion

After a thorough exam to rule out any critical problems, a course of acupuncture may definitely help. Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for digestion problems/ issues and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture and/or chiropractic treatment for gastrointestinal disorders and digestion issues at 561-253-8984.

 

References:

(1) Yue and Zhenhui, J Tradit Chin Med 2005

(2) Dundee et al, Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986

(3) Roscoe et al, Altern Ther Health Med 2002

 

 

This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Dizziness and Vertigo.  Acupuncture demonstrates a significant immediate effect in reducing discomforts for both dizziness and vertigo. Research shows the efficacy and safety of acupuncture to treat dizziness and vertigo.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Dizziness and Vertigo; What is vertigo?

Vertigo is the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.

This feeling may be barely noticeable or it may be severe.  So severe that you find it difficult to keep your balance and do daily tasks.

Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last much longer.

Vertigo is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear, although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain.  Additionally, it can be caused by neuromusculoskeletal problems in your neck.

Depending on the condition causing vertigo, you may experience additional symptoms, such as ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.

Symptoms of vertigo are all dependent on each individual and may vary from this list. Some common vertigo symptoms may include:

• Swaying
• Unbalanced
• Headache
• Sweating
• Ringing in ears
• Loss of hearing
• Nausea
• Spinning

Here are some causes of vertigo:

Cervicogenic Vertigo

Cervicogenic means the problem is coming from a source in the neck. Either overstimulation of upper cervical (neck) proprioceptors or degeneration of these proprioceptors occurs with cervicogenic vertigo. A proprioceptor is a sensory receptor which receives stimuli (regarding position and movement) from within the body. Additionally, proprioceptive pathways may cause an imbalance of information. This leads to a perception of vertigo or disequilibrium.  

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

BBPV is vertigo lasting seconds to a couple of minutes. BPPV is due to “degenerative debris” (small bits of calcium carbonate) floating in the semicircular canal in your ear. The semicircular canals are three tiny, fluid-filled tubes in your inner ear that help you keep your balance.  Common head positioning changes causing BBPV are extension (i.e. looking up at a shelf) or rotation, bending over and straightening back up, or rolling over in bed.  Trauma and age appear to be important factors.  BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo.

Meniere’s disease 

These are paroxysmal (sudden and recurrent) attacks of severe vertigo accompanied by low-tone hearing loss, low-tone tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the ear. The episodes last for several hours to a day. Vertigo-free periods last for weeks or months. Hearing loss is progressive, while vertigo attacks appear to “burn out” over time. Some patients have sudden “drop” attacks without loss of consciousness. Increased fluid maybe causing distention and symptoms.

Causes of  Vertigo Due to an Infection:

Vestibular Neuronitis (Neuritis) 

Vestibular Neuronitis is most commonly associated with an ear infection.  So severe vertigo occurs rather suddenly and lasts for days to weeks. There is often associated nausea and vomiting.  The cause is unknown. However, it may be due to a viral infection of the vestibular nerve (nerve of inner ear). Patients report a respiratory infection prior to this vertigo. Similarly, of patients with vestibular neuritis, 50% report having had a common cold.

Labyrinthitis 

The patient complains of an acute onset of vertigo with or without hearing loss.  A viral or bacterial infection (ie ear infection) causes damage to the inner ear leading to complete destruction of the inner ear. 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Dizziness and Vertigo

Firstly, Acupuncture has been used for relief of acute illness, such as pain, dizziness and vertigo in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. One case report demonstrated that acupuncture therapy was very helpful for a patient with peripheral vestibular (inner ear) vertigo. Moreover, it appears Acupuncture may be an option for patients who are intolerant to drug therapy.

Secondly, Acupuncture can reduce balance disorders caused by disorders of the inner ear. Furthermore, acupuncture targets the emotional disturbances or stress.  These are factors that can exacerbate or start an incident of dizziness and vertigo.

Thirdly, Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system.  Researchers believe when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the sensory and proprioceptive nerves are stimulated. This sends a message to our brain and nervous system. In vertigo caused by abnormalities of the vestibular system, acupuncture can play a role in reducing dizziness through increasing microcirculation in the inner ear.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Dizziness and Vertigo

After a thorough exam to rule out any critical problems, a course of acupuncture may definitely help! Additionally, Chiropractic adjustments stop the overstimulation and balance out any misinformation in the nervous system pathways. Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for dizziness and vertigo and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture and/or chiropractic treatment for dizziness and vertigo at 561-253-8984.

 

References: Med Acupuncture. 2023 Apr 13;35(2):89–93. doi: 10.1089/acu2022.0012

Acupuncture Therapy for Peripheral Vestibular Vertigo (with Suspected Ménière’s Disease) by Wahyuningsh Diaali, Christina Simadibrata, Irma Naraswari, Nur Asniati Diaali

 

This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Headaches. On the basis of the existing evidence, acupuncture can be a helpful complementary treatment for headaches.  This is particularly true for migraines and tension-type headaches.

Studies suggest acupuncture can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, and may offer longer-lasting relief than some medications. It’s also safe and cost effective. Lastly, it doesn’t have the side effects as some medications do.  While not a cure, it can be a valuable option for those seeking alternatives or in conjunction with their headache management.

Causes of Migraines/Headaches: Neurologic Event

Firstly, Migraine is a common neurological disease.  It is characterized by an unilateral (one sided), throbbing recurrent headache.  Frequently, it is accompanied by photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), or nausea.

Secondly, a neurologic event apparently occurs associated with an imbalance of serotonin during headaches. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that works with bodily functions.  This includes mood, sleep, appetite, anxiety, digestion, and sexual desire. So too little or too much serotonin may contribute to headaches.  And it matters where it occurs. Typically, too little serotonin in your central nervous system is the primary cause of headaches.

Thirdly, increased local vascular concentrations of serotonin may be part of an inflammatory cascade.  These inflammatory chemicals include substance P. Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and spinal cord.  It plays a role in transmitting pain signals.  Ultimately, a neurogenic (originating from nervous system) vascular inflammation results.  Truly, there are numerous chemical reactions causing headaches.

Causes of Headaches: Dopamine

Additionally, Scientist looked at the relationship between dopamine and migraine.  And Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. This is a chemical messenger in the brain.  Moreover, it plays a crucial role in bodily functions: reward system, movement, attention and focus, mood.

In one study, they assumed that depression and pain is caused by an imbalance or a deficiency of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine).   Also, they found long-term relief for chronic headaches. In conclusion, acupuncture treatments can trigger the release of endorphins such as dopamine. Endorphins are natural, feel-good chemicals produced by the body. They act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.

 

Acupuncture Treatment for Migraines

Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system.  Researchers believe when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the sensory and proprioceptive nerves are stimulated. This sends a message to our brain and nervous system.

Our body’s enkephalins and endorphins are released.  These are our body’s natural opioids and can dramatically relieve pain.  Additionally, once these neurotransmitters are moving about, our blood vessels vasodilates. And this gets blood into the affected areas, initiating healing.

Recently, a team of researchers led by neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School has looked at the underlying neuroanatomy of acupuncture that activates a specific signaling pathway.  In this study, they specifically investigated acupuncture as a potential treatment for inflammation.  They found “acupoints” or acupuncture points on the body’s surface are mechanically stimulated, triggering nerve signaling that affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Helps Headaches

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced meridian pathways to bring balance back.  This activates the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s often used as part of a broader approach to healthcare. Indeed, Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions. 

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for headaches and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today for your acupuncture treatment for headaches at 561-253-8984.

 

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7606388/

 

Did you know Acupuncture can help you get pregnant? Fertility can be difficult for some couples. However, there are many options to help. And extensive research shows that acupuncture can be a wonderful solution for couples with fertility issues (1).  In fact, Acupuncture has been utilized to improve Fertility since ancient times.  This blog is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture To Improve Fertility.

 

Acupuncture is Natural and Has Been Utilized To Improve Fertility For Centuries

Firstly, Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems/issues. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  Mainly, the goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities and bring balance back to your body. It’s often used as part of a broader approach to healthcare.

Secondly, Research has shown the ability of acupuncture to improve sperm/egg quality.  This is due to how acupuncture treatments help balance your hormones.

Thirdly, many couples are undergoing acupuncture treatment in conjunction with fertility treatments to improve their pregnancy rates.

Fourthly, acupuncture helps with stress and overall wellness for a healthier pregnancy.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture To Improve Fertility and Research

In research, it was observed that acupuncture before and after invitro fertilization significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility. It was also found that acupuncture reduced anxiety and stress levels that occurred before invitro fertilization. Moreover, it takes a few months for the sperm and eggs to develop.  Therefore, couples usually start acupuncture months ahead of their fertility treatments. 

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How Does Acupuncture Help Fertility?

Acupuncture has been utilized in Asia to regulate the female reproductive system for thousands of years.  Studies have shown that acupuncture affects the nervous system.  Acupuncture triggers the nerves and brain. Additionally, it helps in the following ways to improve fertility:  

• Improving sperm count and motility
• Reducing stress and anxiety associated with infertility
• Normalizing hormone production and endocrine system
• Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs (uterus and testes)
• Decreasing chance of miscarriage
• Decreasing inflammation that may be causing infertility
• Regulating the menstrual cycle
• Increasing the chance of pregnancy for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)

 

Acupuncture Helps Improve Fertility by Reducing Stress

First, Stress is one of the most prevalent causes of infertility.  Furthermore, an outcome of infertility only makes the stress increase.  Acupuncture is extremely successful with decreasing stress.  

Second, many recent studies have established a link between a woman’s day-to-day stress levels and lowered pregnancy chances.  When a woman’s body undergoes stress, they recognize it is not an ideal time to have a baby and react accordingly. Also, periods of stress greatly impact our lifestyles and can cause a less frequent sex life. Lastly, Stress can also cause couples to turn to unhealthy habits.  For example, this includes: drinking alcohol/ drugs, caffeine, smoking.  All of these are key factors for infertility.

Third, stress can affect semen quality and quantity.  This is because stress can negatively impact the production of certain hormones (e.g. testosterone). 

Fourth, Acupuncture can help reduce depression.  Sadly, this can be common in couples undergoing infertility treatment.  

 

Acupuncture Helps Improve Fertility by Improving Circulation

The theory is that many cases of infertility arise due to not enough blood flow.  Acupuncture treatments increase your blood circulation. This will ensure that proper blood flow is reaching your reproductive organs. Research has shown that acupuncture has a positive effect on blood flow.  In one study, acupuncture’s ability to increase circulation in the uterine arteries of infertile women was recognized. 

 

Acupuncture Helps Improve Fertility by Improving Sleep

Numerous studies have confirmed that sleep issues can greatly affect men’s and women’s overall and reproductive health. In fact, acupuncture has been used to help treat insomnia. Studies on couples who have sleep issues found that those with insomnia are more likely to have fertility issues. 

The exact mechanism by which acupuncture relieves insomnia is unclear. However, it appears that acupuncture needling on certain acupoints can have effects on or transfer information to the appropriate organs. Furthermore, an explanation is found in the “meridians theories” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For instance, in one study, it appeared acupuncture altered the electrical activity of multiple meridians in insomnia patients.

Moreover, basic science and various clinical studies have indicated that acupuncture regulates various neurotransmitters and hormonal factors.  This includes endorphins, serotonin, norepinephrine, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, acetylcholine (Ach), melatonin, substance P, other neuropeptides, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and nitric oxide.  And all of these play major roles in sleep regulation and overall health.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture To Improve Fertility

Research has shown that acupuncture has a positive effect and no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.  Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture to improve fertility. Dr. Natalie Meiri is board certified in acupuncture and has been a chiropractic physician for over 20 years.  Contact us today for an acupuncture treatment in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984.

 

References: (1) Journal of Clinical Medicine, March 4, 2021: Article Acupuncture for Poor Ovarian Response: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Jihyun Kim 1,† , Hoyoung Lee 1,†, Tae-Young Choi 1 , Joong Il Kim 1 , Byoung-Kab Kang 2 , Myeong Soo Lee 1 , Jong Kil Joo 2 , Kyu Sup Lee 2,* and Sooseong You