Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Allergies is about the natural treatments for allergies and allergy related problems through acupuncture. Acupuncture has been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions in China for more than a thousand years.  These include allergies, puritis/rashes, sinusitis/sinus problems, allergic asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

Allergies affect one’s quality of life and can reduce productivity at work, school and home.   Allergic rhinitis, inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages, causing symptoms like sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and itching affects approximately 1.4 billion people with increasing numbers.

Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions. Therefore, acupuncture is thought to be useful as a complementary, alternative and integrative therapy for allergies.

 

Allergies and the Immune System

Firstly, an allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless to most people. Secondly, the immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases. Thirdly, this includes white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system. Fourthly, the immune system identifies foreign substances/invaders and mobilizes the body’s natural defense system to fight them.  However, sometimes the immune system incorrectly identifies a nontoxic substance as toxic. Fifthly, substances that provoke an allergic response are called allergens. Sixthly, so in response to the allergens, the white blood cells overreact. And this causes damage to the body.  In conclusion, the allergic reaction becomes a disease in itself.

 

 What Causes Allergies?

 

The reason why some people have allergies and others don’t is unknown.  Scientist say there may be a genetic component.  Interestingly, allergies can start at any age.  However, the most prevalent age of onset is between 15 and 20 years of age.  It appears stress may aggravate allergies. 

 

Symptoms of Allergies and Examples of Allergens

Symptoms of allergies include: nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, itching, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, hives and skin rashes. Just about any substance can cause an allergic response.  The most common ones are: pollen (hayfever), dust, certain metals (e.g. nickel), certain cosmetics (e.g. lanolin) dust mites, animal hair, insect secretions, drugs (e.g. penicillin, aspirin), some food additives (e.g. benzoic acid and sulfur dioxide, MSG), animal dander, chemicals (e.g. some found in soap, cleaning supplies, cigarette smoke). 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Allergies/ TCM Theory on Alleriges

Firstly, Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. 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.

Secondy, Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”(Qi, pronounced “chee”), flows through the body in these channels called meridians.  The goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. And the stimulation of acupuncture points is most effective through needle insertion.

Thirdly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the body’s immunity is the function of the “defensive Qi”. 

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Allergies

 

Conventional treatment of allergies includes medications which have side effects. These include antihistamines, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, anticholinergics and antileukotrienes. Common side effects include: drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Other side effects can include sore throat, headaches, nosebleed, fever, itchy skin, blurred vision, constipation, and nausea. 

The effects of acupuncture with treatment of allergic symptoms have been examined in several studies. And acupuncture was reported to be effective particularly in the reduction of nasal and conjunctival (eye tissue) signs. Finally, relief of symptoms leads to the improvement in the quality of life.  Acupuncture relieves also the cutaneous (skin) symptoms. For example, pruritus/itchy skin or atopic dermatitis are relieved by acupuncture.  Indeed, acupuncture influences your immune system. And because acupuncture helps the immune system, it is a useful treatment for patients with allergies.

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for allergy problems 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 allergies at 561-253-8984.

 

  

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s clinical pearl stories- Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Knee Pain 

 

This is my clinical pearl story about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Knee Pain.  He was a 56 year old male patient.  His chief complaint was right knee pain.  To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Beckett instead of his real name.

Originally, Beckett had come to see me for neck and back problems which he thought were job related.  He also had played football in high school and hurt himself.  And with chiropractic care, his neck and back problems were so much better.  Currently, he came in for supportive/maintenance chiropractic care about once a month for his neck and back.

Beckett’s right knee pain had come on 6 months ago.  He didn’t know how it started because there was no trauma. It came on after twisting climbing a ladder. He was an electrician and A.C. technician.  So, Beckett did do some heavy lifting on the job which contributed to the repetitive injury to his knee.

 

Beckett’s Knee Pain

First, Beckett’s right knee pain was a new problem he never had before. Second, the knee pain was located in the medial (inner) aspect of his knee joint. Third, Beckett had started acupuncture for a ear problem with me.  And he had a good outcome.  Therefore, he thought acupuncture would help his knee pain as well. 

 

Beckett’s Examination

Upon examination, Beckett tested positive for his right knee pain condition.  Beckett had strained his knee twisting just as he had described in his history to me.  I would order imaging if Beckett didn’t respond to treatment in 1 month.

 

 

Some Anatomy of the knee: Femur (thigh bone), Tibia (shin bone), Fibula (thin, outer long bone of the leg), and the Patella (kneecap)

There are three “articulations” (joint or juncture between bones or cartilages) at the knee: the tibiofemoral, patellofemoral, and tibiofibular articulations. However, only the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations participate in knee joint activity. The tibiofibular articulation/joint does not actually contribute to the actions of the knee. Instead, it is part of the ankle joint complex moving the ankle in all the various ranges of motion. However, dysfunctional processes in the proximal tibiofibular articulation/joint can affect other knee functions and can be a source of knee pain.

So the tibiofemoral and tibiofibular are synovial articulations.  These are freely movable joints. And the bony surfaces are coated with hyaline cartilage.  It is unified by a fibrous articular capsule. However, the third articulation, patellofemoral, is a functional joint (non-synovial joint).   

The knee is supported by the joint capsule, its cartilage “thickenings”, and the collateral-ligamentous system.  And the collateral ligaments (band of tissue that connects a bone to another bone) are located on either side of your knee outside your knee joint.

Internally the knee is stabilized and the control of rotation is provided by the meniscocruciate system. There are two C-shaped cartilage like structures, each one called a meniscus. The menisci aid in shock absorption and help govern rotational movement at the knee.

 

What are some causes of knee pain that can be treated by acupuncture?

1. Knee Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones, and it is often caused by overuse or repetitive motions. One example would be the popliteus muscle tendinitis.

Firstly, the popliteus muscle lies behind the knee joint. It forms the base of the popliteal fossa (diamond-shaped space behind the knee joint). Secondly, it inserts at the lateral femur, lateral meniscus and inserts onto the proximal (nearer to the center of the body) tibia (shin bone). Thirdly, the popliteus muscle does lateral rotation of the femur relative to the tibia. And this ‘unlocks’ the knee joint so that the knee can flex (bend). Fourthly, Popliteus is a major stabilizing muscle of the knee.  Fifthly, tendinitis is a condition in which the tissue connecting muscle to bone becomes inflamed. And you will have pain in the lateral (side away from body) knee following downhill running or walking. Your foot on the injured side may have hyperpronation problems. 

 

2. Knee Sprain or Strain 

A sprain is a sudden or violent twisting injury of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments.  A strain occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use. Furthermore, damage to your attached tendons can also occur with a strain. 

An example of a spsrain would be the Adductor Sprain. These adductor group of muscles of the hip are located on your inner thighs. They are mostly used for bringing the thighs together (called adduction). This adductor muscle ligament injury may occur to an athlete who is involved in kicking, sprinting, water skiing, or jumping (high jumps or hurdles). A sudden pulling or contraction from a stretched position of hip abduction (movement of the leg away from thigh) or flexion (movement when knee comes toward the chest) can cause this injury.

An example of a strain would be the Hamstring Strain. This group of  hamstring muscles run along the back of your thigh from your hip to just below your knee. This injury may occur to an athlete or “weekend warrior” who feels a sudden pull or pop at the back of the thigh following a forceful knee extension (straightening your knee) maneuver. By over contracting the hamstrings while in a position of stretch, a tear may occur.

 

3. Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis

Degeneration of articular (joint) cartilage can be secondary to meniscal tearing or degeneration. Unfortunately, this occurs with age. Additionally, single trauma events or a past knee surgery (including ACL or meniscal surgeries) predisposes you to early degeneration.

What is Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)?

Degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis.  It is a “wear and tear” arthritis. This serious, painful condition can affect any joint of the body (e.g. hands, knees, hips, shoulders, back and neck). It is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Firstly, osteoarthritis is a disease of the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, menisci (e.g. knee meniscus) and the tissues lining the joint (the synovium). There can also be changes in periarticular (around the joint) muscles, nerves, bursa, and local fat pads that may contribute to the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Secondly, it degrades cartilage, changes bone shape and this causes inflammation. 

Thirdly, the result is pain, stiffness and loss of mobility.

Lastly, pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis may lead you to feel tired, have problems sleeping, and possibly feeling depressed.

 

 

Beckett’s Acupuncture Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic

Beckett’s Acupuncture treatments consisted of the insertion of very thin metal needles.  These were inserted into the skin and underlying tissues.  Finally, Beckett’s outcome from the acupuncture was a complete resolution.

 

 How Does Acupuncture Help Knee Pain?

Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School looked at the underlying neuroanatomy of acupuncture.  Specifically, that acupuncture activates a nerve signaling pathway. The signaling affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs (and neuromusculoskeletal body parts).

Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems safely and effectively. The acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways called meridians. This activates the body’s natural healing abilities.  Ultimately, this brings balance back to your body. Indeed, Acupuncture has a beneficial effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions.

 

Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for knee pain 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 knee pain at 561-253-8984.

 

 

Chinese medicine is a system of healing that has been around for thousands of years.  Remarkably, chinese medicine is based on ancient texts and the result of continuous clinical documentation and testing.  There are many aspects to this system of medicine.  For instance, this includes acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine and manipulation.   

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy is about what cupping is and how it can help you.

 

Acupuncture and Cupping

Firstly, Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problems. It is a painless technique used to affect what the ancient chinese practitioners called Meridians (energy channels) in your body under the skin. Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in these channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced “chee”).

Secondly, Acupuncture treatment stimulates the imbalanced pathways along the meridians to bring balance back.  The goal is to activate the body’s natural healing abilities. 

Thirdly, the stimulation of acupuncture points is most effective through needle insertion. However, Cupping is a Suction technique and another method for stimulating the acupoints along the meridians. Cupping therapy is a therapeutic technique that utilizes a vacuum force created beneath a small vessel applied onto the skin’s surface.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy Facts

First, in TCM stagnation refers to the blockage or impediment in the flow of vital substances within the body.  Moreover, this is primarily Qi (vital energy) that is stagnating.  In addition, potentially Blood, Phlegm, and Body Fluids, stagnate also. At Meiri Chiropractic, we perform cupping in the traditional Chinese method.  This is by stimulating the acupuncture points to balance the meridian pathways.  And cupping can also treat the “ashi points”.   Ashi points do not have defined positions.  They are the points where the patient feels pain during palpation (medical examination of the body by touching and feeling with the hands).

Second, Cupping is a versatile therapy that benefits overall health and effectively addresses localized and systemic complaints.  For example, upper, mid back, and low back pain. And even for nerve related conditions like sciatica it is effective for helping relieve tension.

Third, Cupping can even help with congestion of the lungs and to “chase” a cold away.

Fourth, ultimately, for all ages, the strength of cupping corresponds to the patient’s level of comfort. 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy/Treatment

Before the cupping therapy, a comprehensive medical history and examination are essential. There are contraindications (specific reason to avoid a particular treatment because it could be harmful) for cupping therapy.  This is to assess for any underlying conditions and get a diagnosis.  Furthermore, a diagnosis leads to the best course of treatment and therapies for you.

The specific mechanism through which cupping has therapeutic effects remains unidentified. However, several theories (e.g. The pain-gate theory,  The reflex zone theory) have been proposed and more research needs to be done.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Cupping Therapy

Cupping increases blood flow, decreases stagnation or pain in the body, and encourages relaxation.  It helps to relax tight muscles and even nourish the body’s underlying resources to increase energy and vitality. It is useful as a complementary, alternative and integrative therapy utilized along with acupuncture and/or chiropractic care.

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

 

 

Patients who are seeking facial acupuncture, acupuncture facelift or cosmetic acupuncture have many concerns.  These include facial asymmetry, cheek sagging, jawline, nasolabial (laugh lines) fold length, discrepancies in jawline between the left and the right sides, wrinkles around the mouth, and discrepancies in the corners of the mouth. Ultimately, patients are seeking the brighter and natural glow instead of a “greyish color” of the signs of aging. The good news is facial acupuncture is a simple concept that can help all the above! And it has holistic benefits. So you will experience improved physical, mental, emotional, social, and perhaps even spiritual well-being afterwards.  This is due to facial acupuncture treating your whole person rather than only the symptoms. Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Achieve A Brighter and Natural Glow Through Facial Acupuncture is about all of this. 

 

How does Facial Acupuncture Give You a Brighter and Natural Glowing Face?

 

Acupuncture consists of the insertion of one or several very thin metal needles into the skin and underlying tissues.  Because the sterile needles are so slender (hair thin) application is painless.  And or at most, the equivalent of the most slightest prick.  As mentioned previously, Acupuncture has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years. Additionally, the World Health Organization has established guidelines for practice.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Qi is the vital energy or life energy. It is one of the fundamental concepts of TCM.  In Chinese philosophy, Qi is a broad concept meaning the invisible force that animates life and connects everything in the universe, encompassing both material and immaterial energy.  In the human body, Qi is the vital energy believed to circulate around the body in currents.

By starting with the different facial acupuncture points, certain results can be achieved by their application to the skin.  The facial needles generate a lot of Qi and this is circulated throughout the face.  Moreover, the increase in Qi results in improvement in the complexion and in reducing open pores.  Indeed, the improved Qi energy and blood flow that needling to the face promotes leads to improvement to your complexion.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Constitutional Acupuncture Treatment

 

Firstly, a constitutional treatment (whole body) maybe recommended along with the facial enhancement/cosmetic treatment.  Also, by utilizing body points along with facial points, “balance and grounding” is achieved.  By the process of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony or imbalance in the body as well as the face, a more holistic and appropriate treatment is achieved. Your treatment will include local needling into your areas of concern on your face. And then needling throughout your body to promote overall well being and address your unique constitution.  

Secondly, the constitutional treatment would help eliminate unnecessary toxins that have built up. A buildup of toxins can cause various skin problems. These can include a dull complexion, breakouts, increased oiliness or dryness, and chronic issues like eczema or premature aging. 

Thirdly, indeed facial/cosmetic acupuncture alone is relaxing.  However, having a constitutional treatment alleviates pain and stress.  Stress can cause or worsen skin and facial pain by increasing stress hormones such as cortisol.  Therefore, this leads to oilier skin, inflammation, and conditions like acne and rosacea.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Achieve A Brighter and Natural Glow Through Facial Acupuncture- Research

 

Maintaining a balance between oil and water content in your skin is vital for a brighter complexion. However, aging, lifestyle, and environmental factors can disrupt this balance.  This may lead to skin dullness and premature aging. Many seek natural, non-invasive interventions like cosmetic acupuncture.

In studies, Cosmetic acupuncture has shown to increase blood flow and hydration. Participants had reductions in wrinkles and sagging and improvement in skin conditions.

In  other studies (1) they found Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture effectively improves skin hydration and oil balance, offering a non-invasive solution for skin health. Mechanisms potentially underlying these effects include enhanced collagen synthesis and lymphatic drainage, and skin hydrating mechanisms in the body being activated.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Achieve A Brighter and Natural Glow Through Facial Acupuncture

 

Are you looking for quality acupuncture treatment services in West Palm Beach for you or your loved one? Receiving West Palm Beach Acupuncture Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic will provide you with healing and pain relief. And if you’re already seeking acupuncture for other pains, ails, or needs try a facial acupuncture add-on to your session. 

Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience.  Call today to make an appointment or to learn more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Achieve A Brighter and Natural Glow Through Facial Acupuncture at 561-253-8984.

 

References: (1) Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study

Younghee Yun , Sehyun Kim , Minhee Kim , KyuSeok Kim  Jeong-Su Park , Inhwa Choi^, 

^{https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3745857/}

 

•