Frequency Specific Electro Stimulation and Acupuncture: The Power Duo for Neuropathy
Freedom From Foot Pain
My colleague, Cheryl Kujawinski, at Hawthorne Acupuncture in Colorado recently wrote an informative article about the use of Frequency Specific Electro-Stimulation (FSES). You can read the full blog here.
Practical Clinical Application of FSES
This blog will focus on the practical application of FSES & Acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy, a condition we successfully treat in my clinic.
Most of my patients receive FSES during their treatment because of its ability to aid in the healing of the body at a cellular level.
When attempting to treat neuropathy, the combination of frequency specific electro stimulation (FSES) and acupuncture has seen tremendous success. While FSES plays an important role in blocking pain signals and repairing damaged nerve cells, acupuncture works to target source of nerve dysfunction while reacting at a higher level with the body's own endorphins in order to stimulate repair of nerve damage.
There are 7 commonly used frequencies that have varying effects on different systems in the body:
2.3 Hz: Cellular Vitality, anti-inflammatory
4.6Hz: Gastrointestinal tract, anti-allergic action
9.2Hz: Muscle and blood circulation
18.4Hz: Mind and body stress adjustment
36.8Hz: Peripheral Nervous System
73Hz: Hormone Balance
146Hz: Brain activation intelligent tissue
What Does Neuropathy Feel Like?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves, typically in the feet and hands, are damaged. Symptoms may include:
Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands.
· Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain.
· Extreme sensitivity to touch.
· Lack of coordination and falling.
· Muscle weakness.
· Feeling as if wearing gloves or socks when not.
· Inability to move if motor nerves are affected.
There are several causes for peripheral neuropathy, including traumatic injuries, infections, and metabolic problems. The two most common reasons are diabetes and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). These conditions can significantly reduce the quality of life for patients struggling with PN, leading to an increased risk of balance issues, falls, infections, gastroparesis, and bladder dysfunction.
In light of these potential consequences, we rely on electroacupuncture to expedite results. Acupuncture alone helps vasodilate the arterial system, improving blood flow and enabling the body's repair cells to efficiently mend damaged nerve cells. By adding FSES, we can utilize frequencies that stimulate cellular repair and increase the production of beta-endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
A Brief Case Study:
57 y/o Female
Chief complaint – Pain with some numbness and tingling in both feet for the last 6 months.
Recommended treatment plan: 2 times per week for 3 weeks, reassess and continue for an additions 3 weeks.
· Successfully treated for breast cancer in 2015. Currently receiving immuno-therapy treatments for Merkel Cell Carcinoma under the care of her Oncologist.
· During our initial consultation, the patient described the pain in her feet at 9 out of 10 on the pain scale when it is at its worst. Pain is centered around the toes and balls of her feet with intermittent numbness and tingling.
· After the 3rd treatment, pain in left foot was gone but still present in the right big toe area.
· At the 6th treatment mark the was significant reduction of pain in the right foot. Numbness of tingling were no longer present in either foot.
· Beginning of 12th appointment, patient reported she had no pain in her feet.
When assessing a patient’s prognosis, several factors are taken into consideration.
· How long has the neuropathy been present.
· Age of patient
· Overall health of the patient. Are there co-morbidities to consider?
· Is the patient still receiving treatment or taking any medications that are contributing to the condition.
The Efficacy of FSES & Acupuncture Research.
Multiple studies have confirmed that acupuncture improves the symptoms of neuropathic patients. In a 2007 pilot study, acupuncture was found to be more effective than traditional western care. Furthermore, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2021 reported superior pain relief for patients with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.
In Conclusion.
By using both treatments together in a strategic approach, patients with neuropathy can find relief from long-term and short-term pain that was previously unachievable. For those looking for better health outcomes, combining these two treatments may be the answer they have been waiting for.
Anatomy and Alchemy is located in the Chicago Loop. We are here to answer any question you may have about acupuncture and how it can improve your health.
Acupuncture or Dry Needling: What's the Difference? The Answer May Surprise You.
Do you experience a nagging pain or muscle tension and wondering which alternative treatment might work best for you? Look no further! Today, we are comparing two popular techniques: acupuncture and dry needling. Both methods offer relief from pain, but there are some key differences you should be aware of before deciding which route to take.
We will discuss the benefits of both techniques, the qualifications of the practitioners, and the required education.
Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has been around for thousands of years. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on your body, called acupuncture points, to increase blood circulation and initiate neuromodulation in the body to promote overall healing. This practice is used to treat a variety of ailments, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Dry needling, on the other hand, is a relatively new coined term that has borrowed the technique from acupuncture. It involves inserting thin needles into tight muscle knots, also known as trigger points, to release tension and alleviate pain. Dry needling is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal problems and is often employed by physical therapists or sports medicine practitioners.
Benefits of Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Both techniques offer numerous benefits:
- Pain relief: Both methods provide relief from chronic and acute pain by activating the body's natural pain-killing chemicals, such as endorphins.
- Reduced muscle tension: Dry needling and acupuncture targets tight muscle knots that can cause discomfort and limited mobility.
- Improves circulation: Acupuncture improves blood flow by stimulating the body's circulatory system, providing oxygen and nutrients to affected tissues.
- Reduced inflammation: Both techniques alleviate inflammation, promoting natural healing. It is important to note that needle insertion triggers that inflammatory response so needling in the area of the pain may not always be appropriate.
- Relaxation: Acupuncture, due to its ability to balance your body's nervous system, helps you feel calm and relaxed.
Who Can Perform Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Acupuncture is performed by a licensed acupuncturist who has completed a comprehensive program in traditional Chinese medicine, which includes dry needling. They must pass a national examination and meet strict requirements for state licensure.
Dry needling is performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, or sports medicine practitioners who have undergone additional training in dry needling techniques. Be sure to check your practitioner's credentials and experience to ensure they are qualified to perform the treatment.
Education Requirements
Acupuncture practitioners must complete extensive education in traditional Chinese medicine, often including a 3000 hour master's or doctoral degree program. This education covers theory, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as a significant amount of hands-on clinical experience.
Dry needling practitioners, such as physical therapists, will typically have a bachelor's or master's degree in their field, with additional 50 hour coursework or certifications specific to dry needling. The training for dry needling typically involves learning various techniques and hands-on practice under the supervision of experienced practitioners.
Bringing It All Together
In conclusion, both acupuncture and dry needling offer their own set of benefits and are effective in alleviating pain and promoting overall well-being. It's essential to weigh the differences between the two techniques, their benefits, and practitioner qualifications when making a decision. Speak with a healthcare professional to determine which treatment might be the best fit for your needs.
If you are ready to experience the benefits of either acupuncture or dry needling, schedule with one of our qualified practitioners right away. Don't let pain keep its grip on you.
How Chinese Herbal Medicine Can Treat Covid-19
There is a lot about COVID-19 that we have yet to learn. What we do know for sure is that this virus has a destructive ability to prey on those members of our population with the weakest immune systems, and those who have pre-existing chronic diseases.
As parts of our country start to move into reopening phases let’s talk about steps you can take now that include acupuncture and herbal medicine to help yourself stay well in the age of coronavirus.
Let’s start by strengthening your immune system. You may be thinking, easier said than done! But here are the basics: eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep regularly does wonders for your body. Start there. Then let’s add on another essential building block: Acupuncture is an effective way to boost your immune system and help you stay healthy. Studies show acupuncture can increase T-cell production. Think of these cells like virus killing machines in your body. They are an essential part of your immune system, and a good T-cell count is a key component of good health.
Acupuncture also reduces inflammation, which can create havoc in your body and is one of the markers for autoimmune diseases. And electroacupuncture (learn more about that here) has been shown to repair gut mucosa, which helps you get the most benefit from the healthy food you’re eating.
“But what if I still get sick?” That’s a great question. None of this may prevent you from getting COVID-19, but it can directly impact the severity of the symptoms you may experience, if any, and how quickly you recover. Fever, sore throat, body aches, chest tightness, and a dry cough are the most common symptoms.
If you get sick we can help.
Studies on the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine to help ease the symptoms of COVID-19 are very promising. The practitioner will use a patient's symptoms, along with tongue and pulse diagnosis, to evaluate which herbal formula will be most effective to treat them. Formulas such as Ge Gen Tang, Yin Qiao San, Lian Hua Qing Wen Capsule, and Qing Wen Bai Du Yin, among others, all contain key herbs that will help to reduce fever, clear mucus, stop cough, and relieve body aches. Common herbal ingredients in these formulas include Huang Qin (skullcap root), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), and Niu Bang Zi (burdock fruit). These all have chemical properties that are antibacterial, antiviral, and antipyretic (fever-reducing). Many of Western medicine’s pharmaceutical drugs were developed by extracting various chemical components from these plants.
Quick fact: China administered herbal medicine to 92% of its infected citizens. Reports show this led to quicker recovery times and reduced the mortality rate in severely ill patients by 8.8%.
If you’d like to read the studies, the links below get deeper into the mechanisms. TLDR? Included are some of the study conclusions if you want to cut to the chase.
When you’re ready to begin working on your immune system give us a call. We’re here for you! Together we will help you stay (or get) healthy.
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Studies and quick snapshot conclusions:
"After the pneumonia outbreak with COVID-19, the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China led an expert team to formulate a traditional Chinese herbal medicine treatment program. On 24 January 2020, the first case of a cured patient in Beijing being discharged from hospital after traditional Chinese herbal medicine treatment with symptomatic therapy was reported. Later, another cured patient was reported following traditional Chinese herbal medicine therapy, prompting the wider application of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia."
https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-020-01343-4
“In 2009, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China issued a Traditional Chinese Medicine program for treatment of H1N1 infection. Based on these experiences, we believe that Traditional Chinese Medicine is effective for COVID-19, so we use it during the outbreak of COVID-19, and it works very well clinically.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7118627/
“Yao, et al. and Lu, et al. retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy of Lian Hua Qing Wen Capsule in treatment of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients. The results indicated that this herbal product could markedly relieve major symptoms such as fever and cough and had the capacity to promote the recovery.”
Facial Cupping Demo
See what facial cupping looks like! Facial cupping boosts collagen and elastin in the face and promotes blood flow and decreases swelling.