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As many know I am a research dork and spend my spare time doing more research in Chinese Medicine - so here is a lovely meta analysis of random controlled trials which has just been published, showing how Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine actually does work for tubal obstruction infertility! Acupuncture-related therapies outperformed control interventions in improving pregnancy rates, tubal patency rates, and overall effectiveness while demonstrating a lower incidence of adverse events. The network meta-analysis included 1580 articles, with 23 meeting the criteria. These studies involved 2355 patients and explored 13 intervention measures. Acupuncture + Chinese Herbal Medicine was identified as the most effective for pregnancy rates, MOX for tubal patency rates, and MOX+AP for overall effectiveness. (MOX means effective!) The safety profile of acupuncture-related interventions was acceptable. These findings offer novel treatment strategies for acupuncture-related interventions, providing practitioners with evidence-based guidance. @Evidence Based Acupuncture

🌿 Nurturing Tresses Naturally: TCM Wisdom on Postpartum Hair Loss 🌿 👶🏻 Welcoming a little one into the world is magical, but postpartum hair loss? Not so much! Let's dive into why it happens and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers gentle solutions. 🍃 TCM Insights on Postpartum Hair Loss: In TCM, we believe that the delicate balance of Qi, Blood, and Kidney Essence is vital for overall health. During pregnancy, these energies shift to support the growing baby, leading to postpartum hair loss as the body returns to equilibrium. 🤔 Why Does Hair Loss Happen During Pregnancy? We see pregnancy as a time of dynamic change. The body redirects resources to support new life, impacting hair growth. Understanding this process is key to embracing the natural ebb and flow of postpartum hair changes. TCM Insights: 🌱 Qi & Blood Harmony: TCM sees the balance of Qi and Blood as vital for overall health. Deficiency post-baby can affect hair health. Kidney Essence Love: Kidney Essence is the foundation for luscious locks. Pregnancy and childbirth can deplete it, causing hair changes. Enter Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs: 🎋 ✨ Benefits of Acupuncture: Acupuncture isn't just about needles – it's about restoring balance! By stimulating Qi flow and harmonizing hormones, acupuncture supports a healthier postpartum journey. Specific points are like magic keys unlocking your body's natural vitality! 🌱 Chinese Herbs for Radiant Tresses: Our herbal allies step in! Nourishing Blood and tonifying the Kidney Essence are at the heart of TCM hair care. Discover the power of herbs to revitalize your locks and embrace the beauty of postpartum recovery. Tips for Radiant Postpartum Hair: 🥦 Nourish from Within: Embrace a nutrient-rich diet with TCM-inspired foods for postpartum recovery. 🌺 Gentle Self-Care: Treat yourself to gentle scalp massages, promoting relaxation and circulation. 🤝 Consult with a TCM Practitioner: Personalized guidance ensures your unique needs are met on your postpartum journey. 🌈 TCM Harmony for Happy Hair! Remember, postpartum is a journey. Embrace it with grace, and let TCM guide you to radiant postpartum hair health. 💕✨. Contact us at the Natural fertility Clinic to get your locks back in shape! #PostpartumWellness #TCMBeauty #NaturalHairCare #tcmherbs #postpartumhairloss #acupuncture #ferilityacupuncture #dumfries #scotland #dgwgo #pregnancy #carlisle #scotland #ivf

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisper, we find ourselves transitioning into a new season. While these shifts in nature can be beautiful, they can also bring about changes in our mental well-being. This blog post will explore the impact of seasonal changes on mental health and introduce two powerful tools - acupuncture and Chinese herbs - that can help us navigate these transitions with grace and balance. The Dance of Seasons and Mental Health The changing seasons can have a profound effect on our mental well-being. The transition from summer to autumn, for example, often brings shorter days and less sunlight. This shift can disrupt our circadian rhythms and lead to symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), such as low energy, moodiness, and changes in sleep patterns. Furthermore, seasonal changes can affect our emotional states. Some people may feel invigorated by the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn, while others may experience a sense of melancholy or restlessness. Recognizing these shifts in our mental landscape is the first step towards proactively managing our mental health during seasonal transitions. Acupuncture: Restoring Balance Within Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a holistic approach to health and wellness that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to promote the flow of Qi (energy) and restore balance. In the context of seasonal changes, acupuncture can be a powerful tool for regulating the body's internal systems. It can help alleviate symptoms associated with SAD, such as fatigue, insomnia, and mood swings, by addressing imbalances in the body's energy channels. By harmonizing the flow of Qi, acupuncture helps the body adapt to the changing environment with greater ease. Chinese Herbs: Nature's Remedies for the Mind In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine plays a vital role in supporting mental health during seasonal transitions. TCM views herbs as potent allies in promoting balance within the body. Specific herbs are chosen based on an individual's unique constitution, as well as the presenting symptoms. Incorporating these natural remedies into your wellness routine can provide valuable support during times of seasonal change. Holistic Approaches for Year-Round Mental Well-Being While acupuncture and Chinese herbs are invaluable tools for navigating seasonal transitions, it's essential to adopt a holistic approach to mental health year-round. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, and practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga. As we embrace the beauty and challenges of each changing season, it's important to prioritize our mental well-being. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs offer powerful resources for restoring balance within the body and mind. By incorporating these ancient practices into our wellness routine, we can navigate seasonal transitions with grace, resilience, and a renewed sense of vitality. Remember, seeking the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner is crucial for personalized and effective care. Here's to a season of radiant mental health and well-being!

Lidong (立冬) marks the beginning of the winter season on 7th November 2023. In Chinese herbal medicine, Lidong is considered an important time because it signifies the transition from yang to yin, or from the active, outward-focused energy of summer to the more passive, inward-focused energy of winter. What Lidong signifies: Transition from Yang to Yin: As lidong marks the beginning of winter, it signifies a shift in energy from the yang phase (summer) to the yin phase (winter). This transition encourages people to adapt their lifestyles and habits to harmonize with the changing environment. In Chinese medicine, this is seen as a time to nourish and store energy for the colder months ahead. Diet and Nutrition: During lidong, it is recommended to adjust your diet to include warming and nourishing foods. This can help support your body's immune system and energy levels as it adjusts to the colder weather. Traditional foods like ginger, garlic, root vegetables, and hearty soups are often emphasized. Herbal Remedies: Chinese herbal medicine places emphasis on adjusting herbal formulas and remedies during lidong. Herbs that are warming in nature and support the kidneys and the immune system are often prescribed during this time. These herbs are believed to help fortify the body's defenses against the cold and strengthen the core energy. Consulting a Herbalist: Seeing a qualified herbalist during lidong can be beneficial for personalized advice and recommendations. A trained herbalist can assess your individual constitution, health concerns, and environmental factors to create a tailored herbal regimen that supports your well-being during the winter season. Preventative Health: Traditional Chinese medicine often emphasizes preventative care. By taking steps to nourish and support your body during lidong, you are believed to be less susceptible to common winter ailments such as colds, flu, and respiratory issues. Harmonizing with Nature: The practice of aligning with the seasons is an important aspect of traditional Chinese medicine. By acknowledging and adapting to the changes in nature, it is believed that you can optimize your health and well-being.

Here are five ways to help you achieve inner harmony as we enter the season of renewal. Move Regularly The energy of spring supports movement, literally and metaphorically. The element associated with spring in East Asian medicine, wood, benefits from regular exercise. Moving your body also helps strengthen your muscles, immune health, and cardiovascular system. If you haven’t worked out in a while, start slowly with some gentle walks around your neighborhood or a dialed-back version of your previous routine as injuries can occur when you jump in too fast. Start a Creative Project Spring is also associated with creativity and vision. It is a great time to get in touch with your inner artist and dance in your living room, sing in your shower, or try your hand at painting. Pick anything that inspires you to express yourself creatively—cooking, writing, planting a garden, painting your nails. Listen to your inner muse and see what she has to say! Try Something New Innovation and adventure are highly beneficial to the wood element. Plan in some time for new experiences this spring. It can be something small like trying a new coffee shop or something larger like a weekend adventure to someplace you’ve never been. Read a new book or learn a new skill like woodworking or embroidery. Explore a trail you’ve never hiked or volunteer somewhere. Pick something that inspires you and sounds fun! Lots of Green Veggies Hear me out, veggies can be delicious. If the only way you know how to greens is in a salad, I have some resources for you. There is a library of recipes available to you on my blog. If you really want to step up your culinary experience, I recommend checking out Peter Som’s recipes too. His easy-to-make seasonal recipes inspired by his Chinese heritage and travels in Europe are delicious! Get Your Qi Moving Springtime and the wood element are associated with the free flow of qi (energy) in East Asian medicine. When your qi is not flowing smoothly you may feel grumpy, irritable, depressed, tired, and/or experience pain. Acupuncture’s main function in Chinese medicine is to regulate your qi so that it doesn’t become stagnant. If you feel like you need help moving your qi, schedule an acupuncture session for yourself today.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side-effect of chemotherapy. While the condition can subside or resolve completely after cancer treatment, for some it can take quite a while or become an ongoing issue that affects daily life. While medications can be effective at symptom relief, some people may prefer to avoid ongoing, over-use. Some people may prefer to address the nerve damage, rather than settle for pain relief. Acupuncture and Peripheral Neuropathy – what’s the evidence? Acupuncture has long been used to manage and treat peripheral neuropathy of all types. While current clinical evidence of its efficacy is still unclear, a recent study has shown that acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture in improving the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)[1]. Currently there is more research available describing the mechanisms of how acupuncture works in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. It Stimulates The Body To Provide It's Own Pain Relief Endorphins Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins to decrease pain and increase a sense of well-being. Research has shown that the pain relief achieved with acupuncture works in the same pathways as opioid medications like codeine and endone[2]. However, there is no risk of addiction or withdrawal effects. It Can Change The Function Of Our Nerve Receptors Research has shown that acupuncture can have a significant effect on the number and function of our neurotransmitter receptors. This includes adrenergic, serotinergic, cholinergic and GABAnergic receptors[3]. These receptors are found in our nerves in both the brain and peripheral nervous system. So while acupuncture does not increase the level of neurotransmitters sending messages in our bodies, it can affect how we receive those messages. Acupuncture Has Been Shown To Improve Neurological Function At The Site Of Nerve Damage In cases of CIPN, the site of nerve damage is understood to be the sensory nerve cell bodies at the dorsal root ganglion. It is in the spine, affecting the nerves that supply the four limbs. Acupuncture for this condition generally utilises established acupuncture points in the four limbs below the knees and elbows. Studies have shown acupuncture for CIPN improves neurological function at the site of damaged dorsal root ganglions, in the spine[4]. While in another study, the expression of 68 genes had doubled in rats with neuropathic pain. However, they returned to normal after electroacupuncture treatment[5]. Acupuncture treatment for patients with cancer - What should I expect? A course of treatment usually involves 6-8 treatments. While preferable to have treatment twice weekly, significant results can be produced with once weekly treatments. Each session involves the insertion of about 10-12 sterilised needles. The treatment is very gentle and, for many people, pain-free. Needle location can vary from patient to patient. Most points are located below the elbows and knees. There are also points with efficacy in the ear. The needles are left in for 20-30 minutes. Changes such as a decrease in symptoms can occur immediately after the first treatment or can take 2-3 treatments to occur. Generally the benefits of each treatment are compounded. A course of treatment is 6-8 treatments, though some patients will return for a second course of treatments will improvements stabilise. How long does the pain-relief last? Initially changes to pain symptoms may come and go, or severity may decrease for periods of time. Treatment is generally continued until symptoms (or lack of symptoms) have stabilised. At that point, the nerve damage has improved and the pain is not expected to return. Will acupuncture help some people more than others? While high-quality evidence is still lacking, I refer to the only systematic review on the subject. From 8 Trials Assessed, Results Showed Between 40-60% Of Participants (Up To 82% In One Trial) Produced Measurable Improvements. Two Trials Showed Improvements Better Than VitB12 And Neurotrpin, Respectively[6]. There is no evidence who will respond better to acupuncture. Acupuncture can safely be administered to people with bleeding disorders, on blood-thinning medications or with low white blood cell counts. Needles are much thinner than syringes used to take blood. For example, blood taking syringes tend to be 16-21mm in diameter, while acupuncture needles 0.2mm in diameter (thinner than a strand of hair). Acupuncture is regularly administered on people who are currently receiving cancer treatment. Should I see an acupuncturist who specialises in supporting patients with cancer? It is always wise to check the qualifications and experience of your acupuncturist. Some therapists have more experience working with cancer patients and will be familiar with the journey. There are acupuncture protocols currently being researched in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. Some acupuncturists may be familiar with them. Acupuncture is generally safe to administer by a qualified practitioner. If you have any concerns, questions or would like a local referral, please feel free to contact me. References: [1] Giovanna Franconi, Luigi Manni, Sven Schröder, Paolo Marchetti, and Nicola Robinson, “A Systematic Review of Experimental and Clinical Acupuncture in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 516916, 7 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/516916. [2] Pomeranz B, Chiu D: Naloxone blockade of acupuncture analgesia: endorphin implicated. Life Sci 1766, 19:1757-1762 [3] Kim W, Kim SK, Min BI. Mechanisms of electroacupuncture-induced analgesia on neuropathic pain in animal model. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:436913. doi:10.1155/2013/436913 [4] Ju Z, Cui H, Guo X, Yang H, He J, Wang K. Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture on neuropathic pain. Neural Regen Res. 2013;8(25):2350–2359. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.25.006 [5] Ko J1, Na DS, Lee YH, Shin SY, Kim JH, Hwang BG, Min BI, Park DS. cDNA microarray analysis of the differential gene expression in the neuropathic pain and electroacupuncture treatment models. J Biochem Mol Biol. 2002 Jul 31;35(4):420-7. [6] Giovanna Franconi, Luigi Manni, Sven Schröder, Paolo Marchetti, and Nicola Robinson, “A Systematic Review of Experimental and Clinical Acupuncture in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 516916, 7 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/516916.

How do you recover from a marathon? A marathon is a gruelling undertaking that is 26.2 miles long. Marathon recovery actually starts before the race. The week leading up to the race is extremely important to make sure our body is ready for the big day. Getting adequate nutrition, rest, and sleep is imperative to make sure that you go into your race feeling your best. What we do during the race is also really important. A good fueling plan during your race can help keep you from hitting “the wall” too soon. Some things to consider in your marathon fueling plan: Proper hydration – hydrate before and during your run. Have the right nutrients – fast acting carbohydrates, electrolytes, salt tablets. Runners need 30-60 grams of carbs per hour. Using caffeine – some runners supplement caffeine to give them an energy boost, this may not be an option for everyone. Post marathon nutrition and recovery Having carbs and protein soon after the race is important to help our body’s in the post-race recovery process. Your body will be dehydrated after running a marathon so it is important to consume lots of fluids as soon as you can, even if you don’t feel like it. Replenishing your body with carbs and protein is important to refuel and rebuild your muscles from the intense tissue damage that occurs from a marathon. While it’s exciting to celebrate, avoid too much alcohol after the race since that will increase dehydration. Try to get as much sleep as you can over the next few days so your body can recover. According to Board Certified Sports Dietician, 13-time marathon runner, 3-time Ironman triathlete, author, and owner of Nutrition Energy Lauren Antonnuci, here are the best 3 things you can do before and after your marathon: 3 best things to do before a marathon: Hydrate: Ensure you drink at least 1/2 your body weight in fluid oz each of the 2 days prior to your race. Include 1 cup/12 oz bottle of sports drink each of those last 2 days to help you pre-hydrate. Rest! None of us really enjoy tapering, but it will pay off on race day. Take the day off before the race from training and also try to be less active then usual. Stay home if you can. Don't run a million errands -they can wait until after the race. Carbo-load: Yes, we mean you! The simplistic way to do this is to focus on eating MOSTLY CARBS the 48 hours prior to your race. I always say, skip the salads, no need for fish or other major protein sources; instead choose mostly carbs at all meals and snacks. Pancakes for breakfast, bagel for lunch, pretzels for a snack and pasta for dinner will pay off when you still have energy to keep you pace during the last third of your race. 3 best things to do after a marathon: Again, hydrate! This time it is re-hydrate. But it is your number 1 priority. You need to drink fluids WITH SODIUM post race to fully rehydrate your cells and body. Drink the sports drink they give you in your finishers bag, or head to a store (or home, or hotel) and get some V8 juice, soup or anything salty + fluids. Keep moving! It may be tempting to sit right down as soon as you cross the line, but trust us, if you do it will be SOOO much harder to get up and make your way home later. No need to rush, but keep moving/walking slowly to let your body wind down slowly after your long effort. Refuel every two hours! Choose any foods that appeal to you that contain a mix of carbs + protein. A sandwich, chocolate milk + a banana, a recovery drink or plate of rice and beans or pasta + chicken. Eating every two hours is what will help your muscles recover the fastest. How can acupuncture help with marathon recovery? Acupuncture has many benefits for athletes and runners including releasing muscle tightness, improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and improving range of motion. Acupuncture and dry needling also help with common running injuries by addressing the muscle tightness that contributes to the pain. Many top athletes like David Beckham use acupuncture because it helps them recover better and can help prevent injury. Generally, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. It also reduces inflammation and releases muscle tightness that can restrict range of motion. A 2020 study found that besides being helpful for pain control and musculoskeletal conditions, acupuncture can help treat delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), exercise induced fatigue, and performance anxiety issues in athletes. If you’re looking to reduce pain, recovery faster, and perform better you should consider adding acupunctuncture it to your regimen. Impacts from Running a Marathon How does a marathon affect the body? Running a marathon is extremely taxing on our bodies. Many people train anywhere from 3-9 months to prepare their body for a marathon because of the immense strain is places on our body. The average person finished a marathon in 4-6 hours, which elite level runners finish the race in around 2-3 hours. There can be muscle soreness and strength reduction for as long as two weeks following the race, due to cell damage from the high exertion and our body having a strong inflammatory response. Besides the obvious muscle soreness that comes from running 26.2 miles, there are other impacts on our bodies due to the amount of resources our body uses to get us that far. One study found that marathon running affects immune function. There can be immune system dysfunction from 3-72 hours following marathon-type exertion. Physiological changes may include changes in stress hormones and cytokine levels, changes in body temperature, increased blood flow, and dehydration. During this time, the body may be more susceptible to viral or bacterial infections because immune function is weakened. Another study found that there were significant post-race reductions in pulmonary function and that there were high levels of respiratory muscle fatigue following marathon and ultra-marathon running. This type of strain also impacts postural stability which makes one more susceptible to injury when running on more difficult terrain. Our heart is also affected during and after running a marathon. One study found that completing a marathon is associated with evidence of cardiac dysfunction and injury. Marathon runners with less training have a higher risk since their hearts are not as conditioned to this type of strain as experienced runners. Achieving high levels of fitness is associated with decreased mortality risk. The study showed that extremely high aerobic fitness had the greatest health benefit for older patients. When should I start running or working out again after the marathon? According to 13 time marathoner, personal trainer, and self-defense instructor Wil Tejada at Wilpower Fitness, the best thing is “to listen to the body and start running or working out when you feel like your body and mind have recovered from the marathon race. Remember the marathon is not just a physical event, it can be very emotionally draining. In general, if it’s your first marathon you should start your running back up by two weeks. You don’t want all your gains to diminished after your race.” More experienced runners can and should start running by the end of the week. In general, Wil says that “the main thing is to start with an easy pace and only with a few miles to continue to allow the body to recover. This also goes for workouts. Start slow and focus on core exercises and don’t go too heavy with the weights.” Running a marathon is a learning experience for both your mind and body. Wil says that, “post marathon recovery should focus on letting the body heal and repair from the months of training for the race. For this to happen, the athlete needs to reassess their body and pick a new post Marathon goal.” Due to it’s intense nature, a marathon may reveal underlying imbalances or weaknesses in certain areas of the body. These offer an opportunity to grow as an athlete to adapt for future challenges. It is also important to balance the immense strain of a marathon with more restorative exercises. Wi says that, “it Is very important to let your mind rest - so make sure to do fun things and consider mindful activities like meditation to help your body and mind connect so your heart can fully recover.” As for what kind of workouts one should do after the marathon, Wil says, “workouts after the marathon should be fun and dynamic. Try a new sport like boxing or swimming. Do more stability and core exercises. The main thing is cross train so the body can get stronger in all planes.”

A headache is a common condition that causes pain in the head or face area; pain can also radiate up the neck. Headaches affect one in six Americans with prevalence highest among women.[1] Other symptoms associated with headaches include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and tenderness in the face and scalp. Learn what causes headaches and how acupuncture for headaches can alleviate pain and discomfort. What causes headaches? There are many reasons why you may experience a headache. Certain triggers can activate signals between the brain, blood vessels and nerves that cause blood vessels to constrict and muscles to tighten; this results in pain signals being sent to the brain. Common causes of headaches include: Stress triggers the release of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline that creates physical changes in the body. Stress increases blood pressure and causes blood vessels to tighten. Decreased blood flow to the brain can cause headaches.[2] Illness: colds, flu, hay fever, sinusitis and ear infections can trigger the onset of a headache. Injury such as a car accident or a blow to the head. Food triggers: eating too much sugar, processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats), aged cheeses, pickled foods, certain fruits (especially dried fruits), artificial sweeteners, chocolate and process foods that contain additives, colors, flavor enhancers and preservatives can bring on a headache in some people.[3] [4] [5] Skipping meals and not fuelling the body and brain sufficiently. This triggers your blood sugar levels to drop, signalling your brain to release certain hormones that tighten blood vessels which can cause a headache.[6] [7] Poor posture or sitting hunched over desk for long periods of time can create tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back, often leading to trigger points that can cause pain and a headache.[8] Excess screen time causes eye strain that can result in a headache around the temples and eyes.[9] [10] Dehydration. A lack of fluids can lead to a ‘dehydration headache’ where a pulsating and throbbing ache is felt on both sides of the head.[11] Environmental factors such as air pollution, strong-smelling chemicals or fragrances, smoke, lighting and changes in weather.[12] [13] Tiredness and lack of sleep.[14] [15] Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine withdrawal can also cause a headache.[16] [17] Myofascial trigger points (also known as trigger points) are highly sensitive, irritated spots within a muscle band, fascia (connective tissue surrounding organs and muscles) or ligament. They present as “knots” or nodules in the muscles, and cause an aching pain. Types of headaches There are lots of different types of headaches; however, the three main types of headaches are: Tension headaches are the most common type of headache that causes mild to moderate pain in the head, neck and eye area. People often describe tension headaches as tightness on both sides of the head and pressure behind the eyes. Cluster headaches are a more severe type of headache where the pain is intense and prolonged. The pain is described as a piercing or burning feeling around the eyes and throbbing in the head. They are called cluster headaches because they tend to happen in a cluster period: this could be one to three times per day, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, and ongoing for several weeks or months. Cluster headaches can be debilitating and affect one’s quality of life. Migraine headaches are another type of severe headache that causes a throbbing or pounding pain. A migraine tends to concentrate on one side of the head and can also trigger other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Headache Trigger Points Trigger points can form in the neck, shoulders and upper back, and often lead to headaches. Studies have shown that myofascial trigger points are very common in tension-type headaches and migraines.[18] [19] Trigger points appear to be related to the frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks, and are commonly found in the suboccipital and temporal areas.[20] In one particular study, 143 women who suffered with episodic and chronic migraines all exhibited head and neck-shoulder trigger points which were linked to the onset of their migraines. The triggers points were located in the masseter, temporalis, suboccipital, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and splenius capitis muscles.[21] The most common trigger points that can cause headaches are listed below by various headache locations. Trigger Points that may cause frontal headache: Sternocleidomastoid Semispinalis Capitis Frontalis Zygomaticus Major Trigger points that may cause posterior headache: Trapezius Sternocleidomastoid Semispinalis Capitis Semispinalis Cervicis Splenius Cervicis Suboccipitals Occipitalis Digastric Temporalis Trigger points that may cause temporal headache: Trapezius Sternocleidomastoid Temporalis Splenius Cervicis Suboccipitals Semispinalis Capitis Can acupuncture help headaches? Acupuncture is a safe and effective modality for relieving and preventing headaches. By placing small, thin needles along acupuncture points on the face, head, neck, shoulders, feet and hands (in between the thumb and fore finger), the nerves beneath the skin stimulate biochemical reactions to bring the body back into balance. Acupuncture for headaches helps to: Reduce sensitivity to pain and stress by triggering the release of endorphins; these are chemical messengers that act on the opiate receptors of the brain to relieve stress and pain.[22] Decrease inflammation by stimulating the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors called beta-endorphins, CGRP (calcitonine gene-related peptide), substance P and cytokines. These neuropeptides (small proteins produced by nerve cells) exert a potent anti-inflammatory effect.[23] Promote physical and emotional wellbeing by regulating stress hormones in the body (cortisol, serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine). When these hormones are balanced, you respond to and cope with stress much better. A decrease in brain serotonin levels has been linked to tension headaches and migraines as it causes blood vessels to constrict.[24] [25] Acupuncture helps to balance serotonin levels.[26] Relax tight muscles in the neck and shoulders and release trigger points. Increase local microcirculation in the head, neck and face areas. This improves blood flow, helps reduce swelling and regulates the constriction and dilation of blood vessels.[27] How many acupuncture sessions do you need for headaches? Here are Morningside Acupuncture, as a starting point, we recommend one to two acupuncture sessions per week for four to six weeks for headache relief. On your first session, your acupuncturist will advise you accordingly after taking a medical history, assessing the severity and occurrence of your headaches and how quickly you respond to the acupuncture. Relieve headaches naturally with acupuncture A headache is a painful and uncomfortable condition that can be triggered by poor posture, stress, excess screen time and unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits. Acupuncture is a highly effective modality for relieving and preventing headaches by reducing pain and inflammation, relaxing muscles, balancing hormones and improving circulation and blood flow. References [1] The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine and Severe Headache in the United States: Figures and Trends From Government Health Studies [2] The association between stress and headache: A longitudinal population-based study [3] Dietary trigger factors of migraine and tension-type headache in a South East Asian country [4] Effect of exclusion of frequently consumed dietary triggers in a cohort of children with chronic primary headache [5] Association of diet and headache [6] Nighttime snacking, stress, and migraine activity [7] The role of diet and lifestyle in adolescents with headache: a review [8] Body posture changes in women with migraine with or without temporomandibular disorders [9] Screen time exposure and reporting of headaches in young adults: A cross-sectional study [10] Electronic Screen Exposure and Headache in Children [11] Dehydration and Headache [12] Weather and air pollution as triggers of severe headaches [13] Long-Term Ambient Air Pollutant Exposure and Risk of Recurrent Headache in Children: A 12-Year Cohort Study [14] Sleep disturbances in tension-type headache and migraine [15] Associations Between Sleep Quality and Migraine Frequency [16] Caffeine and Primary (Migraine) Headaches—Friend or Foe? [17] Alcohol consumption and hangover patterns among migraine sufferers [18] Myofascial trigger points in migraine and tension-type headache [19] Relationship Between Active Trigger Points and Head/Neck Posture in Patients with Migraine [20] Trigger point evaluation in migraine patients: an indication of peripheral sensitization linked to migraine predisposition? [21] Myofascial Trigger Points and Migraine-related Disability in Women With Episodic and Chronic Migraine [22] Acupuncture, the limbic system, and the anticorrelated networks of the brain [23] Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture [24] Serotonin and migraine: a reconsideration of the central theory [25] Effects of acupuncture on 5-hydroxytryptamine1F and inducible nitricoxide synthase gene expression in the brain of migraine rats (researchgate.net) [26] Neurobiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Some Common Illnesses: A Clinician's Perspective [27] Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy

Getting Run Down Our natural state of being is vibrant, happy to be alive. Though there can be times when we feel run down and worn out. This does not mean that we are lazy or unfit for the tasks in our lives; it means that we need to recharge our batteries and find a way of keeping them charged. Delve Deeper Often in the Winter time and around Christmas many people find they can become overwhelmed and tired. This maybe on top of already feeling run down. Therefore time to address the root cause, delving deeper to find the underlying cause. Taking an Honest Look If you are feeling run down, take an honest look at how you have been thinking, feeling and acting. You will likely find a belief, behaviour pattern or even a relationship that is out of alignment with who you really are. Perhaps you believe you have to be perfect at everything or you have been bending over backwards to get people to like you. Maybe you are dealing with mild depression or simply have too much on your plate right now. There may also be people or situations in your life which are draining your energy. These can often feel worse at Christmas time. Once you get clear on the root cause, you can weed it out and better direct your flow of energy in the future. Give Yourself Time In time, you might notice that the reasons you feel run down have less to do with how much you are doing and more to do with the fact that in your heart, you would rather be doing something else entirely. Acupuncture Help Acupuncture can help you recognise the underlying issues, and help you build up your reserves and build your inner energy – recharge your batteries. Acupuncture treat your whole system Body, Mind and Spirit to give you the strength to move forward in your life, Happier and Healthier Life.

Over the last few years with the COVID epidemic illness and recovery has been front page news. As this slides away from the headlines we must not forget about looking after ourselves internally and externally. Unfortunately COVID is still causing problems, as well as some nasty colds and flu Therefore I am here to remind you to take care! System Run Down One of the main reasons you catch a cold is because your system is struggling. You may be stressed, tiered, working long hours, not eating well, you have an underlying condition which makes you more vulnerable, over exercising Not taking time for selfcare – all of these lead you to become run down. When the Cold Hits – Rest! Most Colds will last about 10 days Rest, rest, rest when you become ill you need to rest, this is so often not recognise in today’s society Let the cold run its course, don’t supress it, else it will stay longer – Rest Stay home and limiting your activity can help your body fight the infection and prevent its spread to other people – and Rest Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help break up nasal mucus and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, which can be dehydrating – rest Use honey. To ease a cough, try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of warm water and lemon. However, avoid giving honey to children under 1 year of age – rest Fever – a cool flannel can help – rest Improvement you will hopefully feel nearly better by day 10, you should be improved by 14 days. You may have a few lingering symptoms, like a runny nose or a tickle in your throat. Overall, though, you should be feeling stronger When you improve don’t rush straight back to the same pace of life , return slowly, to work and exercise and still rest up a bit Serious Symptoms Sometimes, what seems like a cold can develop into something more serious. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of these more serious symptoms: Fever of 38 degrees C or higher for more than 24 hours Fever accompanied by a rash severe headaches, confusion, severe back or abdominal pain or painful urination Coughing or sneezing mucus that is green, brown, or bloody Shortness of breath chest pain, wheezing or difficulty swallowing Tender and painful sinuses White or yellow spots in your throat Severe headaches with blurred vision, dizziness, or nausea or vomiting Pain or discharge from your ears Persistent pain in the abdomen Profuse sweating, shaking, or chills All of these symptoms may signal the presence of another infection or other medical issue. If you experience any of these while you’re trying to self-treat a cold, be sure to see your doctor right away. Be kind to Yourself Whether you have a cold Flu or COVID allow yourself to recover, don’t do too much too soon, slowly return to life as it was I do understand this is difficult if you have people to care for and responsibilities, but try to rest the best you can The kinder you are to yourself the better recovery you will have Slowly work yourself back to exercise and work for longer term recovery Try not to feel guilty about caring for yourself If you find you are not recovering well and still feel weak you may have Post Viral Fatigue – therefore very important to rest and not do too much and have a few acupuncture sessions Prevention and Traditional Five Element Acupuncture Prevention is better than cure so to start with look at the factors that keep us well. To prevent colds, Flu and other virus and many kinds of illness you need to keep your Immune system strong. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands A Good night’s sleep 7-9 hours ideally Eat well clean fresh food – plenty of fruit and vegetables Keep your neck and chest warm Don’t smoke Keep alcohol consumption low Move and Breath – exercise low and high intensity,(not over exercising) stretch and breathe deeply – walk, run, cycle, swim, yoga and enjoy it Meditate – sit or lie be still and calm – give your self time and space Be out in the fresh air – wrap up on colder days Drink plenty of water, starting the day with hot water and lemon Take Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C – to help your immunity Acupuncture can help improve your overall Wellbeing and Immunity – to improve your system to avoid catching colds and other virus’s

You may be aware that you need to better care for yourself, though often find yourself carried along by the busy-ness of life. Self care is something you need to plan in your life, rather something that just happens. So let Traditional Five Element Acupuncture help you find your way back to better Health and Wellbeing . Body, Mind and Spirit We all function on the levels of Body, Mind and Spirit which function happily together when we are in balance and healthy. Our Bodies will move without trouble, our Minds will understand our thoughts easily and our emotional life (Spirit) will respond appropriately to the demands made on it. When stress is put on any of these levels occurs it can overload your system and affect your capacity to maintain balance – therefore problems occur. Keeping Life Balanced When one or more of our levels are put under pressure this can cause malfunction, putting further stress on other functions. If this continues all three level start to show signs of distress and where the problems all started can become blurred. Treating the whole system ( rather than segmenting your system up) can help you find your way back to health. Running on Empty When a person attends Traditional Five Element Acupuncture treatment, we look at the whole system and how it interconnects. An example could be to start to help clear the migraines, which may be caused by the insomnia, which may have been caused by the stress at work, which may have caused unhappiness in the marriage and upsets with the children and maybe drinking too much, and be put under more stress as not performing well at work it all goes round in cycles and find yourself running on empty. What is needed is to help the system to work better to stop the exhausting cycles, therefore being able to feel better and improve issues in life. Your Whole System Many patients come for Traditional Five Element Acupuncture for physical problems, and are surprised when asked about their life in general, such as sleep, appetite, digestion and elimination, exercise and rest, work, family and relationships. This is to understand how each person responds to their personal environment, as Traditional Five Element Acupuncture treats each person as a whole rather than just conditions. Individual Care Since Traditional Five Element Acupuncture recognises the interconnectedness of the different levels of the human being, treatment is rarely focused on merely one level. When treating with Traditional Five Element Acupuncture we always look at all levels to treat each patient in the individual way they need help. Helping each person find their way forward in a healthy, happy, balanced way.

Researchers in China have discovered yet another benefit of acupuncture, in a recent study on high blood pressure. They investigated the effects of acupuncture at a specific point on rats with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. They showed that acupuncture reduces cell death in the brain by lowering blood pressure, which confirms previous studies. Their new discovery was that acupuncture prevents cell death in the brain by also changing the expression of genes that code for cell death. Their paper was published in the Neural Regeneration Research journal. Hypertension Hypertension in the long term can cause a variety of complications including reductions in circulation, blood oxygen levels, and energy. This can lead to excessive cell death in the brain and a variety of short and long-term conditions. The area of the brain most affected by cell death is the hippocampus. This plays an active role in memory, emotions and control of the autonomic nervous system, which is necessary for regulation and healing of the body. The genetic discovery Crucially, the researchers have now also found that acupuncture has an upregulating effect on genes that prevent cell death and a downregulating effect on genes that cause cell death. The effects were significant even after 21 weeks. This adds a new dimension to previous research, which showed that acupuncture was at least as effective for reducing blood pressure as standard medical treatment, but did not cover its epigenetic benefit. Acupuncture prevents cell death in the brain Hypertension contributes to a variety of other medical conditions. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. It also increases the risks of stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss and chronic kidney disease. By lowering blood pressure, acupuncture can therefore help to prevent a variety of medical conditions. Acupuncture prevents cell death in the brain by lowering blood pressure. It also changes the expression of genes that cause our brain cells to die. The research on this additional benefit of acupuncture is significant.