Optimal Health

Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture

When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Too much or too little of these vital body chemicals and it can drastically influence energy levels, body weight and your mental health. With over 20 million Americans living with some form of thyroid disease, much attention has been given to the many ways that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can treat thyroid problems.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation, body weight and blood calcium levels. Thyroid disorders stem from either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, your body can experience a variety of symptoms:

Hyperthyroidism: 

Weight loss despite increased appetite

Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration

More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea

Muscle weakness, trembling hands

Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)

Lighter or shorter menstrual periods

Hypothyroidism: 

Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression

Reduced heart rate

Increased sensitivity to cold

Tingling or numbness in the hands

Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)

Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Hormones secreted by the thyroid are measured, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers hormone production in the thyroid. Some milder forms of hypothyroidism can also be detected by a consistently low basal body temperature.

How can acupuncture help?

Both Western and Eastern medicine offer various methods to restore thyroid hormone levels. Western treatments rely mainly on drugs and surgery while Eastern treatments aim to restore immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises. 

In the treatment to thyroid problems, acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep, emotions and menstrual problems. There are several powerful acupuncture points on the ear and the body that can be used to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Treatments take all of your symptoms into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health. 

When it comes to lifestyle changes, a diet rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, and iodine helps support thyroid function while certain foods known as goitrogens may interfere with thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), peanuts, and soy. Stress reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial.

If you have a thyroid problem, call for a consultation. A custom-tailored treatment plan will be created to suit your individual needs so that you can feel better quickly and safely!

Insurance will usually cover the cost of your treatments.

Effective and Natural Herbal Cures for Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Hot Flashes, Morning Sickness, PMS, Low Sex Drive, and Menstrual Cramps

Effective and Natural Herbal Cures for Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Hot Flashes, Morning Sickness, PMS, Low Sex Drive, and Menstrual Cramps

We think of acupuncture for fertility, headaches, back pain and high blood pressure, but how many of us realize it’s also effective in reducing hot flashes and regulating hormones?

In a 2004 Swedish study, reported in the March 2007 issue of Prevention magazine, hot flashes during menopause were less intense and less frequent in women receiving acupuncture.  There was actually a 54% reduction in the number of episodes of hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause were also improved.  The conclusion of this study was that the women subjectively reported a 91% reduction in menopause-related symptoms.

Now, a new study, performed by doctors at Stanford and Harvard universities and the New England School of Acupuncture, gave 29 menopausal women either authentic or fake acupuncture.  After 7 weeks of acupuncture, hot sweats were 28% less severe in those who got the real acupuncture and only 6% better in those who got the fake acupuncture.

These studies confirm what I have experienced over my 25+ years of clinical practice. Women who are receiving acupuncture for hormone-related problems definitely see improvements. Actually, women who receive acupuncture, herbs and homeopathy get even better results. And it’s usually quite fast — including PMS, endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, weight fluctuations, water retention, migraines…

Acupuncture for Hot Flashes by Dr. Martin

We think of acupuncture for fertility, headaches, back pain and high blood pressure, but how many of us realize it’s also effective in reducing hot flashes and regulating hormones?

In a 2004 Swedish study, reported in the March 2007 issue of Prevention magazine, hot flashes during menopause were less intense and less frequent in women receiving acupuncture.  There was actually a 54% reduction in the number of episodes of hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause were also improved.  The conclusion of this study was that the women subjectively reported a 91% reduction in menopause-related symptoms.

Now, a new study, performed by doctors at Stanford and Harvard universities and the New England School of Acupuncture, gave 29 menopausal women either authentic or fake acupuncture.  After 7 weeks of acupuncture, hot sweats were 28% less severe in those who got the real acupuncture and only 6% better in those who got the fake acupuncture.

These studies confirm what I have experienced over my 23 years of clinical practice.  Women who are receiving acupuncture for hormone related problems definitely see improvements.  Actually, women who receive acupuncture, herbs and homeopathy get even better results.  

On another note, we have just added a new feature to my website.  “Ask the Doctor” allows your to ask any questions you might have, and I”ll answer them on the website.  Here is the direct web page:  

http://www.drrandymartin.com/askthedoctor.html

Also, remember that we are currently experiencing a period where the planet Mercury is in Retrograde.  It’s a time when the nervous system might have problems.  Kind of like the mis-firing in a car.  If you are feeling stress, try and take more time out to relax, sleep, and take it easy.

Acupuncture for Athletes:   (from Qi Mail - The Acupuncture Newsletter - to subscribe just let me know and I’ll add you to their monthly newsletter)
    
With the commencement of the 2008 Summer Olympics, we wanted to dedicate this newsletter to athletes and discuss the many ways that Oriental medicine is used to prevent and assist with the healing of injuries as well as enhance athletic performance.

All athletes and coaches are involved in a constant search for ways to improve performance and gain a competitive edge over their rivals. Many are finding that acupuncture can often provide that edge.

By following the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), an acupuncture treatment can strengthen body function and restore internal harmony and balance. Professional sports teams and top athletes regularly have an acupuncturist on staff to treat injuries and to keep them performing at their peak.

Some of the best Olympic athletes are incorporating acupuncture into their wellness programs. China’s most popular sportsman, the 7 foot 6 inch China basketball center, Yao Ming, used acupuncture and Oriental medicine to help him recover after undergoing surgery on his ankle this April.

Chinese swimmer, Wang Qun, was photographed last week doing some last minute training in Beijing with round marks on her back from an acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatment. The marks on the swimmers back were caused by cupping. Cupping is a technique in which a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, especially back pain from stiffness or injury; and to clear congestion in the chest, which can occur with common colds and influenza.

Studies on Acupuncture to Enhance Athletic Performance:

Studies have shown that acupuncture has measurable effects on the flow of blood to certain areas of the body, which could in turn boost athletic performance. One such study conducted at the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine involved athletes running 5,000 meters, and afterwards sitting for acupuncture treatments before they had a chance to catch their breath. The heart rates of the athletes who received the treatments recovered more quickly than those in the control group.

Another study published in the American Journal of Acupuncture measured the effects of acupuncture on anaerobic threshold and work capacity during exercise in healthy young males. Researchers found that individuals in the acupuncture treatment group had higher maximal exercise capacity and were able to perform higher workloads at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) than individuals in the placebo group. The individuals that received acupuncture also had lower heart rates.

Acupuncture for Injury and Rehabilitation:Acupuncture is well known for its effectiveness in reducing most types of pain, including sports-related injuries.Acupuncture can be used to help decrease swelling, spasms and inflammation. Additionally, it can be used to control pain, increase range of motion and help promote healing. Because of its broad range of applications, acupuncture can be used during any of the phases of injury. The focus is not only to treat the injury but also to treat any underlying conditions that may predispose an individual to injuries. This is especially important when treating chronic or recurrent injuries that interfere with life activities or athletic performance.

Menopause and Traditional Chinese Medicine

The average age for menopause is about 51 years.  It’s important to remember that menopause is both natural and spontaneous, and that in many women, there are no particular negative effects at all. The term “perimenopause,” is the period of time in which a woman is transitioning from normal menstruation to cessation of the menstrual period.

For many women, menstrual irregularity is the most common symptom of perimenopause.   Other symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, clammy feeling, rapid heartbeat, irritability, mood swings, weeping, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, fatigue, anxiety, apprehension, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, sore joints, breast tenderness, headaches, indigestion, bloating, depression, weightgain, hair loss, light headedness and osteoporosis.

Most medical doctors will treat these symptoms with HRT, or hormone replacement therapy. Premarin is the most popular estrogen replacement, and is made from the urine of pregnant horses.  According to some research findings, there is an increased risk of breast cancer for women who use HRT.  There are also other side effects that are not as serious.

According to the theory in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), estrogen is somewhat similar to what we call the Jing, or the essence of Chi.  This Jing is the source ofour Yin and our Yang, which is what gets depleted as both men and women age.   Yin provides our blood and fluidity, and Yang provides our heat, energy and warmth.

Although the ovaries begin to produce less and less estrogenas a woman ages, the production of estriol is “backed up” by the adipose (fat) tissue and adrenal glands.  If this backup system is working right, a woman will have very few, if any, symptoms of menopause or perimenopause.  According to TCM theory, HRT will produce Liver Stagnation and Deficient Blood in the long run.  Symptoms might include nausea, headaches, vision problems, and PMS-likesymptoms, among others.

Alternately, there are many Chinese herbal formulas that will work quite well on the majority of women’s symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.  The following is a list of some of the common formulas I have used with much success:

Temper Fire: This formula works well both to boost the yin, which helps with energy,and also to reduce the heat and hot flashes.

Dr. Martin’s Menopause Formula:  I designed this formula for women experiencing the first signs of hot flashes, dizziness or fatigue.  When it is used with Dr. Martin’s Yin Formula, many women will find that their symptoms disappear in a matter of days or weeks.

Quiet Contemplative: This is similar to Dr. Martin’s Yin Formula, but used for women who prefer an herbal liquid tincture instead of capsules.

Wise Woman’s Well: This formula strengthens the Kidney energy and is helpful when there are palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and hot flashes.

Compassionate Sage: Also helpful for palpitations, insomnia, anxiety or irritability.

Dynamic Warrior or Rehmannia Eight:  These two formulas help to increase Yang energy and are helpful for fatigue, spaciness, poor sex drive, lack of will power and assertiveness, weak knees, and low back pain.

Woman’s Precious: Very helpful when there is fatigue, anemia, light-headedness, vaginal dryness, or wrinkled skin.  It helps to build the Yin and Blood.

It is also helpful in many cases to use a liver detoxprogram.  This assures that the liver is breaking down the estrogen and other hormones circulating throughout the bloodstream.  For this, I useDetoxification Factors, Relaxed Wanderer, Liver Rinse, and other teas and herbs that benefit the liver.

For poor sleep, there are many different formulas available.  Some of the most commoninclude Ginseng & Zizyphus and Ginseng & Longan.  Symptoms that might indicate these formulas include insomnia, fatigue, palpitations and anxiety.

Other formulas I use frequently include the following:

Women’s Journey: When there are mixed cold and hot symptoms.

Women’s Rhythm: During the beginning stages of menstrual irregularity.

Women’s Chamber: When there are cysts or tumors or lumps of any kind.

Homeopathy for Depression and Anxiety

In this study of homeopathic management of depression done in Australia, the researchers wanted to see if homeopathy could be effectively used to treat depression or anxiety.   The research appeared in The Complementary Therapies in Medicine magazine, 2007; 15(3):199-206.

The study stated that depression and anxiety are two of the most common problems that people seek assistance for when going to complementary medical practitioners. 

Of the homeopaths polled, anxiety was the 2nd most common condition treated and depression was the 5th most common condition treated.  Many cases that were studied included both anxiety and depression.

80% of the patients studied used both conventional medication along with homeopathy.  60% used other complementary therapies, usually counseling and psychotherapy.

The authors concluded that homeopathy is an excellent form of treatment for depression when combined with therapy and counseling techniques.

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Homeopathy for Hot Flashes

In this study, women receiving homeopathic treatment for menopausal hot flashes were studied from data received from 99 physicians in 8 countries.  5% of the women were using non-homeopathic treatments at the same time.

90% of the women reported disappearance or lessening of their symptoms.  These changes mostly took place within 15 days of starting the homeopathic treatment.

The authors of the article concluded that homeopathic treatment is effective for hot flashes and called for further studies to include randomized controlled trials.