...Acupuncture: New Uses for an Ancient Remedy General Purpose: To inform. Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about what happens during acupuncture, how it works, what it can treat, and its use in Western culture. Central Idea: Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into the skin that can improve the flow of energy, can treat a wide range of medical conditions, and is being used combination with Western medicine. Pattern of Organization: Topical Introduction Six months ago, my 78-year-old grandmother was quickly losing her independence. Severe arthritis in both knees hampered her ability to take care of herself. Shopping, getting around the neighborhood, even walking down her front steps was becoming almost impossible. Pain medications helped somewhat, but the side effects created their own problems. Then her doctor suggested acupuncture. My grandmother was skeptical at first, but she was willing to try just about anything. She did and the results were miraculous. After six weeks, her pain and stiffness were significantly reduced. She was able to take care of her apartment again. She could get out on her own to go shopping, to visit friends and family, and to do the other things her arthritis had prevented in the past. Acupuncture restored her quality of life and her independence. My grandmother’s story is not unique. Performed for well over 2, 000 years in China and other parts of Asia, acupuncture is becoming...
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...One of my continuing goals in China is to find traditional Chinese medicines and practices that I can integrate into my Western, allopathic-style family practice. I’ve been struggling to find Chinese herbal medicines that I am comfortable prescribing, usually due to lack of evidence for a clear benefit. As for acupuncture, there are actually a lot more well-designed studies done on this field when compared to Chinese herbs, mostly because Europe and the West have become very interested over the last couple decades and are funding better clinical trials. The evidence trail is building, which is great for everyone. So, what works, and what doesn’t? The New York Times has a very readable article (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/studying-acupuncture-one-needle-prick-at-a-time/?hpw) which covers this issue. The gist of the article discusses the most recent, well-designed studies on back pains and other disorders; the studies usually show no difference between acupuncture and placebo (usually a “sham” needle that doesn’t penetrate the skin). In other words, the best studies lately are usually showing that most of the perceived effect from acupuncture is simply a placebo effect. These recent findings are by no means surprising, as most of the best studies have been reporting similar conclusions for many years. The best collection of acupuncture research is from the Cochrane Review Group, which performs the world’s most rigorous reviews of all treatments, including alternative...
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...Effect of Acupuncture on In Vitro Fertilization Success Compared to In Vitro Fertilization Alone I am examining the effects of acupuncture on assisted reproductive therapy, namely in vitro fertilization (IVF). This topic is of interest to me because of personal curiosities due to having undergone assistive reproductive procedures. My eyes and ears are always open to the latest advancements and experiences of others within the realm of infertility treatments. I attended a conference last month in which the specialist recommended seeing an acupuncturist as an adjunct method for increasing fertility. This therapy would be a meeting of old world Eastern therapy and the new advancements of Western medicine. This idea has left me wondering if there is greater success when using acupuncture in conjunction with IVF compared to using IVF alone. Johnson, D. (2006). Acupuncture prior to an at embryo transfer in an assisted conception unit – a case series. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(1), 23-28. This article gives data from a quantitative research study that compared IVF success rates with patients undergoing acupuncture therapy prior to and after embryo transfer with patients who participated in IVF only. The sample population for this case study involved 22 female patients voluntarily electing IVF treatment at an England hospital between 2002 and 2005, with average age of 36.2 years. All patients were self-referred for acupuncture by seeing pamphlets placed in...
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...Lichtman Traditional Acupuncture Thesis: Acupuncture has some therapeutic benefits. Purpose: To inform my audience of what acupuncture is, how it works, and the benefits that follow treatments. Introduction: I. How many of you know what acupuncture is? A. Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine. B. By understanding acupuncture, how it works, and what goes on during appointments, you’ll be more open to getting this sort of treatment. [FIRST, YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING] Body: I. What is Acupuncture? How does it work? A. Acupuncture is an age-old healing practice form of Chinese Medicine that’s been around for centuries now and it involves the insertion of very thin needles through the patient's skin at specific points on the body. B. It's based on the theory that energy, called chi, flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians. Each meridian corresponds to one organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if chi gets blocked, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. C. Acupuncture seeks to release chi by stimulating points along 14 energy pathways. Scientists say the needles cause the body to release endorphins -- natural painkillers -- and may boost blood flow and change brain activity. [YOU MIGHT ASK] II. What happens during acupuncture? A. First...
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...The mental illness I chose to write about is one that my mom suffers from which would be panic disorder. A panic disorder is a form of an anxiety disorder. The history of anxiety disorders dates back before medical records were recorded. In the sixteenth century, anxiety was known as hysteria. Professional had different opinions on the cause of this disorder, for example, witchcraft, had to do with the uterus until men were found to have the same condition, the person is a hypochondriac, and demons were entering the body. In the eighteenth century panic disorder was known as the “nervous illness." Today we know that panic attacks are a sudden urge of overwhelming fear and anxiety. There are many myths that surround panic attacks such as it is all in one’s head, it is not a real illness, make one face the fear head on, a sign that one is going insane. Other myths include that one will be on medication for the rest of their life, cause internal damage as a heart attack would, there is no treatment, and it is as an excuse. These types of rumors or beliefs can cause one to not seek professional help. Past treatments for anxiety in eighteen seventies were to refrain from exercise as anxiety was considered to be nervous exhaustion and it was straining the nervous system. Other harsher treatments were strychnine, arsenic, and quinine. For severe cases, a hot white iron was applied to the spine. In the year nineteen twenty, exposure to the fear, and radionics was used. It...
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...am doing my internship in Tender Care Rehab Center. It’s situated in very convenient location of Mississauga. Tender care is a multispecialty physiotherapy center starts from acupuncture, chiropractor, massage therapy and physiotherapy. It includes electrotherapy department (TENS, Ultrasound, Contrast bath) and exercise therapy department (Treadmill, Bike, CPM and dumbbell, pulley). Clinic also deals with orthotics and prosthesis. Tender care also provide free transportation service for their physically disable patients. The clinic treats the patients like orthopaedic, neurological, geriatrics and paediatrics, burns cases. Tender care mostly deals with the motor vehicle accident cases that include multiple fractures. Our supervisor Mrs. Saloni bookseller is registered physiotherapist. She has finished her graduation from India. She has come to Canada before 4 years and she has fulfilled the requirement to practice physiotherapy in Canada. She manages this clinic from last 2 years. Best thing about her is she always takes each case uniquely and provides the best rehabilitation programme for the same. She always challenge the patients to effort more which gives the quick results. There are two assistants who manage all the documentation work regarding to the insurance and appointments for the massage therapy and acupuncture. Provide a detailed description of your job, including responsibilities, role with the organizational hierarchy, required experience and certifications...
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...successfully used to quit smoking. It should explain how the methods work and what former smokers that have used those techniques experienced with them. The classical means of smoking cessation are medical treatments. They vary from laser therapy to drugs that substitute Nicotine and other ingredients of cigarettes. The psychological approaches to quit smoking have gained more popularity in the last few years. Especially hypnosis is often considered as a very effective method to overcome smoking. Also acupuncture can be seen as a psychological approach since it affects the mind and not the body. In comparison to medical approaches, hypnosis and acupuncture cannot impact the body. It can also be cheaper than a laser therapy for example. However, not every individual is receptive for hypnosis and acupuncture. This makes the medical methods more reliable. The central issue is, that every smoker who wants to overcome his addiction should try different methods, both psychological and medical. My thesis is, that the most effective way for smoking cessation is a combined therapy of psychological and medical treatment. Further Examination & Discussion The main issue about smoking cessation aided by hypnosis is the fact that not every patient is receptive for this therapy. As H. Sutcher (2008) states, there are several stages of...
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...Complementary and Alternative Medicine “CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a group of diverse therapies and products that are neither part of conventional medicine as taught in U.S. medical schools, nor generally available at U.S. hospitals,” (Bowling, Steward, 2007). Although, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the many different CAM practices, I believe, based on current research and individuals experiences, that CAM practices can benefit anyone who would like to improve their health and wellness. The research I will use to support my beliefs about CAM practices could help to integrate CAM as part of our regular health care system and reduce all the skepticism surrounding Complementary and Alternative therapies. There are also many reports and testimonies available today that support the positive effects CAM therapies can have. Still with these many clinical and laboratory research experiments and the reports and testimonies, people still have questions about Complementary and Alternative therapies and the benefits surrounding CAM practices as well as the safety of their techniques. Complementary medicine is becoming more integrated into our mainstream health care system largely in response to consumer demand, as well as the recognition of new scientific findings that explain the views of health and healing-which push against the limits of the current biomedical paradigm (Micozzi, 2006). There...
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...practices continue to do so into adulthood and also pass those traditions down to their children and so on. However, there are also those who break out of the traditions they grew up with and develop health beliefs and practices of their own. As a child growing up in the New York City, I remember being surrounded by my Hispanic cultural background which included a certain number of health traditions and practices. As I became an independent adult and became a registered nurse, I began developing traditions and practices of my own that do not particularly follow the Hispanic culture. In this paper we will review what I was able to identify from completing the heritage assessment tool and we will also compare the findings of my own personal heritage beliefs to those of two other cultures from different families I have spoken to from the Chinese and Caucasian cultures. We will address how these cultures commonly view health practices and also will discuss different ways in which they maintain, protect and restore their health. Culture can shape a person’s concept of disease and treatment, and at times can even affect the way they view the existence of certain illnesses. My family is originally from the Dominican Republic and although I was born in the United States I was still brought up and surrounded with common Hispanic beliefs when it came to dealing with one’s health. When it comes to medicine, the Hispanic culture is very traditional with their beliefs and the majority of the...
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...people who have Caribbean roots and those of African decent. I plan on achieving product differentiation using location and target market. There are very few businesses in the area that include services for hair, skin, and nails in one facility. The spa services will be advertised primarily to those of ethnic backgrounds. A spa would be a particularly lucrative business because of the range of services that are available. My business would provide services from manicures and pedicures, to hair cuts and colorings, to acupuncture and full body massages. Advertising for the spa will include, but is not limited to local radio broadcast commercials, ad printing in the local papers, fliers handed out to passersby, and word of mouth. New clients will receive special deals when they purchase large packages. Returning clients will also receive incentives to keep them coming back such as free cuts when they get a color treatment. The spa will also have packages for groups and gift certificates for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and the like. My spa will have an advantage over competitors because customers can come to the spa for full body treatments rather than having to go to more than one business...
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...Acupuncture research in Cerebrovascular Accident induced hemiplegia. By Introduction to Cerebrovascular Accident and Hemiplegia Cerebrovascular Accident also known as stroke can broadly be described as an interruption of the blood supply to the brain. Without blood the brain cells are staved of oxygen, and can begin to die within minutes if the blood supply is completely cut off. It is this cellular death which has the greatest influence on the sequelae or after math of the stroke. Hemiplegia is the most common sequelae of stroke, this medical condition characterised by paralyses of one side of the body. It is similar to, but should not be confused with hemiparesis which is when one side of the body is weak but still mobile. While the leading cause of hemiplegia is a Cerebrovascular Accident, it is not the only cause, other neural conditions such as a unilateral pyramidal (UMN) lesion may also cause hemiplegia. It is difficult to discuss Hemiplegia without also discussing Stroke, similar to cause and effect, if stroke is the cause then hemiplegia is effect. A sudden stroke can be deadly, and how well someone recovers or if they recover depends largely on how fast they receive treatment. In Australia the most popular method for identifying stroke is the FAST test: * Face – Check their face. Has their mouth dropped? * Arms – Can they lift both arms? * Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? * Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these...
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... UHCL HONESTY CODE “I will be honest in all my academic activities and will not tolerate dishonesty.” Submission of this exam/assignment certifies my compliance with the UHCL Honesty Code that I signed at the start of the semester. I pledge on my honor that I have complied with this policy, inclusive of not acquiring unauthorized information or assistance, not providing others with unauthorized information or assistance, avoiding...
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...dancing--even though I had two left feet--singing--even though I was tone deaf--and painting--even though my art looked like globs. This all changed when I began high school. I was exhausted. Exhausted from neatly scribbling useless notes in my notebook. Drained from repeating our traditional tedious two-minute backhand and forehand drills for tennis. Jaded from being stranded in a small, sullen grey building with few to no windows to let in the sunshine. I needed some change, some glimmer of hope, something to revitalize me from this dying state of monotony. When the leaves darkened and the air chilled, I began interning at Riverside Physical Therapy. I was a dying plant slowly wilting away due to social and school...
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...In this presentation Dr. Carpentier provides useful information to managing chronic pain and how we think or interoperate the experience. He defines pain as “a complex emotional and physical response to an injury or disease”. The way we respond to pain, decides how debilitating its impact may have on an individual. If we decide to change the way we manage chronic pain, we can control the power of the painful experience on our body. With that, we should be mindful of our reaction to pain and actively make changes in our behavior, as doing so can aide in relief of acute pain. Techniques such as acupuncture, meditation and/or hobbies that drive our mood and re-direct the mind from feelings of discomfort caused by the pain are excellent alternatives....
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...TECHNICAL TERMS Traditional Medicine- Systems of medicine developed before the era of modern medicine, based on cultural beliefs and ancestral practices. Modern Medicine-Medicine as practiced by holders of M.D (medical doctor).Other terms includes: allopathic medicine; western medicine; mainstream medicine; orthodox medicine; regular medicine and biomedicine. Acupuncture- a medical treatment from China that involves putting sharp thin needles into the body at very specific points. Naturopathy- a system of medical treatment that treats illness by natural methods such as exercising and controlling the food you eat. Reflexology- a form of alternative medicine in which the soles of the feet are massaged. Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM) -any range of medical therapies that fall beyond the scope of conventional medicine but may be used alongside it in the treatment of disease. Reiki- a Japanese healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch to activate the natural healing process. Integrative medicine-relationship-based care that combines mainstream and complementary therapies to promote health for the whole person in the context of his or her family and community (The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2008). RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. What are the motivational factors responsible for the use of Traditional Medicine...
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