Tension Headaches during pregnancy

Tension headaches are one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. They can feel like a squeezing pain or a steady dull ache on both sides of the head or the back of the neck, if you've always been susceptible to tension headaches, pregnancy can make the problem worse. The cause of increased tension headaches during pregnancy is not well known, but increased hormone levels, increased blood volume and circulation may play a part, especially in early pregnancy. Also some dietary changes such as reduction or elimination of caffeine from your diet may contribute to the headache. Other causes include lack of sleep or general fatigue, sinus congestion, allergies, eyestrain, stress, depression, hunger, and dehydration. If you have headaches in your first trimester, you'll probably find that they diminish or even disappear during the second trimester, when the flood of hormones stabilizes and your body grows accustomed to its altered chemistry. Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for tension headaches during pregnancy. In one study, 43 pregnant women who suffered from tension headaches during pregnancy were randomly divided into two groups. One group received conventional treatment (life style modifications and stretching), another group received Acupuncture treatments. No important adverse effects related to acupuncture treatment or to pregnancy's outcome were reported. Significant improvements were demonstrated for pain at the end of the trial in the study group, 3.9 vs 1.7 difference in favor to acupuncture group (p < 0.05). This group also used less medication and had a greater improvement in mood and sleep when compared with the control group (Guerreiro et al; 2012). At Acuwellness center, we offer services such as Acupuncture, and Massage therapy to help you with your tension headaches during pregnancy. Please contact us at 818-642-3512 to set up an appointment. References: Guerreriro, J.B, Nakamura, M.V, Corderio, J.A., Kulay, L. (2012). Acupuncture for tension-type headache in pregnancy: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. European Journal of Integrative medicine, 4(4): e366-e370

Chinese herbs and Acupuncture for menopausal symptoms

Menopause is a natural process which all women face; it can be challenging right of passage and at times an uncomfortable process for many women. Many women complain of Insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, depression, low sex drive, bone loss, hair loss, increased blood pressure, increased body weight and many other disorders which are associated with menopause. Although menopause is a natural process and can not be prevented, however by getting regular acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs intake, we can ensure a smoother transition to post menopausal period. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be an effective treatment for menopausal problems. Many studies have shown that acupuncture and herbs can regulate hormones especially follicular stimulating hormones (FSH), and increase estrogen level; therefore, reducing menopausal symptoms. In one study, 32 post menopausal women with menopausal symptoms were enrolled in a clinical study, they were given Chinese herbal formula for 6 months, were assessed for reduction of their overall symptoms using Greene’s Climacteric Scale and Visual Analog Scale. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble IL-6 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-a, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone concentrations were measured before and 6 months after Chinese herbs administration. The result indicated that there was a significant decrease in the climacteric scale score and visual analogue scale after 6 months of herbal treatment. There was significant increase in plasma GM-CSF levels and a significant decrease in plasma FSH levels after 6 months of herbal administration (1). Another study, measured the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for reducing premenopausal depression. After 12 weeks of treatment with Chinese herbs, patients reported lower scale of depression according to Hamilton Depression Scale, lower FSH level and increased estrogen level (2). At Acuwellness, we offer Acupuncture and high quality Chinese herbs, nutritional consultation and supplements to help you with menopausal symptoms and depression. Refrences: 1. Ushiroyama, T. Yoshida, S. & Tadaki, K. (2004). A pilot study of a Kampo formula, EH0202, with intriguing results for menopausal symptoms. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 10(2), 397-99. 2. Qu, F. Cai, X. & Gu, Y. (2009). Chinese Medicinal herbs in relieving perimenopausal depression: A randomized, controlled trial. The journal of Alternative and complementary medicine, 15(1), 93-100.

Acupuncture for sleep problems

Acupuncture for Insomnia Insomnia and sleep disturbances are commonly encountered clinical problems affecting 40% in certain population. Insomnia may represent impaired sleep induction, the presence of sleep fragmentation, or non-restorative sleep. Pharmacological treatment: 1. Medications such as benzodiazepine and tricyclic antidepressants. These treatments can have a potential for abuse and highly addictive and other sides affects such as dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, and cardiac conduction effects. 2. Melatonin: There is little data about the long term use of melatonin, the potential adverse interactions with other medications. Also animal data indicate inhibition of reproductive function with long term use of melatonin. Acupuncture treatments: Few studies have shown the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatments, especially ear acupuncture (auricular acupuncture) treatments for insomnia. Treatments are done 2-3 times a week for a period of 4 weeks for original treatments and 2-4 weeks follow ups. Patients reported significant improvement in their insomnia and the effects lasting for months after the treatments. At Acuwellness, we provide Acupuncture, herbs, supplementation for insomnia and sleep disorder. Please call us for more information. Reference: Judith R. Peterson. Acupuncture and the treatment of Insomnia. Medical Acupuncture, 13(3).