Acupuncture and Cancer Treatment

There have been many advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer. While the standard medical care for cancer is effective, the treatments are aggressive and cause numerous side effects.  Acupuncture has received much attention as a therapy in cancer treatments for its use in pain relief, reducing side effects, accelerating recovery and improving quality of life.

What is Acupuncture Used for during Cancer Treatment?

Acupuncture provides a total approach to health care. It is used to address many concerns during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery.

According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses stimulate the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. By these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released.

Areas that Acupuncture has shown the most promise:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dry Mouth, Night Sweats and Hot Flashes
• Stress, Anxiety and Fatigue
• Pain Management
• Increasing White Blood Cell Count

Nausea and Vomiting

Strong evidence of the effect of acupuncture has come from clinical trials on the use of acupuncture to relieve nausea and vomiting. Several types of clinical trials using different acupuncture methods showed acupuncture reduced nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, surgery, and morning sickness.

Other Symptoms Caused by Cancer Treatment

Clinical trials are studying the effects of acupuncture on cancer and symptoms caused by cancer treatment, including weight loss, cough, chest pain, fever, anxiety, depression, night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, speech problems, and fluid in the arms or legs. Studies have shown that treatment with acupuncture either relieves symptoms or keeps them from getting worse.

Boosting the Immune System

Human studies on the effect of acupuncture on the immune system of cancer patients showed that it improved immune system response, including increasing the number of white blood cells.

Pain Management

In clinical studies, acupuncture reduced the amount of pain in some cancer patients. In one study, most of the patients treated with acupuncture were able to stop taking drugs for pain relief or take smaller doses.
Acupuncture is also very useful for support if you are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy.

New Lung Cancer Guidelines Include Acupuncture

Acupuncture is now officially recommended for cancer patients experiencing fatigue, dyspnea, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, pain, nausea and vomiting.

Evidence-based guidelines published by the American College of Chest Physicians recommend acupuncture for cancer patients experiencing fatigue, dyspnea, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, or to soothe symptoms of pain or nausea and vomiting.  The new edition of these standard guidelines represents the first time complementary and integrative medicine has been addressed in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.

For more information please call BodaHealth at 604-733-2632

Fall and Winter Cleansing-A Tune Up for Your Body

So, it is that intermittent season, autumn, replete with rain and dampness. The perfect time to reminisce about summer, to catch that cold that is going around, (the constant temperature variations do not help); and to begin to accept the inevitable approach of winter.www.wholelivingclinic.net

The fluctuations of late fall and early winter also make it an optimum time to go on a detoxifying dietary cleanse. It is easier in this season, say most streams of alternative medicine, to change our habits and inject new life into our tired routines.

Simply put, a cleanse can give your body a short break from the effort it expends digesting food (40% of your body’s energy goes into digestion-that’s a lot) and instead, divert some of that energy into expelling toxins and healing.

Cleansing is essential in detoxifying our bodies from the various pollutants we come in contact with in our daily lives, such as environmental toxins, residue from household or cosmetic products, pesticides in food etc. It also allows us to reduce the possibilities of succumbing to allergies, degenerative disease, and even cancer. Think of it as a tune up to keep your body functioning as health-fully as possible. It can last anywhere from 2–3 days or as long as 10–12 days, depending on your needs and goals.

And lest you shudder in recollection of your last experience with one of the many packaged cleanses that clog up the shelves at your local natural foods market, breathe. Here’s a primer on safe and effective ways to cleanse this winter, with tips from holistic health experts.

The “Gateway Approach”

As Registered Nutrition Consultant Nadine Ijaz, former faculty at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, whole foods advocate and Staff Nutritionist at Vancouver’s Inspired Health an Integrative Cancer Care Centre smiles, “It is very attractive for people to get involved in a fancy cleanse, with packaged products and herbal supplements.“

“However,” she continues, “the best cleanse is just cleaning up the diet, using a little more discipline than normal, i.e. opening a gateway to getting the body used to eating more natural foods, while envisioning these changes for the long term.”

Ijaz’s approach is two-pronged, focusing not only on simply eliminating the diet of harmful foods, but also on replacing certain foods with others that are more beneficial.

The first stage is to really clean up the diet i.e. evolving food preferences from the “less toxic” towards the “more wholesome.” Simple guidelines include, eating whole, natural, i.e. unprocessed and organic foods as much as possible. Replacing processed flour, baked goods, and wheat with “whole grain” alternatives. Substituting anything hydrogenated with high quality, unrefined oils such as Cold Pressed virgin olive oil and natural ghee (clarified butter) and eating foods closer to their natural state.

The second stage consists of “building up the body’s resilience, which comes from building a clean lifestyle.” This is where dedication and discipline do come in. Ijaz encourages her patients to get some exercise and choose to eat at home more often. Like most holistic practitioners, she also prescribes appropriate herbs and supplements to aid in the process.

Ultimately, Ijaz concurs, “There are no short cuts to health.”

The Yin-Yang Approach

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, where seasons relate to various internal organs, Autumn is connected to the lungs and large intestines, organs that have strong detoxifying roles in our body. Jeda Boughton, Registered Herbologist, Acupuncturist and Dr. of Chinese Medicine agrees that, “Spring and fall are the best times for a cleanse. Spring is the time of re-growth and renewal and after a dormant season (winter), there is a lot of old build-up we need to flush out from the system. Fall is time when we get ready for the storing season so the storage vessel should be cleaned and prepared.”

Boughton believes that most people should cleanse at least two times a year. But she cautions against excessive cleansing (more than four times a year) and cautions people who are weak or deficient against cleansing as it can be quite taxing on the system.

Boughton is a firm believer in customizing cleansing programs for individuals.
“Commercial products are generic and not tailored to the person and their specific constitution.” She does acknowledge however, that some of the commercial products can be effective and that they are simple and easy to use and have a positive affect for most people who use them.”

She also recommends that newbies starting with a food elimination diet, sharing, “The cleanse that I usually recommend is a combination of food restrictions, a liver and gallbladder flush as well as a combination of herbs based on the patients constitution.”

The Ayurvedic Approach

Todd Caldecott is the renaissance man of holistic medicine. A certified Clinical herbalist, a Reiki practitioner, and an Ayurvedic practitioner who has studied at the source, i.e. in India, he exudes passion for the subject of natural health.

In keeping with his practice of Ayurveda, a system of medicine allied with the natural laws of the universe, Caldecott philosophizes, “During Fall, all of the earth’s energy returns to the earth, then winter comes and the environment undergoes a kind of death. Our bodies are also affected by this dynamic – in actual fact, what we need to do isn’t simply to just cleanse in the fall, but also to restore our vital energy.”

Of course, this is something that traditional cultures did well, celebrating the harvest by eating and sharing rich foods that sustain and nourish the body for the approaching winter.

Sounds a little Thanksgiving-ish? Well yes, but there’s a caveat. Ayurveda also recommends that in order to feast, we do need to fast, or at least adopt a dietary regimen to enhance and promote digestion during late summer, and while summer is transitioning into fall.

Caldecott continues that this allows “metabolic toxicity, one of the five causes of disease, usually resulting from imbalances within the eliminative systems of the body,” to eventually regain harmony within the body’s delicate machinery, thus “balancing out the negative effects “ama” or undigested food with “agni” or digestive fire. “

When “Ama” occurs, often a cause of eating too many rich and sweet foods with cold and heavy properties (pie or cookies anyone?); or consuming foods in the wrong combinations at the wrong time (the post dinner midnight-munchies), in large amounts or when scarfing down too much junk food, the body’s digestive fire is weakened, thus denying the body access to nutrients.

“The resultant energy that the body feeds back to power the processes of digestion becomes further diminished as this vicious cycle continues.” And, so, continues our Ayurveda expert, “Ayurveda’s first aims to restore digestion, before cleansing, often with a period of fasting or following a prescribed diet of easy to digest foods.

Caldecott beams, “Almost everything will be improved after the first week, digestion, metabolism, mood and energy. “

He recommends such a lifestyle change to continue even up to three months, (the approximate time it takes for the body to completely replace the blood).

With a nod to commercially available products such as the wild rose detox kit target, Caldecott agrees that these kids target important detoxification organs such as the liver and kidney by enhancing and supporting their function in some way–e.g. people notice they have to pee more frequently.

“The kits are convenient, and can be helpful to gently mobilize a plugged up system, while simultaneously deriving benefit by eating a diet of whole, natural foods,” he says.

However, and in agreement with many natural health practitioners, he offers these parting words, “This type of detoxification however really isn’t detoxification – its more like occasionally spraying WD-40 on your bicycle’s gears, rather than taking all the components off the bike and cleaning each one by hand.”

And Caldecott, it goes without saying, would prefer us to clean each one by hand.

Overall Tips from the experts quoted in this article:

• Fall is a great time for a gentle cleanse with lightly steamed veggies and soups.
• Do drink camomile tea: It has a nice cleansing effect, gentle enough for most people
• Do sip tea made from Dandelion, yellowdock root, cleavers, and nettle (all local and in season now)
• Do Eat Beets, steamed, baked, or drink their juice
• Do add lemon to your drinking water in the morning
• Take a good probiotic. Ijaz recommends Primal Defense
• Do move towards a vegetarian / vegan diet a short while
• Avoid processed soy or soy milk
• Do approach Bitters with caution: they are not always appropriate to all constitutions
• Do eliminate allergen such as wheat and dairy and meat for a while.
• Get a massage and steam bath with herbal aromas
• Post a cleanse, rejuvenate with a healthy fall diet rich in the bountiful harvest of squashes, leafy greens, crunchy apples, whole grains and organic meats and dairy
• Supplement with Vitamin D and an extra B vitamin if needed.

For information:
Nadine Ijaz BArtsSc RNCP RST

Dr. Jeda Boughton TCM
www.bodahealth.ca

Todd Caldecott
www.toddcaldecott.com

The New Detox Diet, by Dr. Elson Haas
Available at Banyen Booksyoguestyle.blogspot.com

About Insiya:

Insiya Rasiwala-Finn teaches vinyasa yoga and writes on health, yoga, eco-travel and spas for publications such as the Vancouver Observer, Vancouver Magazine, vancouveryoga.com, Shared Vision, Asia Spa and Luxury Latin America. She has been a frequent commentator on the topics of health, wellness and sustainability for Canadian media such as CBC, Shaw, Global and City TV.

She has traveled frequently to Costa Rica, Bali and Mexico to lead YES (yoga.ecology.surf) retreats with her partner Eoin Finn and avidly seeks out eco-travel options wherever she happens to be. Insiya is currently completing a creative writing program at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada and writes a blog on the sustainable yoga lifestyle.
Author/References
Insiya Rasiwala-Finn

Acupuncture and Reproductive Health

Current statistics state that one in five couples over the age of 30 have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying. Many of these couples are turning to acupuncture and TCM for a safe, effective and natural solution.

Chinese medicine has a long history when it comes to enhancing fertility for both men and women. In fact, evidence that acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used to aid fertility can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3AD.

How Acupuncture Enhances Fertility

According to the principles of Chinese medicine, a person’s health is determined by the quality of Qi, the vital life energy, and blood circulating through the body. When Qi and blood are circulating properly, the body is well nourished and functioning optimally which, in turn, enhances fertility.

Researchers have confirmed its benefit in the following areas:

1. Regulate menstrual cycle.
2. Improve sperm count and motility.
3. Reduce stress and anxiety associated with infertility.
4. Normalize hormone and endocrine systems.
5. Improve blood flow in the uterus.
6. Decrease chance of miscarriage.
7. Increase the chance of pregnancy for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Fertility treatments vary from person to person, but are usually scheduled for at least three consecutive cycles (twelve weeks). Treatments may include acupuncture, custom herbal therapy and dietary counseling. Treatments work alone but are an excellent addition to any Western intervention.

Acupuncture Increases IVF Success by 65%

Women undergoing IVF were 65 percent more likely to become pregnant when they combined the procedure with acupuncture, a recent study has shown.

The remarkable success rate occurred across seven acupuncture trials involving 1,366 women in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in a February, 2008 issue of theBritish Medical Journal.

Acupuncture was delivered either just before or just after embryo transfer – a step in the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) whereby one or several embryos are placed into the uterus.

The research was carried out by scientists from the University of Maryland in the United States and the VU University of Amsterdam in Holland.

Acupuncture stimulates the neurotransmitters that trigger the production of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, which controls the menstrual cycle and a woman’s ovulation.  Acupuncture also stimulates blood flow to the uterus and boosts the production of endogenous opioids, inducing the body to relax.

Acupuncture Improves Sperm Quality

A study published in the July 2005 issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture helped infertile men by helping improve sperm quality.

In the research project, 28 men received acupuncture in addition to allopathic infertility treatments, while another 12 men received only the allopathic treatments. All of the men were diagnosed with infertility of unknown origin.

Acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects in the sperm of men who received it.
Previous studies have also shown a link between acupuncture and improved sperm production and motility.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Finally, an easy to understand explanation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Learn how it works and what ailments TCM treats best. Discover the benefits of acupuncture, herbology, cupping, and moxibustion. It doesn’t have to be complicated! See TCM in action with a demonstration of Tui Na (Chinese Massage).

Instructors: Dr. Jeda Boughton & Maja Mudri

Date: Monday July 27, 2009 from 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Cost: FREE

Location: Coal Harbour Community Centre Activity Room, 480 Broughton Street

Phone: 604 718 8222

Register online at www.coalharbourcc.ca

Tabouli Salad with Huo Ma Ren

Huo Ma Ren, or hemp hearts (the inner part of the hemp seed), turn this Middle Eastern classic into TCM-friendly fusion fare! Made with quinoa, instead of bulgur, this salad is gluten-free, wheat-free, vegan, protein-packed, and excellent for the digestion.

½ cup quinoa

1 ½ cups water

2 small tomatoes

1 small cucumber

1 bunch parsley

1 green onion

1/8 cup hemp hearts (or huo ma ren)

1 clove garlic

1 lemon, juiced

2 Tbs. olive oil

sea salt & black pepper, to taste

Serves 2

1. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, and turn burner off. Let sit for 10 minutes. Set in fridge to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Crush the garlic with a garlic press. Mix the lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic together.

3. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and mint. Add to cooked quinoa.

4. Pour the dressing over the entire mixture. Mix well.

5. Let stand, or if ravenous, eat! Will keep for up to three days in the fridge.

Treating Irritability and Moodiness with Acupuncture

Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.

Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.

Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions

Within Oriental medicine emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (life force) throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.

Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.

Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.

If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call to see how acupuncture can help.

Move Your Qi!

The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi!

Stretch – The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.

Eye Exercises – The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.

Eat Green – Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants – fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses – can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.

Try Something Sour – Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver’s qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.

Do More Outdoor Activities – Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.

Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea – Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.

Get Acupuncture Treatments – Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.

Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.

What is the difference between a Registered Acupuncturist, a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine?

A Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) has a minimum of 1,900 hrs in 3 academic years, including 450 hrs of practicum and has passed the provincial licensing exam administered by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA).

A Registered Herbalist (R. TCM. H) has a minimum of 1,900 hrs in 3 academic years, including 450 hrs of practicum and has passed the provincial licensing exam administered by the CTCMA.

A Registered TCM Practitioner (R. TCM. P) has a minimum of 2,600 hrs in 4 academic years, including 650 hrs of practicum and has passed both the licensing exam for R. Ac. and R. TCM. H.

A Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dr. TCM) has a minimum of 3,250 hrs in 5 academic years, with an additional 1,050 hrs of practicum, has passed the Dr. TCM competency exam in addition to being a Registered TCM Practitioner (R. Ac. and R. TCM. H).

Cholesterol and Health

This is a great time to take charge of your heart health and look at ways to lower cholesterol!

1 out of every 2 men and 1 out of every 3 women will develop heart disease sometime in their life. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women about 1.25 million heart attacks occur each year.

Research has clearly shown that lowering cholesterol can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Whether you have heart disease already or want to prevent it, you can reduce your risk for having a heart attack by lowering your cholesterol level.

The American Heart Association says it’s important to pay attention to exercise, and a proper diet that is low on foods that contain cholesterol and saturated fats. That means eating better and improving lifestyle. Speak to your health care providers to make sure your cholesterol is being monitored and find out how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you stay healthy.

Reduce Risk with TCM

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are both used to address high cholesterol.

Acupuncture can be used to treat many of the health conditions that are known to drastically increase the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.

Here are a few of the risk factors that can be addressed with acupuncture:

• Smoking
• High Blood Pressure
• Excess weight
• Diabetes

Herbal Medicine

Several Chinese herbs and herbal formulas are used to lower cholesterol levels. Shan Zha (Fructus Crataegi) also known as Hawthorn berry, have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

Most herbal medicines are a blend of herbs specifically chosen for each individual. Please talk to your practitioner about which herbal formulas and supplements for high cholesterol and heart health are right for you.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Three nutrients in your diet make LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels rise:

• Saturated fat, a type of fat found mostly in foods that come from animals;
• Trans fat, found mostly in foods made with hydrogenated oils and fats such as stick margarine, crackers, and French fries.

Learn how to read a food label – Choose foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.

Overweight

Excess weight tends to increase your LDL level. Also, it typically raises triglycerides, a fatty substance in the blood and in food and lowers HDL. Losing the extra pounds may help lower your LSL and triglycerides, while raising your HDL.

Physical Inactivity

Being physically inactive contributes to overweight and can raise LDL and lower HDL. Regular physical activity can raise HDL and lower triglycerides, and can help you lose weight and, in that way, help lower your LDL.

Participate in physical activity of moderate intensity—like brisk walking—for at least 30 minutes on most, and preferably all, days of the week. No time? Break the 30 minutes into three, 10-minute segments during the day.

Smoking

Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, contact call our office to discuss ways in which acupuncture can help you quit.

Your Cholesterol Level

You can have high cholesterol and not realize it. Most of the 65 million Americans with high cholesterol have no symptoms. So it’s important to have your blood cholesterol levels checked. All adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every 5 years. If you have an elevated cholesterol, you’ll need to have it tested more often.

Setting your Goal

The main goal in treating high cholesterol is to lower your LDL level. Studies have proven that lowering LDL can prevent heart attacks and reduce deaths from heart disease in both men and women.

Total Cholesterol
Less that 200 mg/dL – Desirable
200-239 mg/dL – Borderline high
240 mg/dL and above – High

LDL Cholesterol
Less than 100 mg/dL – Optimal (ideal)
100-129 mg/dL – Near optimal/ above optimal
130-159 mg/dL – Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL – High
190 mg/dL and above – Very high

HDL Cholesterol
Less than 40 mg/dL Major heart disease risk factor
60 mg/dL and above – Gives some protection against heart disease