Acupuncture and Depression
Acupuncture and Depression
Depression is an almost taboo word in our society, its ok to say you’ve had the flu or broken an ankle, but most people will not admit to being depressed unless in a very safe environment. In this fast modern world we now live in the pressures and strains of “normal” everyday living can lead us to experience emotional and psychological dilemmas that perhaps our ancestors didn’t have to face. This experience is exaggerated even more in the current economic climate.
The theories and principles of Five Element Acupuncture can be related to differing symptoms of depression which often present as an emotional overload. Acupuncture invites nature to assist in the rebalancing of human functions on several levels, spiritually, physically and emotionally, by reuniting the body mind and spirit. Depression may be presented in various forms:
If you are suffering from depression there are things you can do to help, try yoga, listening to music (anything by Mozart can put you in a good mood, try Eine kleine Nachtmusik on the stereo!), take light exercise (just a short walk might do the trick) or just have a nice bath or watch a good film.
Despite individual secrets, it is no secret that a large proportion of the population are taking prescribed anti-depressants and these definitely have their uses. However it may be of interest to note that acupuncture can work alongside prescribed medication and that if you feel that medication is not the complete answer then it might be worth trying a course of acupuncture treatment
Patients with back pain should be offered the choice of acupuncture, exercise or a massage on the NHS, say new guidelines.
For the full NICE article see:
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Eating for Fertility
Eating for Fertility
Always eat breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day. But please try to avoid sugar, caffeine or saturated fats.
Eat little and often and never skip meals.
Drink plenty of fluids, at least 2 pints a day and preferably as pure water or herbal drinks. Caffeine and sugary drinks should be avoided. Did you know that tea and coffee are diuretics and so in large volumes don’t really count to your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol.
Eat your 5 fruit and veg. a day, and preferably more. Supplement these with lots of pulses, grains, whole wheat. Whole grains contain your B vitamins, magnesium, iron and selenium and contain less salt and sugar than their white counterparts. Eat decent protein such as: good oily fish (e.g. mackerel, sardines or salmon); chicken; beans and nuts and seeds, and mix your protein with carbohydrates.
Acupuncture pain molecule pinpointed
Acupuncture pain molecule pinpointed
A molecule which may control how acupuncture relieves pain has been pinpointed by US researchers.
Experiments in mice showed that levels of adenosine - a natural painkiller - increased in tissues near acupuncture sites. click here to view the news article on the BBC website. click here to view the full research paper.
Acupuncture found to be a Mood Booster
Acupuncture found to be a Mood Booster
Acupuncture has been featured as an injury solution to sports activities, with a quote included by Olympic cycling champion Chris Hoy ""Over the years I've found it incredibly effective for injury treatment and prevention"" The article states that research shows that acupuncture can help sports injuries by speeding up recovery, reducing swelling, healing scar tissue and relieving muscle spasms.
Acupuncture: Chinese needles 'Do give us a lift'
Acupuncture: Chinese needles 'Do give us a lift'
Acupuncture really can make you feel better because it does stimulate mood centres in the brain, scientists have discovered.