Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Whether you're getting poked with a needle or pressed by a finger, these methods have been shown to relieve nausea and other pregnancy symptoms — and labor pain to boot.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a healing art that originated in China thousands of years ago. Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as two opposing forces, yin and yang. When an imbalance occurs between the two, it blocks what Chinese medicine refers to as qi (pronounced CHEE), or the flow of vital energy along internal pathways (known as meridians) in our bodies. During acupuncture, a practitioner inserts hair-thin needles through the skin at points along the meridians to correct imbalances and restore health.

So does it work? Researchers have found that acupuncture points correspond to deep-seated nerves, so that when the needles or twirled or electrically stimulated (known as electropuncture), the nerves are activated. This, in turn, triggers the release of several brain chemicals, including endorphins, which block pain signals and help to relieve a number of pregnancy symptoms.

BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE DURING PREGNANCY

Many people credit acupuncture for easing a wide range of pregnancy symptoms including heartburn, swelling in the legs, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and more.

Here are some of the pregnancy symptoms acupuncture can relieve that science has studied:

• Morning sickness. Some studies have shown that traditional acupuncture that targets the wrist can reduce the nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.
• Lower back and pelvic pain. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reports acupuncture could reduce pain in the lower back along with pelvic pain. Pregnant women in their late second and third trimesters received acupuncture on points on the ear; sham acupuncture (so-called “fake” acupuncture, done at nonspecific points); or no treatment at all. At the one-week follow-up, about 80 percent of women in the acupuncture group had a clinically significant reduction in pain, compared to 56 percent in the sham acupuncture group and only 36 percent for the group who received no treatment.
• Depression. Depression during pregnancy is common, affecting nearly one in four women — but a targeted type of acupuncture may help. For a study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, during eight weeks clinically-depressed pregnant women who weren’t previously taking antidepressants received general acupuncture, acupuncture specific for depression, or massage. The severity of depression symptoms decreased most among women who received acupuncture for depression. And 63 percent of the women who received the depression-specific acupuncture responded to the treatment, compared to 44 percent in the general acupuncture and massage groups.
• Headaches. Research has shown that acupuncture can reduce pregnancy-induced headaches; women who received it also used less medication.
• Sleep Problems. Getting to sleep and staying asleep is trickier than ever during pregnancy — but some research has shown that women who receive acupuncture sleep better during pregnancy, too.

MOXIBUSTION DURING PREGNANCY

Moxibustion works on the same basic principles as acupuncture, but instead of actually puncturing your skin with a needle, long sticks of the mugwort herb are burned near certain acupuncture points along your body. Both the heat from the burning and properties of the herb itself are thought to provide physical benefits. Some studies have shown that daily sessions of moxibustion (either alone or combined with acupuncture) can increase fetal activity and therefore help turn a baby from a breech position to the more delivery-friendly heads-down position. However, some others studies have found moxibustion to be no more effective than doing nothing.

ACUPRESSURE DURING PREGNANCY

The points treated in acupressure are usually the same areas used in acupuncture — but instead of using needles, pressure is applied through a firm massage. Fingers (especially thumbs), hands, elbows, knees and feet are used as tools to rub, knead, drum on and vibrate against skin on certain parts of the body. Shiatsu, the most well-known style of acupressure, is fairly vigorous, with the therapist applying firm pressure to each trigger point for three to five seconds. Studies have shown that acupressure can help ease lower back pain, labor pain, nausea and headaches, as well as help naturally induce labor and reduce stress and anxiety during labor.

A word of warning: Since the practitioner has to press and massage very deeply to reach the acupuncture points during acupressure, it’s often times more painful than acupuncture, and it can cause discomfort or leave bruising.

POSSIBLE RISKS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND ACUPRESSURE DURING PREGNANCY

When done properly by a trained professional, acupuncture during pregnancy is considered safe and has few risks. Most risks are associated with acupuncture in general, such as soreness, redness or infection at the insertion sites, and injury from needles placed too deeply.

The biggest concern during preganncy is where the acupuncture is performed: There are several acupuncture and acupressure points (like those in the ankle) that are said to induce contractions — which is why they should be avoided until term (at which point, impatient moms might want to give them a try at the hands of a professional).

ACUPUNCTURE TIPS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Interested in acupuncture to relieve pregnancy symptoms? A few rules of the road:

• Check with your doc. If you’re considering acupuncture, talk about it with your practitioner first. Though these therapies are generally considered safe, it’s best to discuss any health conditions, medications or other issues to determine if acupuncture is right for you.
• Choose an acupuncturist wisely. Look for one who’s licensed by his or state and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Make sure your therapist has extensive experience dealing with pregnant women. If you need help finding an acupuncturist, try asking your local doula association for recommendations or using the NCCAOM practitioner search page.
• Consider costs. Before you begin the treatment, ask the acupuncturist about the number of treatments you may need and how much each costs. Check with your insurer, too — some cover the cost of acupuncture while some don’t — to determine if you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
• Watch for signs of trouble. Unless you’re specifically hoping to induce labor at term, you shouldn't feel any unusual contractions during or after a session. If you do, or you notice any other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

This article originally appeared on whattoexpect.com

Headaches: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

Headaches are one of the most common complaints, and most people experience them at some point in their life. They can affect anyone regardless of age, race, and gender.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that almost half of all adults worldwide will have experienced a headache within the last year.

A headache can be a sign of stress or emotional distress, or it can result from a medical disorder, such as migraine or high blood pressure, anxiety or depression. It can lead to other problems. People with chronic migraine headaches, for example, may find it hard to attend work or school regularly.

Migraines, cluster headaches, and hangovers are some of the causes of headaches.

Contents of this article:

1. What causes a headache?
2. Types of headache
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment

What causes a headache?

Headache is a common complaint worldwide.

A headache can occur in any part of the head, on both sides of the head, or just in one location.

A headaches can radiate across the head from a central point or have a vise-like quality. They can be sharp, throbbing or dull, appear gradually or suddenly. They can last from less than an hour up to several days.

There are different ways to define headaches. The International Headache Society (IHS) categorize headaches as primary, when they are not caused by another condition, or secondary, when there is a further underlying cause.

Primary headaches

Primary headaches are stand-alone illnesses caused directly by the overactivity of, or problems with, structures in the head that are pain-sensitive.

This includes the blood vessels, muscles, and nerves of the head and neck. They may also result from changes in chemical activity in the brain.

Common primary headaches include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches.

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches are symptoms that happen when another condition stimulates the pain-sensitive nerves of the head.

A wide range of different conditions can cause secondary headaches.

These include:

Eating something very cold can lead to a "brain freeze."

• An alcohol-induced hangover
• Brain tumor
• Blood clots
• "Brain freeze," or ice-cream headaches
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Concussion
• Dehydration
• Glaucoma
• Influenza
• Overuse of pain medication, known as rebound headaches
• Panic attacks
• Stroke

As headaches can be a symptom of a serious condition, it is important to seek medical advice if they become more severe, regular, or persistent.

For example, if the headache is more painful and disruptive than previous headaches, worsens, or fails to improve with medication or is accompanied by other symptoms such as confusion, fever, sensory changes, and stiffness in the neck, a doctor should be contacted immediately.

Types of headache

The symptoms of a headache can depend on the type.

Tension-type headaches

Tension-type headaches are a common form of primary headache.

The person can feel as if they have a tight band around the head, with a constant, dull ache on both sides. The pain may spread to or from the neck. Such headaches normally begin slowly and gradually in the middle of the day.

Tension-type headaches can be either episodic or chronic. Episodic attacks are normally a few hours in duration, but can last for several days. Chronic headaches occur for 15 or more days a month for a period of at least 3 months.

Migraines

Migraine is the second most common form of primary headache and can have a major impact on the life of an individual. According to the WHO, migraine is the sixth highest cause of days lost due to disability worldwide. A migraine can last from a few hours to between 2 and 3 days.

A migraine headache may cause a pulsating, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. The aching may be accompanied by blurred vision, light-headedness, nausea, and sensory disturbances.

Rebound headaches

Rebound or medication-overuse headaches are the most common secondary headache.

They stem from an excessive use of medication to treat headache symptoms. They usually begin early in the day and persist throughout the day. They may improve with pain medication, but worsen when its effects wear off.

Rebound headaches can cause a range of symptoms, and the pain can be different each day. Along with the headache itself, rebound headaches can cause neck pain, restlessness, a feeling of nasal congestion, and reduced sleep quality.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are a less common form of primary headache. They strike quickly, one or more times daily around the same time each day and often without warning.

They usually last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, and they persist for the duration of what is known as a cluster period, which normally lasts 6 to 12 weeks.

The pain caused by cluster headaches is severe, often described as sharp or burning, and it is normally located in or around one eye.

The affected area may become red and swollen, the eyelid may droop and the nasal passage on the affected side may become stuffy and runny.

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually be able to diagnose a particular type of headache through a description of the condition, the type of pain and the timing and pattern of attacks.

It may be a good idea to keep a diary detailing the symptoms of regular headaches and any possible triggers. This can help both the patient and the doctor in identifying the exact nature and possible cause of the headaches.

If the nature of the headache appears to be complex, tests may be carried out to eliminate more serious causes.

Further testing could include blood tests, X-rays, and brain scans, such as CT and MRI.

Treatment

The most common ways of treating headaches are rest and pain relief medication.

Generic pain relief medication is available over the counter (OTC), or doctors can prescribe preventative medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants, anti-epileptic drugs, and beta blockers.

It is important to follow the doctor's advice because overusing pain relief medication can lead to rebound headaches.

The treatment of rebound headaches involves the reducing or stopping pain relief medication.

In extreme cases, a short hospital stay may be needed to manage withdrawal safely and effectively.

Self-care

A number of steps can be taken to reduce the risk of headaches and to ease the pain if they do occur:

• Apply a heat pack or ice pack to your head or neck, but avoid extreme temperatures
• Avoid stressors, where possible, and develop healthy coping strategies for unavoidable stress
• Eat regular meals, taking care to maintain stable blood sugar

A hot shower can help, although in one rare condition hot water exposure can trigger headaches.

Exercising regularly and getting enough rest and regular sleep contribute to overall health and stress reduction.

Several alternative forms of treatment for headaches are also available, but it is important to consult a doctor before making any major changes or beginning any alternative forms of treatment.

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that may help relieve headaches.

Alternative approaches include:

• Acupuncture
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Herbal and nutritional health products
• Hypnosis
• Meditation

(Research: Acupuncture and Migraine)

Sometimes, a headache may result from a deficiency of a particular nutrient or nutrients, especially magnesium and certain B vitamins.

Nutrient deficiencies can be due to a poor quality diet, underlying malabsorption issues, or other medical conditions.

Anyone with a suspected nutrient deficiency should work with a qualified health professional to diagnose and correct the deficiency in a sustainable and holistic way, rather than relying on an isolated supplement.

The WHO points out that headaches are often not taken seriously because they are sporadic, most headaches do not lead to death, and they are not contagious.

They call for more resources to be allocated for the treatment of headache disorders, because of the huge health burden they represent.

This article originally appeared on medicalnewstoday.com Written by James McIntosh

Myopathy: Dysfunction of Muscle Fiber

The myopathies are neuromuscular disorders in which the primary symptom is muscle weakness due to dysfunction of muscle fiber. Other symptoms of myopathy can include include muscle cramps, stiffness, and spasm. Myopathies can be inherited (such as the muscular dystrophies) or acquired (such as common muscle cramps). Myopathies are grouped as follows:
congenital myopathies: characterized by developmental delays in motor skills; skeletal and facial abnormalities are occasionally evident at birth
muscular dystrophies: characterized by progressive weakness in voluntary muscles; sometimes evident at birth
mitochondrial myopathies: caused by genetic abnormalities in mitochondria, cellular structures that control energy; include Kearns-Sayre syndrome, MELAS and MERRF
glycogen storage diseases of muscle: caused by mutations in genes controlling enzymes that metabolize glycogen and glucose (blood sugar); include Pompe's, Andersen's and Cori's diseases
myoglobinurias: caused by disorders in the metabolism of a fuel (myoglobin) necessary for muscle work; include McArdle, Tarui, and DiMauro diseases
dermatomyositis: an inflammatory myopathy of skin and muscle
myositis ossificans: characterized by bone growing in muscle tissue
familial periodic paralysis: characterized by episodes of weakness in the arms and legs
polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, and related myopathies: inflammatory myopathies of skeletal muscle
neuromyotonia: characterized by alternating episodes of twitching and stiffness; and
stiff-man syndrome:  characterized by episodes of rigidity and reflex spasms
common muscle cramps and stiffness, and
tetany:  characterized by prolonged spasms of the arms and legs

Treatments for the myopathies depend on the disease or condition and specific causes. Supportive and symptomatic treatment may be the only treatment available or necessary for some disorders. Treatment for other disorders may include drug therapy, such as immunosuppressives, physical therapy, bracing to support weakened muscles, and surgery.

Having a healthcare team enables you to understand your symptoms. Visit your physician for a diagnosis and recommendation of treatments.

See the original post and find out more about myopathy and resources for support here.

Does Acupuncture Work?

For certain conditions—particularly pain—there’s evidence it works. Exactly how it works is an open question.

You hear the term “acupuncture,” and visions of needles may dance in your head. But the 3 million Americans (and counting) who have tried it know there’s a lot more to the treatment than pokes and pricks.

A typical visit to an acupuncturist might begin with an examination of your tongue, the taking of your pulse at several points on each wrist and a probing of your abdomen. “They didn’t have MRIs or X-rays 2,500 years ago, so they had to use other means to assess what’s going on with you internally,” says Stephanie Tyiska, a Philadelphia-based acupuncture practitioner and instructor.

These diagnostic procedures inform the placement of the needles, Tyiska says. But a visit to an acupuncturist could also include a thoughtful discussion of your diet and personal habits, recommendations to avoid certain foods or to take herbal supplements and an array of additional in-office treatments—like skin brushing or a kind of skin suctioning known as “cupping”—that together fall under the wide umbrella of traditional Chinese medicine.

But does it work? Figuring out whether each one of these practices may be therapeutically viable is a challenge, and determining how all of them may work in concert is pretty much impossible. Combine them with acupuncturists’ frequent references to “qi,” or energy flow, and it’s easy for a lot of people to dismiss the practice as bunk.

This article originally appeared on time.com and was written by Markham Heid

Ask Smithsonian: Does Acupuncture Work?