Acupunctureology

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The Side Effects of Acupuncture

On the rare occasions that I get a chance to sit down and stare mindlessly at the television screen, undoubtedly I will see a commercial for one of the fabulous and fantastic pharmaceuticals that our lives are empty and meaningless without.

It is at times like these that I think and dream about a commercial about acupuncture that could be broadcast into the living rooms of millions of americans.

It would go something like this…..

(Cue soothing yet inspirational piano music)

Cut to footage of a fifty-something good-looking man or woman gazing dreamily out the window…..

(cue yearning and wistful dialogue):  Are you in pain, do you have low energy,   are you feeling….  ”not your self” ?    Ask your local alternative medicine practitioner about Acupuncture!

Acupuncture therapy has been used safely for thousands of years to treat all manner of aches, pains, illnesses and disease.

Call the number on the bottom of the screen to find an acupuncturist near you today and get back on the road to better health.

(Cue different voice tone): “Side effects may include but are not limited to: Feeling more energy, repeated feelings of well being, more restful sleep, reduced feelings of stress, enhanced calmness of mind.  Check with your doctor and he will tell you that there are no interactions with acupuncture treatment and any medications you are taking.

“This message brought to you by acupunctureology.com”

CUT!

Ah, it is nice to dream isn’t it?

On a more serious note,  there are very few side effects of acupuncture.  There is a chance of bruising around the area of the needle insertion, but bear in mind even if there is bruising it usually does not involve any pain.  The chance of infection is very little with acupuncture as only disposable singe use needles are used and cleanliness procedures are adhered by.  There are a few points around vital organs that with gross negligence on the part of a practitioner could result in a serious emergency.  But when I say gross negligence I mean that the incidence of these complications runs on average about  six cases per 100,000 administered.    Thats a pretty good rate when compared to some of the various Iatrogenic(meaning Doctor caused) complications in various conventional health care procedures.

But as stated in the fantasy commercial above there are some very real side effects each and every time an acupuncture treatment is administered.   When I treat a patient in the office for the straightforward condition of simple low back ache, these patients often report that along with relief in their low back pain they generally feel less stress, more energy, and are sleeping deeper!

Now that is results that you can take to the bank!

Featured Posts

Turmeric, anti cancer miracle food

The bright yellow spice Turmeric has recently been garnering lots of attention in the scientific community for it’s tremendous  anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral properties.

 

Turmeric has a centuries old history of use in India where it is revered as a culinary spice but is also used medicinally to treat wounds, digestive upset, and many other ailments.   Turmeric is included in the Traditional Chinese Medical Herbal system but is not as major of a player as it is in india.

 Turmeric is the predominant ingredient in Curry which is consumed daily in India. It is notable that India has a 10 times lower incidence of cancer than does the United States.

 

Lab research has revealed that one of the active ingredients, Curcumin, works by re-establishing the normal function of  individual cells in the body.  This is of particular importance in the prevention of cancer, which is essentially the uncontrolled growth of a cell.  According to researchers from the University of Texas  Anderson Cancer Center Turmeric ”blocks a key biological pathway needed for the development of melanoma and other cancers.

 

Turmeric is best consumed on a daily or weekly basis in the presence of other foods.  You can mix it with spices such as ginger, cumin, and coriander to flavor dishes like chicken, fish, or tofu.  Classic yellow curry powder can be mixed with coconut milk and then cooked with vegetables or proteins and served over rice.

The flavor of turmeric is pungent but it is rather mild and it blends nicely with foods and does not overpower them.  You may also buy a pure turmeric supplement if you feel you need a higher daily medicinal dose.

 

So curry some favor with your health!

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