The United States Airforce using acupuncture as an effective method for reducing soldier's pain while being transported home.  The article, reported on Stars and Stripes (www.stripes.com) explains that flights home for injured military personnel can be a painful endeavour with rough flights accentuating the pain of broken bones and injuries as well as the nausea which can be included in air travel.
Patients receive ear acupuncture and are asked to evaluate their pain levels before and during flight.
 
Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Friedbauer got a pleasant surprise when he gained a substantial increase in mobility in his injured shoulder and a reduction in pain after his ear acupuncture treatment.

“Friedbauer, of the Army National Guard’s 20th Special Forces Group, had been directing traffic at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan when a forklift, carrying 2,200 gallons of diesel fuel, slammed into his back — tearing his shoulder. Doctors said he would need to have rotator cuff surgery immediately, and he was now awaiting a flight home.

Minutes after being stuck with needles, Friedbauer raised his right arm.

'I was very skeptical,' he said. 'But I can’t believe the difference. My shoulder and back feel better, and I have more movement in my arm.'"

The military is also interested in acupuncture’s ability to reduce individuals need for opiate pain killers as prescriptions and abuses of the addictive medications has been on the rise.

You can read the full article here.

Mountain Lake Wellness:  Not mentioned in the article is that  acupuncture and specifically protocols that involve points in the ear has been used for decades in the areas of pain reduction and in reducing the side effects of those going through withdrawl from addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol.  There is a whole association (The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) dedicated to the promotion of simple and affective ear acupuncture protocols.  So while the military certainly did not originate this idea, it’s great to see that they are taking steps towards more simple, cost-effective and beneficial health care treatments.

Ear acupuncture is a great way to try out acupuncture for the first time or as an integrated part of your treatment.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies are very effective for veterans because these types of therapies can reduce pain as well as reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompany post combat experience.  The calming, mentally relaxing effect of acupuncture occurs even without having to talk about or relive any past stressful experiences.  In this way it is an invaluable gem to veterans and their families.

If you are a veteran or a family member of a returning soldier, we are here to serve your health care needs.  We offer discounts to veterans and provide effective pain and stress relieving treatments.  Contact us to learn more and to schedule your appointment now.

In our high tech modern society it's increasingly difficult to imagine our lives without the glowing screens of our electronic devices.  There is increasing talk in the media and medical community indicating that the "blue light" emanating from self luminous screens  such as those in laptops, smart phones and ipads can trick the brain into thinking it's still daytime.  The brain uses light as an indicator telling it which hormones and therefore which biological processes to initiate or suppress.  Melatonin is one such hormone which is crucial to the body's pattern of sleep.  The circadian rhythms in the body influence more than just sleep, affecting our immunity, energy and productivity at various times of the day. 

Described in a recent CNN online article, one man experimented on himself by turning off all artificial lights in his home after the sun went down. This included everything from the computer and TV, to small appliance lights like the bulb in the refridge. He was astounded when he found himself naturally falling asleep around 9pm and feeling so perky in the morning he shocked his coworkers! 

If you are affected by sleep difficulties, here are some tips aimed at getting a better nights sleep.  Give then a try and see if the morning finds you feeling more refreshed.  If you've made changes to your nightly routine and are still struggling with insomnia, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have some solutions that may be right for you.

1. After the sun goes down, reduce or eliminate your exposure to artificial lights, including those of electronic devices such as laptops and smart phones which emit light directly into the eyes from close distances.

2. Sleep in a completely darkened room to give your body the clear signal to go into sleep mode.

3. Make a trip to the bathroom just before bed to reduce the incidence of having to get up in the middle of the night.  If you do have to urinate in the middle of the night, and it can be done safely, try to do so without turning on any bright lights.

4. Create a relaxing bedtime routine.  Pick a time when you will begin to prepare for bed daily and hold to it.  In your mind, switch over to "preparing to sleep", leaving any of the past day's happenings behind you, and not focusing on "to do's" for the next day.  Read a book with a low bedside lamp, just bright enough for reading if you wish, or give yourself a foot rub while listening to soothing music.

5. Designate your bed as a "sleeping zone".  If you tend to work on projects, watch TV, eat or otherwise live in bed, this is a create pattern to break.  Move these more energized activities out of the bedroom, so you can program yourself to use this space only for deep sleep and relaxation.

Sweet Dreams!
Mountain Lake Wellness

Sources: CNN online

Acupuncturist Lisa Ripi is featured in a recent  New York Times article showing oriental medicine is a well coveted support for linemen and quarterbacks alike.  Growing up in Pittsburgh, I understand how football mania can grip a whole town.  I wonder how many people know the growing secret weapon behind their favorite NFL player?

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help with everything from sore muscles, recovery from injury, or just plain old improving your game. 

" As Pittsburgh linebacker James Farrior said: 'I’m not the same if I don’t have it. It’s like getting the game plan. You can’t go into the week without either one.'

(Image below : Michael Nagle for The New York Times)