Acupuncture benefits those with terminal cancer

Journal of Chinese Medicine. Number 97.October 2011

Patients with advanced incurable cancer appear to benefit from incorporating acupuncture in their treatment. Twenty patients receiving palliative care were randomised to receive weekly acupuncture or nurse-led supportive care for four weeks. Total symptom scores were reduced by an average of 22% after each acupuncture visit and by 14% after each supportive care visit. Compared with baseline, symptom scores at the end of the six-week follow-up period were reduced by 19% for the acupuncture arm and 26% for nurse-led supportive care. (Is there a role for acupuncture in the symptom management of patients receiving palliative care for cancer? A pilot study of 20 patients comparing acupuncture with nurse-led supportive care. Acupunct Med. 2011 Jun 11. [Epub-ahead of print]).

Why should I choose a Registered Acupuncturist?

Many people seeking out acupuncture treatments may find it extremely confusing when trying to decide on a practitioner. There are many health care practitioners who offer 'acupuncture treatments' or 'needling' and in B.C., this list includes; medical doctors, naturopaths, physiotherapists, etc. The problem that often arises, is most of the training programs offered to other practitioners are often condensed in theory and practice where occasionally only a few acupuncture points are learned and knowledge of TCM diagnosis and treatment protocols are limited. Some treatments may utilize needling practices such as; intra-muscular stimulation (IMS or iSTOP) or 'dry needling' which are loosely based on acupuncture and TCM principles but in practice-- very different. These techniques may target hyper-sensitive areas in the muscle or 'trigger points' for chronic pain. While eliciting a 'twitch' response in the muscle-- may help to release soft tissue, it can be extremely painful and does not necessarily get to the root of the problem preventing the chance of recurrence.

Only Registered Acupuncturists can claim the title of "acupuncturist" and bill accordingly. Many health care benefit plans offer coverage and it is also included in Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP) subsidized health plans.

Acupuncture is regulated by the BC government which has established the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners of British Columbia (CTCMA). The CTCMA is a self regulatory body that operates under the Health Professions Act and the TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists Regulation and Bylaws to protect the general public. A valid license is required in order to practise Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in BC, and this is only obtained through a (minimum of 3 years) training program, and extensive provincial written and practical exams.

*MD/Physiotherapist -- iSTOP (IMS)-- 50 hours

*MD/Physiotherapist, etc. --Acupuncture Foundation Level I -- 90 hours

*MD/Physiotherapist, etc. --Acupuncture Foundation Level II -- 195 hours

*MD/Physiotherapist, etc. -- Medical Acupuncture, UofA -- 200 hours

*Naturopathic physicians -- College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC -- 250 hours

*Registered Acupuncturist-- CTCMA (Ministry of Health) -- 2200 hours

Acupuncture is a very safe treatment option when administered by a Registered Acupuncturist (RAc.), Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (RTCMp.) or by a Doctor of Tradtional Chinese Medicine (Dr. TCM). You can be assured that they have received the most comprehensive acupuncture training of any medical profession, and will provide you with the best benefits acupuncture has to offer.

Chlorella! The Super Food!

Chlorella is a single-celled, green micro-algae that has been around for nearly 2 billion years! It is a super food containing; chlorophyll, protein, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, nucleic acids, beta-carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iodine. A perfect supplement for vegetarians who may struggle with getting enough protein and vitamin B12 from their diets.

Chlorella is gentle, yet effective for detoxification as it helps stop bacteria, yeast and fungal growth and can improve liver function. Chlorella is safe for seniors, and can help promote healthy growth patterns in children.

It helps to; regulate blood sugar, improve the immune system, increase white blood cell counts, support cancer treatment (both radiation and chemotherapy), aid in tissue repair, promote mental health, and can relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Chlorella can reduce high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, decrease PMS and help to diminish the occurrence of asthma attacks. One study suggests that Chlorella contains a substance that appears to increase production of interferon- a chemical in the body that protects against harmful viruses.

Chlorella is a gentle and effective food source to help promote overall health and benefit any acupuncture treatment.

BC Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Day

Come on out and learn more about acupuncture for FREE!

Join the local acupuncture and TCM community to celebrate this alternative health system by participating in; complementary consulations, TCM and acupuncture seminars, a free clinic, and educational booths. Tai Chi seminars and Kung Fu performances will also be happening.

Come on and check it out.

When: Sunday, July 24th -- 10am - 5 pm

Where: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, 50 East Pender Street

Cost: FREE

www.qatcma.org/cp-33-4_Annual_TCM.html for more info.

June is Bike Month!

With Spring upon us, and Summer just around the corner; days are lasting longer which means more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors! Lucky for us Vancouverites, there is no limitation for outdoor adventure, especially when it involves hopping on a bike and enjoying awesome local road and/or mountain biking anywhere from long stretches of smooth pavement to gnarly single-track trails. A perfect time to tune-up the bicycle and the body to help prevent injuries and maintain strength and endurance. Acupuncture helps promote healing for sprains and strains, can decrease pain, improve local circulation and decrease inflammation and recovery time. Post-ride visits to your Registered Acupuncturist can help flush out lactic acid build-up from strenuous work-outs and keep muscles supple and loose. Periodic treatments can help improve immune system function to keep you out on the bike all Summer long!

June 19th is Car Free Day in Vancouver, stop by Main Street from 12-8 pm and say hello to some of the wonderful practitioners and therapists from Klinik. Our table will be located between 17th and 18th Avenue.

Why I LOVE Moxa!

'Moxa', 'Moxibustion', or 'Moe Kusa' in Japanese which translates to 'burning herb' is-- that exactly! -- a herb that is burned to heat a specific area of the body for the purpose of treating disharmony.

Moxa is Mugwort or chinese Wormwood that comes from the 'sage' family and is also called Artemesia vulgaris or Artemesia argyi. It is wonderful to use as it is the most readily available combustible that does not flame and can provide a temperature of 670 degrees centigrade. Recent analysis indicates the chemical richness includes; protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, aluminum, magnesium, adenine, choline, and Vitamins A,B,C and D. Crazy!!

Moxa is awesome for: warming cold conditions, expels dampness, opens up the meridians and boosts Qi (energy) and blood! Excellent for conditions like; arthritis, asthma, vomiting, diarrhea, rheumatic and abdominal pain. Awesome for menstrual cramps! Moxibustion directed towards UB67 (corner of the nail on the baby toe) has good results in correcting breech presentation with expectant mothers.

Moxa can be found in; cones, sticks, moxa box, or in it's loose form. Moxa doesn't hurt, it is very soothing and excellent for cancer patients.

Ask your Registered Acupuncturist more about this wonderful, warming herb that has a multitude of uses.

Help out for a good cause! Bake for the Quake!!

http://bakeforthequake.com/2011/04/klinik-heath-collective/