Thursday, April 21, 2011

Acupuncture helps stroke recovery, study finds

Taipei, April 21 (CNA) Acupuncture stimulation could help the blood circulation in patients who have suffered strokes, according to a recent study conducted by a team of local doctors.

The study, published in the March edition of Microvascular Research, documented the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on 18 Taiwanese patients who had suffered strokes, Taipei City Hospital said.

The patients, all in the rehabilitation stage, received acupuncture in certain areas associated with improved blood flow and were later tested for changes, said Chen Chao-tsung, the director of traditional Chinese medicine at the hospital.

The results showed that acupuncture can decrease blood flow resistance and increase microcirculatory blood flow, a situation that is deemed helpful for the recovery of stroke patients, he said.

“Many Chinese people have trust in the effectiveness of acupuncture, but there has been little supporting evidence, aside from patients’testimony,”he said.

“The main contribution of this research was its evaluation of acupuncture therapy in a scientific way,”the doctor said.

The next step would be to come up with more scientific evidence to explain how acupuncture stimulation can be used to supplement Western treatments for stroke, he said.

The study was based on a trial launched by the Department of Health to combine oriental and western therapy. Patients in the trial can ask their doctors to refer them to Chinese medicine doctors and receive treatment at a reduced cost.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Free fertility boot camp

If you are in Chicago and are trying to conceive, you have to jump on this one. 

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, my wife, Jeanie Bussell (one of the top fertility acupuncturists in the country) and the Tiffani Kim Institute (one of the first and best medical spas in the country) are presenting the Fertility Boot Camp, Saturday April 30th, from 9-4.  Call 312-260-9020 right now and sign up, then read the rest of this post. 

This one-day retreat features experts in the fields of Reproductive Endocrinology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology, Oriental Medicine, Nutrition, Psychology, and more.  This program has been offered in the past and the reviews were glowing.  Participants loved the fact that this retreat is so intimate and personal.  You don't have to share your story if you don't want to, but past participants really bonded.  And over 60% of past participants conceived within 6 months!  This event is open to both women and men.

Fertility-friendly snacks and lunch will be provided.  In the past, this retreat cost nearly $200.  For National Infertility Awareness Week, they are offering it for FREE.  Space is limited and this class will fill up, so call and reserve your spot today. 

Details:  Where?  Tiffani Kim Institute, 310 W. Superior in Chicago
When?  Saturday, April 30th, 2011 from 9-4
Cost?  Free
Register?  Call 312-260-9020 now

Friday, April 8, 2011

Stroke recovery

I have a patient who at age 58 suffered a debilitating stroke.  This was two years ago.  Since then, his ability to walk has been severely impaired by lack of strength and poor balance.  His right hand is contorted like a lobster claw- he cannot use the fingers independently and frequently he would have cramping pain in the hand that required he take narcotic medication.  But worst of all is that he has aphasia.  He cannot express himself.  His only words are "oh" and "why".  He also has trouble understanding questions and instructions.  His wife brought him to me to try and help the pain in his hand.

After 3 weeks of twice-weekly treatment, he is improving.  He can now move all his fingers independently.  He requires medication for the pain less frequently, and when he does need it, tylenol is sufficient to relieve the pain and he no longer needs narcotics.  His balance is better and he can walk further and more steadily.  Yesterday in speech therapy, he said the first full sentence since his stroke two years ago.

We still have a long way to go, but this is very encouraging, especially considering that it has been so long since his stroke.  There is a documentary out now called "9000 needles" about a man who goes to China for his stroke rehab and makes an amazing recovery.   If you know anyone who has suffered a stroke, suggest to them that they get acupuncture.  In China, stroke's are not such a big deal as they are here. 

In the Chicagoland area, you can see me at A Center for Oriental Medicine in Wilmette, and at the Tiffani Kim Institute in Chicago's River North area.