Health Tree Acupuncture

A randomised clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine on October 14, 2024, investigated the efficacy of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture in patients with chronic sciatica resulting from herniated disks.

Main Findings:

• The research highlights several benefits for participants who underwent acupuncture for chronic sciatica due to herniated disks:

• Significant Pain Relief: Participants experienced a marked reduction in leg pain, with a decrease of 30.8 mm on the visual analog scale (compared to only 14.9 mm in the sham group), indicating substantial relief.

• Improved Physical Function: Acupuncture participants saw a notable improvement in their daily functionality, demonstrated by a 13.0-point decrease in disability scores (Oswestry Disability Index), compared to just 4.9 points in the sham group.

• Enhanced Quality of Life: With reduced pain and improved mobility, participants were better able to perform daily activities, suggesting an overall enhancement in their quality of life.

Conclusions:

The study concluded that acupuncture is effective in alleviating pain and enhancing function in patients suffering from chronic sciatica due to herniated disks. These findings support the consideration of acupuncture as a viable treatment option for this condition.

Reference:

Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Sciatica From Herniated Disk A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2825064

Winter can be a challenging season for your immune system. Whether you're dealing with colds, fatigue, post-viral symptoms, or seasonal allergies, there’s a natural way to restore balance and vitality.

Acupuncture is a gentle and effective way to boost your body’s defences, increase your energy, and help you recover more quickly if you’re feeling under the weather. It can also help you finally shake off the lingering effects of a stubborn illness.

Here are just a few of the immune-related concerns we treat in clinic:

🔸Frequent colds or flu

🔸Lingering fatigue after illness

🔸Chronic sinus infections or congestion

🔸Seasonal allergies

🔸Stress-related immune challenges

Let us support your wellness this winter and help you feel energised, resilient, and ready to enjoy the year ahead!

Book your session by following this link https://www.healthtreeacupuncture.com/book-online

The Action For Happiness Happier January calendar will help you discover how small, daily actions can lead to big changes.

Discover:

💛 Simple actions to make a big impact

🌤️ Daily tips to inspire positivity

🤸 Your roadmap to a more meaningful & connected year ahead.

https://actionforhappiness.org

Several studies have indicated that stress may contribute to elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Learn more about the link between stress and cholesterol – and how to manage each – here. https://bit.ly/3XLUsxk

The precise mechanisms by which acupuncture reduces inflammation are still being explored, but several key processes have been identified:

Neuroendocrine Regulation: 

Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Activation of the Vagus Nerve:

This nerve plays a critical role in controlling inflammation, and acupuncture has been shown to enhance its activity, reducing inflammatory cytokine production.

Gene Expression Modulation:

Some studies suggest that acupuncture can influence the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response, thereby reducing overall inflammation at a molecular level.

Practical Applications and Considerations

While the evidence supporting acupuncture for inflammation is promising, it is essential to approach treatment with proper medical guidance. Here are a few practical considerations:

Qualified Practitioners:

Always seek treatment from licensed and experienced acupuncturists to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Adjunct Therapy:

Acupuncture should be considered part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly for chronic inflammatory conditions.

Individual Response:

The efficacy of acupuncture can vary from person to person, so it may require several sessions to observe significant benefits.

Acupuncture presents a valuable and increasingly validated option for managing inflammation. With a growing body of research supporting its efficacy, acupuncture offers a complementary approach to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. As science continues to uncover the mechanisms behind its benefits, acupuncture could become integral to a holistic health approach effectively managing inflammation and improving health outcomes.