Acupuncture has a long history of use to treat many conditions, including pain, depression, fatigue and addictions. It is known to effect local responses as well as distal changes through neurological and endocrine systems. When used together with heat treatment it can cause multiple biological responses, seen both in animals and humans. However, the mechanism and …
What are FODMAPs? FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols naturally occurring in foods or as an additive. As a group they are known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oliogosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols). Not all carbohydrates are considered FODMAPs and the content level also varies. Collectively they have three common properties: Incomplete digestion and absorption. …
Almond milk is one of the dairy free options that can replace the use of milk. Making almond milk is actually not a new thing that has come out of the gluten-free or dairy-free world. It is readily available in the shops, but you can easily make it yourself at home. Simple homemade almond milk …
Gradually we are moving from spring to summer and the combination of sun, fresh flowers and warm air, but for some its means puffy itchy red eyes, runny noses, sneezing and headaches. Good News! although the seasons are unavoidable, the need for antihistamines and a constant supply of tissues can be avoided with a few …
Having to change to a gluten-free diet can be very challenging for those who eat Chapatti (flat-bread) as a central part of their diet. For anyone with an allergy or intolerance to gluten, the chapatti / paratha / puri is by far the most missed item, particularly in an Indian meal. On its own gluten free flour …
Part 9: Mechanical signaling as a mechanism for Acupuncture To date much of the acupuncture mechanism of action has been related to the nervous system, linking it to the medical physiological concept of ‘‘Gate control theory of pain’. Based on this theory acupuncture needling or electrical stimulation is said to activate relevant neural pathways. However …
Part 8: Arrival of Qi (De Qi) The phenomenon of “Arrival of Qi” (De Qi) has been described as a vital part of the effectiveness of an acupuncture treatment. It is described as a sensation of soreness, numbness or a feeling of distension around the point after the needle is inserted to a certain depth. …
Part 7: Do Meridians lines lie in fascia? Fung (2009) hypothesized that TCM meridian system upper boundaries are the skin with dense sensory receptors of various types, while the lower boundaries are another layer of connective tissue with intersititial fluid flowing through. Numerous other studies suggest the most probable location is the fascia just beneath …
Part 6: What are TCM meridians ? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) text Qi flow in a network of meridian channels found all over the body, but despite scientific efforts we have yet to find the modern biomedical equivalent. There are 12 major meridians, supported by 8 extra meridians, 15 collaterals and others. Each …
Part 5: Integrating Western Physiology with Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophies With its 5,000 year old history Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely recognised for its knowledge and therapeutic approach. Although, still not fully understood there is every reason to be able to impact on the future and development of modern medicine. Admittedly researchers have …
