tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Techniques, research and how-to's for professionals. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32531 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

At its worst, acute pain can be unimaginably intense and stressful, and chronic pain can wreck havoc on a person's quality of life. Because pain is such a universal problem Traditional Chinese medical practitioners devote a considerable amount of time treating it. Understanding the powerful psychology involved in the experience of pain, as well as its neurological and biochemical causes is therefore important.

By Bruce H. Robinson, MD, FACS, MSOM (Hon) At its worst, acute pain can be unimaginably intense and stressful, and chronic pain can wreck havoc on a person's quality of life. Because pain is such a universal problem Traditional Chinese medical practitioners devote a considerable amount of time treating it. Understanding the powerful psychology involved in the experience of pain, as well as its neurological and biochemical causes is therefore important. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32530 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

For people living with Parkinson's disease, the future is full of obstacles and uncertainty. This is the sole reason the second most prevalent neuro-degenerative disease that affects about 1 million people in the U.S., and 5 million worldwide has researchers constantly on the hunt for not only a cure, but also a way to improve the quality of life for patients.

By Brenda Duran, Senior Associate Editor For people living with Parkinson's disease, the future is full of obstacles and uncertainty. This is the sole reason the second most prevalent neuro-degenerative disease that affects about 1 million people in the U.S., and 5 million worldwide has researchers constantly on the hunt for not only a cure, but also a way to improve the quality of life for patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32475 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Presumably you speak the same language as your patients do. Still, communicating about pain can be difficult. There's more to it than finding out if the pain is sharp, dull, stabbing, throbbing, constant, coming and going, hot, cold, etc. There may be even more to it than asking whether or not the pain interferes with the patient's daily activities. There are some alternate pain scales and ideas that can be helpful when our patients are trying to communicate with us about pain.

By Denise Cicuto, LAc Presumably you speak the same language as your patients do. Still, communicating about pain can be difficult. There's more to it than finding out if the pain is sharp, dull, stabbing, throbbing, constant, coming and going, hot, cold, etc. There may be even more to it than asking whether or not the pain interferes with the patient's daily activities. There are some alternate pain scales and ideas that can be helpful when our patients are trying to communicate with us about pain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32437 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Pain is a sensation of discomfort, distress, or even agony that results from the stimulation (by heat, cold or pressure) of specialized nerve endings. Even though pain serves as a protective mechanism for the body, it may cause a tremendous amount of suffering. In such cases, pain must be managed so the sufferers may resume a normal lifestyle. The goals of pain management are to decrease the intensity of the pain, and to increase the patient's physical activity. I would like to explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of drug and herbal therapies, and to identify the most beneficial treatment you can provide your patients.

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc Pain is a sensation of discomfort, distress, or even agony that results from the stimulation (by heat, cold or pressure) of specialized nerve endings. Even though pain serves as a protective mechanism for the body, it may cause a tremendous amount of suffering. In such cases, pain must be managed so the sufferers may resume a normal lifestyle. The goals of pain management are to decrease the intensity of the pain, and to increase the patient's physical activity. I would like to explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of drug and herbal therapies, and to identify the most beneficial treatment you can provide your patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32435 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of the greatest issues we face as clinicians is when a patient's complaints don't seem to make sense – or worse, seem to be fabricated. For a long time, if a diagnosis was not clear it was usually assumed that the patient was deliberately trying to mislead their doctor for secondary gain – either to get drugs, for personal attention, or because they "had issues." With the current trends in pain management, much has been said about the nature of a patient's pain and the standards a clinician must abide by to evaluate and care for that individual.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM One of the greatest issues we face as clinicians is when a patient's complaints don't seem to make sense – or worse, seem to be fabricated. For a long time, if a diagnosis was not clear it was usually assumed that the patient was deliberately trying to mislead their doctor for secondary gain – either to get drugs, for personal attention, or because they "had issues." With the current trends in pain management, much has been said about the nature of a patient's pain and the standards a clinician must abide by to evaluate and care for that individual. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32434 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

A group of about 20 volunteer acupuncturists from across Missouri - including Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, Fort Leonard Wood, Van Buren and Brixey along with Acupuncturists Without Borders provided 500 free acupuncture treatments to Joplin residents and relief workers immediately after the May 22 tornado that took more than 150 lives and destroyed one third of the homes in this southwest Missouri town of 50,000.

By Melanie Rubin, AWB Managing Director and Abba Anderson, LAc, MS, MA A group of about 20 volunteer acupuncturists from across Missouri - including Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, Fort Leonard Wood, Van Buren and Brixey along with Acupuncturists Without Borders provided 500 free acupuncture treatments to Joplin residents and relief workers immediately after the May 22 tornado that took more than 150 lives and destroyed one third of the homes in this southwest Missouri town of 50,000. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32419 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, my 20-year-old niece in Europe was hospitalized following the removal of her wisdom teeth. In the hospital, she was placed in a unit with women who had their jaws rewired after being beaten by their boyfriends and/or husbands. It was a profound life lesson for my niece to see domestic violence up close.

By Pamela Ellen Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA(R) and GSD-CI, LMT (TX) Recently, my 20-year-old niece in Europe was hospitalized following the removal of her wisdom teeth. In the hospital, she was placed in a unit with women who had their jaws rewired after being beaten by their boyfriends and/or husbands. It was a profound life lesson for my niece to see domestic violence up close. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32383 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the latest film version of Alice in Wonderland, director Tim Burton captivated author Lewis Carroll's hallucinatory imagery believed to reflect Carroll's migraine experiences. The Cheshire cat, described by Alice as "a grin without a cat" looms both large and small and can only be seen by her, in a way that resonates with migraine sufferers who have seen the movie.

By Pamela Ellen Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA(R) and GSD-CI, LMT (TX) In the latest film version of Alice in Wonderland, director Tim Burton captivated author Lewis Carroll's hallucinatory imagery believed to reflect Carroll's migraine experiences. The Cheshire cat, described by Alice as "a grin without a cat" looms both large and small and can only be seen by her, in a way that resonates with migraine sufferers who have seen the movie. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32380 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Boston marathon takes place this month. One of the race's most infamous stretches is Heartbreak Hill. The relatively modest, half-mile incline can feel impossibly steep to runners after they've already logged 20 miles. But no one hates Heartbreak more than participants suffering from runner's knee, a common injury that's exacerbated by running hills.

By Sara Calabro, LAc The Boston marathon takes place this month. One of the race's most infamous stretches is Heartbreak Hill. The relatively modest, half-mile incline can feel impossibly steep to runners after they've already logged 20 miles. But no one hates Heartbreak more than participants suffering from runner's knee, a common injury that's exacerbated by running hills. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32361 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Let's face it, exams are a pain but necessary in patient care. Following a good consultation, a thorough exam will help you confirm your suspicions and document the patient's condition. We don't need to go into the whole realm of examination standards and protocols, let alone the scope of different diagnostic tests available. In the interest of time, we all want to get the most amount of information with the least amount of effort. I want to discuss two simple orthopedic tests you don't have to do. With the following tests, all you have to do is watch the patient.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM Let's face it, exams are a pain but necessary in patient care. Following a good consultation, a thorough exam will help you confirm your suspicions and document the patient's condition. We don't need to go into the whole realm of examination standards and protocols, let alone the scope of different diagnostic tests available. In the interest of time, we all want to get the most amount of information with the least amount of effort. I want to discuss two simple orthopedic tests you don't have to do. With the following tests, all you have to do is watch the patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32358 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

In many cases of stubborn and difficult-to-treat shoulder pain that is accompanied by loss of motion, the subscapularis muscle is often the hidden source. Understanding the role of the subscapularis muscle in shoulder movement and proper treatment of this muscle are extremely important in addressing the root cause of many lingering shoulder conditions that are not responding to treatment.

By Denise Marie Jenderzak, LAc, Dipl. Ac, Dipl. CH. In many cases of stubborn and difficult-to-treat shoulder pain that is accompanied by loss of motion, the subscapularis muscle is often the hidden source. Understanding the role of the subscapularis muscle in shoulder movement and proper treatment of this muscle are extremely important in addressing the root cause of many lingering shoulder conditions that are not responding to treatment. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32355 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Activation of brain areas involved in pain perception are significantly reduced under acupuncture, a study recently found. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) presented the results of a pain processing study at an annual meeting held Nov. 30 for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists.

By Editorial Staff Activation of brain areas involved in pain perception are significantly reduced under acupuncture, a study recently found. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) presented the results of a pain processing study at an annual meeting held Nov. 30 for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32341 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I caught up with a friend of mine who shared a story with me about his practice, in particular about a patient who had been suicidal. The situation with this patient had caused him great distress. Suicidal patients are never easy to treat. Not only must the practitioner be concerned for the physical well-being of the patient, but also for his/her professional safety.

By Constance Scharff, PhD Recently, I caught up with a friend of mine who shared a story with me about his practice, in particular about a patient who had been suicidal. The situation with this patient had caused him great distress. Suicidal patients are never easy to treat. Not only must the practitioner be concerned for the physical well-being of the patient, but also for his/her professional safety. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32339 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Most of us have been daunted by pain at some time in our careers - either personal pain or a client's unrelenting pain that defies all of our creative and intuitive diagnostic and treatment procedures. In Asian medicine, those of us who are avid readers of detective stories and murder mysteries, track clues in teamwork with our clients to pinpoint the source of the pain and an appropriate treatment/or exercise procedure as a contrast to the modern obsession with prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers and any possible hint of addiction.

By Pamela Ellen Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA(R) and GSD-CI, LMT (TX) Most of us have been daunted by pain at some time in our careers - either personal pain or a client's unrelenting pain that defies all of our creative and intuitive diagnostic and treatment procedures. In Asian medicine, those of us who are avid readers of detective stories and murder mysteries, track clues in teamwork with our clients to pinpoint the source of the pain and an appropriate treatment/or exercise procedure as a contrast to the modern obsession with prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers and any possible hint of addiction. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32169 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

It is not uncommon for a patient to come into the office of an acupuncturist complaining of a history of jaw pain, stress and headaches, with a diagnosis of temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD). This can present itself many ways, usually consisting of pain, bruxism (teeth grinding), crepitus (popping/cracking), and decreased range of motion. From a Chinese medical perspective it can fit into an array of patterns. In my practice, the most common differentiation I see is liver xue deficiency, qi stagnation or stomach heat, although they are not the only patterns that can arise. Treating these underlying patterns is essential but for immediate pain relief, I utilize the techniques of Integrative tui na.

By Adrian Hillyer, LAc, LMT It is not uncommon for a patient to come into the office of an acupuncturist complaining of a history of jaw pain, stress and headaches, with a diagnosis of temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD). This can present itself many ways, usually consisting of pain, bruxism (teeth grinding), crepitus (popping/cracking), and decreased range of motion. From a Chinese medical perspective it can fit into an array of patterns. In my practice, the most common differentiation I see is liver xue deficiency, qi stagnation or stomach heat, although they are not the only patterns that can arise. Treating these underlying patterns is essential but for immediate pain relief, I utilize the techniques of Integrative tui na. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32156 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Last year, I had the misfortune to break my hand. The break was treated with a mitten cast for a few weeks and then a wrist splint. Needless to say, a broken hand is very inconvenient for my daily practice. Trying to treat patients with your hand wrapped up like that is very difficult. What was interesting, however, was that nobody ever thought I had broken my hand. I was repeatedly asked about my carpal tunnel syndrome. Even several of my professional colleagues jumped to that conclusion.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM and Kymberlie S. Combs, LMT Last year, I had the misfortune to break my hand. The break was treated with a mitten cast for a few weeks and then a wrist splint. Needless to say, a broken hand is very inconvenient for my daily practice. Trying to treat patients with your hand wrapped up like that is very difficult. What was interesting, however, was that nobody ever thought I had broken my hand. I was repeatedly asked about my carpal tunnel syndrome. Even several of my professional colleagues jumped to that conclusion. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32138 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Veterans can now gain hope for recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a condition that has symptomatic features of recall, arousal and avoidance. The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin (AOMA) partnered with the nonprofit Save A Vet (www.SaveAVet.com) and the Austin Veterans and Family Advocacy Council (AVFAC) to assist in a program called Veterans Team Recovery Integrated Immersion Program (Vet TRIIP). An innovative and creative demonstration project for treating veterans with PTSD and related symptoms, the goal of Vet TRIIP is to assist veterans and their families in returning to peaceful, happy, pro-ductive and successful civilian lives.

By Joe C. Chang, MAOM, Dipl. OM, LAc, Bob Deschner, MS, Chem. Eng, BA Chem. and William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc Veterans can now gain hope for recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a condition that has symptomatic features of recall, arousal and avoidance. The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin (AOMA) partnered with the nonprofit Save A Vet (www.SaveAVet.com) and the Austin Veterans and Family Advocacy Council (AVFAC) to assist in a program called Veterans Team Recovery Integrated Immersion Program (Vet TRIIP). An innovative and creative demonstration project for treating veterans with PTSD and related symptoms, the goal of Vet TRIIP is to assist veterans and their families in returning to peaceful, happy, pro-ductive and successful civilian lives. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31945 2009-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have written in previous articles about the power of treating holographic micro-systems, such as the ear, hand or facial regions. Each of these contains a map of the rest of the body. There is two-way communication between micro-system points and their corresponding body parts. Stress and dysfunction in the liver, for example, can show up on the face through deep vertical lines on the brow (liver area) or through discolorations in the Liver point of the ears.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc I have written in previous articles about the power of treating holographic micro-systems, such as the ear, hand or facial regions. Each of these contains a map of the rest of the body. There is two-way communication between micro-system points and their corresponding body parts. Stress and dysfunction in the liver, for example, can show up on the face through deep vertical lines on the brow (liver area) or through discolorations in the Liver point of the ears. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31683 2008-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2008-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31553 2007-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2007-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Tina Beychok, Associate Editor tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-31450 2007-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2007-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Yin Lo, PhD tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-30354 2006-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2006-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-30135 2005-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2005-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Michael Devitt tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-30103 2005-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2005-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

By John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA) tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-29054 2004-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2004-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Virginia Pham, MS, AP tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-28514 2004-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2004-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-28414 2004-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2004-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-28283 2003-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2003-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Alejandro Katz, MD, OMD, LAc, QME tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-28264 2003-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2003-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-28259 2003-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2003-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

By Editorial Staff