Tag Archive for: inflammation

Fix Knee Pain with Acupuncture…

Acupuncture is good at relieving knee pain due to Arthritis, whether due to Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear type of Arthritis…In general, our parts age as we age.

Osteoarthritis usually affects larger, weight-bearing joints, like hips and knees.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an Auto Immune disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis usually affects smaller, non-weight-bearing joints like knuckles of the fingers.

The joint lining is affected in Rheumatoid Arthritis and can lead to twisted, deformed joints.

 

Both cause pain.

Both cause joint damage.

 

Post-surgery Knee Pain:

Acupuncture is great for lowering the inflammation and swelling after knee surgery and can help heal scars from surgery.

Scars are not just an issue of vanity. They can interfere with the circulation.

This can cause long-term numbness or a feeling of cold sensation at the scar site.

Acupuncture treats knee scars and scars in other areas of the body, too.

 

It is good to wait about six weeks after to treat the actual scar itself.

This is because we want the cell matrix to ensure the build-up of collagen and healthy tissue.

In other words, we do not want to mess with the healing process.

It is creating a scar to protect you for a reason.

Acupuncture can be administered right after surgery, just not right at the scar site before six weeks time.

 

Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve knee pain and to help improve knee function.

Acupuncture is good for almost all types of pain-even long-standing, chronic pain!

Read more Here on How Acupuncture Can Help with Joint Pain in general.

 

Many of my acupuncture patients with bone-on-bone knee pain, have been able to avoid knee replacement surgery for many years!

This can be great for some who are unable to commit to taking the required time off for recovery due to job, etc.

Some just want to buy some time.

Either way, acupuncture lowers inflammation and pain.

 

Are you ready to try acupuncture to relieve pain and start living again?

Schedule Your Acupuncture Here 

 

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Thanks for Reading!

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain-many years after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Aleesha treats pain, energy, and digestion successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your appointment!

 

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson St.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Read, What is Trigger Finger?

Low Thyroid? Hashimoto’s?…Not sure? …

Did you know that 90% of the time Low Thyroid is Hashimoto’s?

Did you know Hashimoto’s is considered an Auto-Immune Thyroid Disease?

Before you give up on ever having enough energy again, losing weight, not feeling cold all the time, growing back your now thinning hair, or thinking you are stuck with this “Brain fog” that keeps you from being on top of your game, ask yourself…

 

–What Can I Do?– 

As overwhelming as it seems, there is actually a lot you can do!

With some lifestyle changes and healing modalities like Acupuncture, your body will slowly heal itself.

You may or may not have to take Thyroid medication.

Either way, cleaning up your lifestyle will give your body and brain the correct “soil” to start to heal

–and you will slowly start to feel better.

 

–Signs/ Symptoms …..How can I Feel Better?–

  • Energy starts to improve and you start feeling like getting out of bed more easily (Better Motivation)
  • Brain fog starts to clear away like parting clouds (Better Mental focus)
  • Mood Lifts (Less Anxiety & Depression)!
  • Weight Loss/ Maintenance (Balanced Metabolism)
  • Libido (healthy sex life)
  • Joint pain improves(Pain Relief)
  • Cold Intolerance (Improve Circulation)
  • Digestion cleans up (Less constipation or diarrhea)
  • Skin rashes & Dry skin Improves (Clearer skin/ Dry Skin Relief)
  • Hair/scalp become healthier again (No more thinning hair) and eyebrows can start to fill-in again-slowly!

 

–What Can I Work on (Lifestyle)?–

Diet / Acupuncture and other healing modalities/ Movement/ Meditation/ Supplements/ Sleep…

 

ACUPUNCTURE: When Acupuncture is Good for Your Thyroid

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that acupuncture can be used to treat thyroid disease.

 

DIET: How can we choose to eat healthy foods that support a low thyroid when the information out there is always changing and there are so many telling us to eat Paleo! or Eat Vegetarian! or Eat Vegan! or Eat Keto!…

Well, I find it easier to think of foods in terms of…

LOW INFLAMMATION DIET. 

So, why eat a Low Inflammation Diet?… Well, as you know Disease is caused by Inflammation.

So what is Inflammation, really?…Well, think of it as a fire. The fire does not go away. It continues to burn…

It becomes chronic…

This chronic,burning inflammation or fire can manifest as skin irritations or with joint pain…Especially if you have been diagnosed with Thyroid Disease or really, any disease. Even when the fire is kept low by good lifestyle, it can continue to smolder. It is our job to keep it down and not add fuel to the fire with high inflammation foods or other stressors which can trigger stress responses in the body, and affect the thyroid. 

Low Inflammation Foods include good, quality fats and proteins, green leafy vegetables and non-processed, non-packaged foods. Good Low Inflammation Fat Examples include: Quality fats like Raw nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, ghee/ clarified butter/ grass-fed butter, rendered fats like rendered duck fat. Be sure to check first with your doctor before starting a new diet.

High Inflammation Foods include things like gluten, refined sugars, simple carbs (think bread products). Even eating a small bite of glutinous food will create inflammation in the body that lasts months. Once we stop eating it and find we can cook and bake other delicious alternatives and avoid all the pain and suffering, avoiding these inflammatory foods becomes easier. I liken it to returning to an abusive relationship and use this example with my patients: we think this time will be different-this time I can handle it-I am stronger somehow this time-last time wasn’t so bad-this time I won’t get burned or hurt-and yet we always do-and it gets worse each time until some of us become very broken and unhealthy. It is our job to look out for our bodies and minds so that we can stay healthy.

Supplements: More than likely You are Low in Magnesium (especially with low thyroid)… 

Read the 7 Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

Often Progesterone is Low with Low Thyroid. (Interestingly enough, Magnesium helps the body with Progesterone balance). So, supplementing with Magnesium is usually a good thing. Read Here Why You Probably Don’t get Enough Magnesium

 

MOVEMENT: Moving the body improves both mind and body, whatever ails you. Specifically for thyroid, good forms of exercise include: Yoga, Qi Gong, Walking and perhaps Jogging or Running. Be sure to check first with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

 

SLEEP: Sleep is crucial to our health and well-being and can help stave off disease. We now know the effects poor sleep can have on the brain…

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Sleep deprivation increases Alzheimer’s protein in the brain.

Basically, the protein plaques which are cleaned up during sleep, are not cleaned up due to lack of quality sleep.

 

I think of the little yellow Pac-Man (gobbling up all the bad plaque in my brain at night when I sleep) and this usually gets my butt to bed in time for 8 hours of sleep. What can I say?- I am a very visual learner.

If visual is one of your more dominant learning styles, you may choose to adopt this method of getting yourself to bed earlier, too!

I am all about doing what works for us as individuals to make ourselves compliant on the big stuff.

 

–Hey, sometimes we have to convince the little kid in us that it really is time for bed!

 

Thanks for Reading!

Check back for more.

 

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street,  with free parking.

Anoka Acupuncture with Aleesha D Ackerman

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

How Does E-Stim Work with Acupuncture to Decrease Pain and Numbness/ Tingling Sensation?

At a patient’s request, I decided to answer the question of HOW e-stim works with acupuncture on today’s post.

 

Later, we can answer the Question, “Should I Get E-stim?”…

 

How E-stimulation Therapy Works…

E-stimulation uses electrical current to cause effect on the tissue being treated.

 

Often a person’s first experience with e-stim is a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation) unit is with a physical therapist who uses it with pads instead of needles.

 

To ensure your safety, be sure to always get acupuncture from a LICENSED acupuncturist, just as you would bring your car to a mechanic and your child to a licensed care provider.  

 

E-stim Action:

  • Stimulating the Muscles to Contract
  • Stimulating Nerves 
  • Increasing blood flow circulation 
  • Lowering inflammation
  • Decreasing Pain
  • Decreasing Spasticity
  • Activate Brainstem & Spinal Cord

-Stimulating nerves acts to decrease pain or to “wake up” the sensation of numbness, usually in extremities.

-Increasing blood flow/ circulation speeds up the healing process.

 

Other Issues E-stim Treats:

How Acupuncture Can Help TBI Patients

Increasing blood circulation by using e-stimulation with acupuncture helps speed up healing time and lower inflammation.

E-stim for Acute (early onset) Trauma:

E-stim lowers pain & swelling caused by the body trying to repair itself. Sometimes the body gets in its own way of healing when the swelling and inflammation lasts too long, causing pain and discomfort. 

 

E-stim works by stimulating larger nerve fibers to override the smaller nerve fibers which are producing the pain. The “Gate” theory is often used to explain how this pain inhibition works, though it is over-simplified for the complexity of how pain and pain blocking actually works.

 

E-stim for Severe, Chronic Pain:

E-stim works on Severe, Chronic pain by…

  • Activating Central Nervous System (CNS) 
  • Activating beta-Endorphins (Analgesic/ Pain-relieving effect)
  • Activating Enkephalins & Orpahnins (Endorphins which Bind to Opioid receptors to reduce pain/ stress)

 

Tips:

  1. Avoid the Exercise or Activity that aggravates the pain for a few days and rest.
  2. See a doctor anytime you feel Pain which is Severe with Sudden onset.
  3. Avoid E-stim if Pregnant or have an implantable device such as a pacemaker (your practitioner should do a complete medical intake to avoid contraindications of treatment).

So, Should You Get E-stim?…

Now, You Can Find Out About the Why/ Where/ When/ Who & What of E-stim with Acupuncture Here!

 

Thanks for reading!

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating Pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and low libido.

 Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Aleesha treats Chronic Pain and Women’s Health successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street close to Andover, MN.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

 

Acupuncture Improves Skin Issues such as Acne, Dermatitis, Dry Skin, Eczema, Rosacea, Scar tissue, Bell’s Palsy and Shingles.

Acne:

Acne is treated by modern Western medicine with mostly topical remedies which include chemicals to attack the issue.

Acne is treated with acupuncture within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is focused on the root cause. This allows acupuncture to improve the skin by focusing on helping the body to balance itself and to remain balanced to avoid the return of this issue.

Aleesha is certified in the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture protocol. This is used to diminish deep wrinkles and erase fine wrinkles. People come in to get help with laugh lines, crow’s feet and lip lines. This is what is known as a 2-for-1 treatment as it treats the body and the face.

More on Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture Here

Contact Aleesha for more information and to get started.

 

Bell’s Palsy

 

Dermatitis:

Acupuncture treats Dermatitis, which is simply inflammation within the skin caused by allergic reaction.

Acupuncture treats Allergies at their root cause!

  • Skin with red appearance
  • Skin with scaly appearance
  • Skin may feel itchy

Examples of Dermatitis:

  • Dander
  • Poison ivy
  • Diaper rash

Is Your Rash Shingles?

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster has very good success rates of avoiding nerve damage if treated soon enough with Acupuncture!

Eczema:

Also known as Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema is commonly inherited from a young age. Acupuncture treats Eczema.

Rosacea:

Redness of the skin:

  • Nose
  • Chin
  • Cheeks
  • Forehead

Rosacea can happen in cycles, usually to fair-skinned complexions, and may get worse as you age. Acupuncture treats Rosacea by cooling the heat within the body and then helping the body to maintain this balance.

Dry Skin:

Dry skin can be due to hormonal imbalances during Perimenopause and Menopause or may be caused by Hypothyroidism. Acupuncture is good at helping the body to balance itself when hormones are out of balance and can help improve dry skin.

Dry skin Tip: During the winter months you may need to use more moisturizing products packed with more emollients like the My Zen Goji berry Argan facial cream sold here at Aleesha D Acupuncture.

Scar tissue:

Scar tissue is common from stretch marks, surgeries and injuries. Acupuncture is great at treating scar tissue! In China, it is used on 3rd degree burns-even on babies with the amazing result of little to no scar. It’s true. The sooner you can get acupuncture for scar treatment, the better the outcome, of course. The same holds true for Shingles (with regard to pain relief). Get acupuncture sooner rather than later.

What You Can Do to Help Your Own Skin…

(Skin Tips for Home Care)…

Dermatitis Home Care:

Soak in an oatmeal bath (be sure it is gluten-free if you are sensitive to gluten) and add a high quality moisturizer immediately afterward. Avoid coming in contact with whatever your skin is sensitive to.

 

Rosacea Home Care:

See a dermatologist earlier, rather than later (left un-treated may develop into large, raised red bumps on nose area).

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher when in the sun.

Avoid stress if this triggers your Rosacea.

Avoid alcohol if this triggers your Rosacea.

Avoid caffeine if this triggers your Rosacea.

Avoid spicy food if this triggers your Rosacea.

Avoid heat if this triggers your Rosacea.

Be careful what you apply to skin (be wary of chemicals).

 

Dry Skin Home Care:

Use an un-refined oil to hydrate skin (and cook with), such as un-refined coconut oil. Un-refined means all the goodness in it has not been cooked out (refined) into rancid oil (rancidity is then covered up using scent to trick you).

Try a natural vitamin E supplement (check with doctor first, especially if on blood thinners)

Drink lots of water (duh!)

Scar Tissue:

Get acupuncture treatment for scar tissue to increase healing time, decrease scarring, improve pain and circulation to the area.

Shingles:

Get in to have your rash evaluated right away to determine if you have Shingles. Get Acupuncture as soon as possible to relieve pain and help avoid long-term nerve damage.

Skin Care in General:

Salves and ointments are often more soothing and may improve absorption in dry, itching or irritated skin.

When to see a Doctor for skin issues:

Any new, severe skin issue that seems to linger and has you worried.

Any moles that change in uniformity, size, shape or color. (Remember the ABCD’s of Signs of Skin Cancer)…

 

ABCD’s of Possible Skin Cancer:

Assymetrical (not the same on both sides)

Border (irregular shape or poorly defined border)

Color (different shades of color from one part to another)

Diameter (6 mm or larger-size of pencil eraser

 

If You have any of the above changes in a mole on your skin, get in to see it evaluated by your dermatologist.

 

Acupuncture helps skin issues by helping the body to balance itself. Be sure to see a licensed acupuncturist.

Thanks for reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

 

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free lots, ramps and street parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

 

 

Acupuncture For Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

“Tennis Elbow” is a repetitive stress injury which causes adhesion and eventually tiny tears in the tendon. Acute (early onset) may be diagnosed as “Tendonitis” whereas “Tendonosis” diagnosis refers to chronic (long-term) trauma of repetitive, overuse activity. Tendons attach muscle to bone. When adhesions (sounds like “adhesive” because it is sticky like glue) form, they impede the gliding movement of tendon over the bone. Now there is pain!  Pain is felt on the outside of the elbow and is easily treated with acupuncture.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Grip weakness
  • Outer elbow pain
  • Pain travels down forearm
  • Dull pain which comes and goes
  • Worse with twisting wrist motions, i.e. twisting open a jar lid or door knob

 

Could my Pain be “Golfer’s Elbow?”

 

Who is At Risk for Tennis Elbow?

  • Anyone with tight forearm muscles from Overuse
  • Tennis/ Racquetball/ Squash players
  • Keyboarding/ Mouse use
  • Construction workers
  • Weight lifters

How to Avoid Tennis Elbow

  • Choose a flexible racquet with a large sweet spot (mid-size or over-sized).  This type of racquet is gentle on the forearm because of how it absorbs and spreads out the impact.
  • Use proper posture and body mechanics when weight lifting, playing racquet sports and other activities.
  • Choose the correct grip on tennis racquet and other sports equipment or tools
  • Avoid gripping too tightly while using tools
  • Choose newer tennis balls (more pressurized)
  • Eat a low-inflammation Diet
  • Regular Cross Training & Yoga for Whole Body Strength

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

Acupuncture is good at treating almost all types of pain, including Tennis Elbow. Aleesha D Acupuncture treats tennis elbow effectively. Sometimes “dry needling” technique is used whereby needling is administered to the damaged areas of the tendon of the elbow.

At Home Care

  • Apply heat as needed
  • Rest and Elevate the affected arm
  • Modify exercise/ activity to avoid pain
  • Avoid movements which aggravate the pain
  • Improve Flexibility and Strength with Daily Forearm/ Wrist Stretches
  • Compression sleeve/ brace can reduce gripping pressure (relying on too heavily can lead to further adhesion and pain)

StrengtheningExercise

Grip Strengthening Exercise (Squeeze stress ball)

Exercises to Prevent Tennis Elbow

  • Wrist Flexion/ Extension
  • Wrist Supination/ Pronation
  • Tricep Extensions

Be sure to use proper body mechanics to avoid stressing the wrist and elbow.

Resources

  • International Tennis Federation

Conclusion

To avoid Tennis Elbow, eat a low-inflammation diet and use proper body mechanics, avoiding overuse movements. To recover from Tennis Elbow, change your activity to avoid aggravating the affected elbow. Try acupuncture for Tennis Elbow pain and follow through with recommended amount of treatments. See a Physical Therapist if elbow pain or weakness persists after a few months of the before-mentioned and follow-through with the routine recommended.

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

Aleesha became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of her debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Read the patient Testimonials for yourself.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located near Highway 10 in historic downtown Anoka at 207 E Main Street next to Peterson’s Shoes with free parking.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

 

 

Acupuncture for Car Accident Injury and Pain (Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN)

Acupuncture for Back Pain, Neck Pain and Headaches after Auto Injury 

Acupuncture can help relieve back pain, neck pain and headaches due to auto accident injury. Low back pain, neck tension and recurring headaches or migraine are common after car accidents and many people see great results with acupuncture.

Why Get Acupuncture for Neck Pain?

Acupuncture helps with sore neck due to whiplash (subluxation) after auto accident. After a car accident imaging such as fMRI often shows nothing is wrong, though a patient is still suffering from aches and pains. This is because muscles and ligaments may be strained in the neck, causing pain. Acupuncture helps lower inflammation and trigger point acupuncture helps release tight muscles to relieve pain. Acupuncture can also relieve chronic neck pain by breaking up scar tissue within the muscle fascia, left over from old auto accident injuries. This helps relieve muscle spasm pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

Acupuncture for Migraine Headaches

Migraine Headache Testimonial

Acupuncture helps relieve headaches and migraines after auto accident, whether the headache pain is located at the base of the neck, the forehead, temples, top of the head, jaw/ facial pain or pain all over the entire head. Acupuncture helps all types of headaches, whatever the root cause.

Read about how I beat migraine headaches

  • Allergy headaches
  • Cluster headaches
  • Migraine headaches
  • Muscle tension headaches
  • Sinus headaches
  • Stress-related headaches
  • TMJ (temporal mandibular jaw syndrome) headaches
  • Trigeminal neuralgia headaches

 

Acupuncture for Back Pain

Back Pain Patient Testimonial

Acupuncture is well known for improving acute back pain, whether due to muscle strain or herniated disc, also known as a “slipped” disc or spondylolisthesis (where a disc slips over the vertebra beneath it). Acupuncture is also good for congenital (since birth) back pain, such as pain of spina bifida. Acupuncture is good for chronic back pain due to many reasons, including arthritis pain and degenerative disc disease.

  • Acute (recent) back pain
  • Chronic (long-term) back pain
  • Congenital (since birth) back pain

What is the Science behind How Acupuncture Decreases Pain?

Acupuncture decreases pain by inciting the body to release specific endorphins which relieve pain, acupuncture increases Qi and blood (circulation) to the affected area and decreases inflammation in the body (inflammation causes pain and chronic inflammation causes disease).

  • Acupuncture releases Pain-relieving endorphins (hormones)
  • Acupuncture increases circulation
  • Acupuncture lowers inflammation

 

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Why try Acupuncture For Pain?

Acupuncture works for pain relief (well-researched for pain relief) and is a medical treatment alternative to medications which may be habit-forming (addictive) and may lead to further issues. Some patients find they are able to avoid back surgery for pain after acupuncture treatments.

Licensed acupuncturists look for the root cause of the pain instead of merely treating and covering up the symptoms, in order to not only stop the pain, but also keep the pain from returning (prevention).

For instance, three people may present with headaches and instead of giving each individual the same pill or using the same set of prescribed acupuncture points, they are each asked detailed questions in order to find out the root cause, i.e., genetics, hormonal, allergies, stress, physical trauma due to injury, etc.

  • Research proves acupuncture is effective for treating pain
  • Acupuncture treats the root cause, not just the symptoms
  • Acupuncture treats the individual (treatments are specific to each individual)
  • Acupuncture is an effective alternative to pain killers and sometimes to recommended surgery

How Many Acupuncture Treatments?

Acupuncture should relieve pain within about three treatments and significant pain relief should happen after about six treatments, in general. However, individuals react differently to acupuncture and many factors need to be considered such as, how long the issue has been around (chronic versus acute pain), compliance or how well patient follows practitioner recommendations, such as frequency of treatments and at-home-care, other factors like age, overall health of the individual and how quickly one’s body responds to acupuncture.

Contact Aleesha D Acupuncture today for an appointment to relieve your pain. Feel better, Move forward. 

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha is a licensed acupuncturist who owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health issues. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha became interested in Acupuncture and holistic healing after living in chronic pain for seventeen years, following a life-altering auto accident in high school. She now enjoys life again with family and friends since acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraines.

Aleesha specializes in treating chronic and acute Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, mood imbalance and low libido.

Hot flashes Patient Testimonial

Aleesha D Acupuncture is conveniently located at 207 E Main Street in historic downtown Anoka with free street parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain (Pain and Women’s Health near Andover, MN)

Acupuncture Treats Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is relieved with acupuncture, whether due to overuse injury or wear and tear injury, such as rotator cuff injury with the consequence of decreased range of motion.

Acupuncture treats pinched or entrapped nerve such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Cervical Radiculopathy with numbness or pins and needles sensation.

Types of Shoulder Pain Acupuncture Can Treat

This is because acupuncture is good at treating all types of pain, including all types of shoulder pain. Acupuncture treats shoulder pain due to many root causes; overuse injury, nerve entrapment, auto injury, arthritis, or due to long-term mobilization of arm post-surgery (shoulder stabilized with a sling or cast).

Types of Pain in General that Acupuncture Treats 

Acupuncture treats pain due to inflammation and blocked qi (stagnated energy or circulation). It can help with inflammation after surgery or injury.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

What is NOT Fixed by Acupuncture

However, acupuncture does not repair structural issues, such as broken bones or snapped or severed tendons. Acupuncture should never be used in place of emergency medical care or necessary surgery. There have been many instances where patients or prospective patients have approached me to “fix” such structural issues and I, of course have referred them back to the surgeon/ specialist before they get to the point of no return, i.e., damaged tendons or progressive nerve damage.

Acupuncture, Pain, Inflammation and Range of Motion

Acupuncture, can however help repair an injury more quickly by bringing in fresh qi and blood (improving circulation) in the area. For example, acupuncture can help heal scar tissue after injury or surgery by breaking up the scar tissue to improve sensation and mobility or range of motion to the site.

How Soon Should You Notice Results with Acupuncture?

Typically, acupuncture should improve pain within three treatments. More may be needed for significant improvement, especially if the pain or issue has been around longer (chronic).

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha is a licensed acupuncturist who owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health issues. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and became interested in Acupuncture and holistic healing when acupuncture helped relieve her daily chronic pain she endured for almost two decades after a semi-truck accident in high school left her with debilitating migraines. Read more about Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha specializes in treating Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, mood imbalance and low libido.

Call 763-762-7142 to schedule an acupuncture appointment at Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

Is This Sciatica Pain?

Sciatic pain is usually unilateral pain or pain felt on one side only. Sciatic pain involves low back pain and can start in the low back, sacrum and buttocks, traveling from there to the front, side or back of the leg. From there the pain can travel all the way down to the ankle. Sciatic pain can also include numbness or pins and needles sensation.

  • Difficulty getting in/out of vehicle (May need to lift one leg)
  • Worse with sitting too long
  • Worse with standing stationary

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to the back pain, leg pain and hip pain felt on one side which is caused by the Sciatic nerve which becomes inflamed. Inflammation in the sciatic nerve usually starts after trauma to the body, such as a fall, incorrectly lifting or twisting, extra weight of pregnancy or after surgery. Sciatica basically involves nerve entrapment whereby the inflammation around the nerve causes less room for the nerve to move freely within the muscle and the nerve ultimately becomes entrapped.

 

What Else Causes Sciatica?

  • Herniated disc
  • Sedentary lifestyle (sitting too long)
  • Diabetes

 

Can Acupuncture Help Sciatic Pain?

Yes, acupuncture is very good at treating and resolving back pain, hip pain and leg pain and numbness due to sciatica.

In fact, the National Institute of Health (N.I.H.) recognizes that acupuncture treats sciatic pain and back pain.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

 

How many Acupuncture treatments are needed for Sciatic Pain?

As with any main complaint, the severity and how long the pain has been going on will determine how many treatments of acupuncture will resolve sciatic pain. Typically, the longer or more chronic something is, the more treatments it will take. Acute or more recent onset usually resolves in less treatments.

On average, acute (recent) issues resolve within 4-6 acupuncture treatments. Chronic (longer-standing) issues may take more treatments.

 

How soon will I notice results with Acupuncture?

You should see significant improvement in sciatic pain within 3-4 treatments of acupuncture.

 

When to see a Doctor

  • Loss of bowel or bladder function!
  • Weakness or lack of sensation
  • Pain or numbness after trauma

 

Great Yoga Pose for Sciatica…

  • Fire Log
  • Bridge Pose
  • Pigeon

Fire Log is a great sitting yoga stretch for Sciatica pain and Piriformis Syndrome that opens-up the hips and tight piriformis muscles (where sciatic nerve is often entrapped).

Pigeon is also great for tight hip flexors.

Bridge pose is also good for keeping the back strengthened and keeping glutes lifted.

 

Acupuncture is a useful medical treatment for low back pain and numbness due to Sciatica.

Call 763-762-7142 or Schedule online with Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka.

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha is a licensed acupuncturist. She owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka, MN. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha was first turned on to acupuncture due to her chronic, debilitating migraine headaches following an auto accident with a semi-truck during high school. Read more about Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc specializes in treating Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and PMS.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

 

Why Try Acupuncture for Allergies?

Acupuncture is a medical treatment for Allergies. Many choose acupuncture over medications to help keep their seasonal allergies under control, especially during Spring and Fall seasons when pollen from trees and flowers are at their peak.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Acupuncture: Alternative Treatment to Allergy Medication

Unlike over the counter medications, Acupuncture is a natural treatment for allergies and does not cause side effects, such as hours of drowsiness. Acupuncture is also not habit forming (addictive) like many nasal sprays. Acupuncture helps the body balance itself in Anoka.

Seasonal Allergies 

Spring is the time of suffering for many with seasonal allergies. Just as the last bit of snow melts to  release the molds and pollen, these are then carried by the wind into our lungs and sinus tissues.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies:

  • Sneezing
  • Facial pain
  • Sinus congestion
  • Sinus headaches
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Sore throat (post-nasal drip)
  • Temporal headache (headache in the temples)

Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka treats allergy symptoms such as; sneezing, facial pain, sinus congestion, sinus headache, itching and watering eyes, sore throat due to post-nasal drip and temporal headaches.

How Does Acupuncture Treat Seasonal Allergies?

The body’s immune system reacts to allergens with an inflammatory response by making histamine. Histamine is the body’s reaction which causes all the allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes.

Acupuncture works by lowering inflammation in the body. Acupuncture helps many achieve relief of their sneezing, wheezing, watery, itching eyes and sinus congestion associated with seasonal allergies.

Allergies and Anxiety

Did you know that Anxiety often times occurs with allergies? Aleesha D Acupuncture treats Anxiety and Allergies with great success.

Allergies and Sinus Headaches 

Acupuncture treats sinus headaches and congestion due to seasonal allergies. Schedule with a licensed acupuncturist in your area. Be sure to ask if the acupuncturist is licensed for your safety.

Be sure to read next week’s blog; “What is Cupping?”

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha is a licensed acupuncturist. She owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka, MN. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha was first turned on to acupuncture due to her chronic, debilitating migraine headaches following an auto accident with a semi-truck during high school. Read more about Aleesha’s story here.

Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc specializes in treating Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and PMS.

Call 763-762-7142 or Schedule online with Aleesha at AnokaAcupuncture.com

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

 

Shingles: What Is It? Can Acupuncture treat it (in Anoka, MN)?

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a painful skin rash that, left un-treated can cause long-term nerve damage and residual nerve pain.

 

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus called Herpes Zoster, a latent chicken pox virus. Once someone has had chicken pox (usually as a child) the virus goes dormant within the body. Most never have to deal with it again.

However, some experience this dormant virus being “re-activated” within the nerve cells by stress and a lowered immune system, particularly after the age of 50.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles looks like a red rash, usually on one side of the body around the ribs, scalp, face, neck and arm (possibly lower body). Sores may blister, burst open and crust over.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

It is best to have acupuncture treatments right away, in order for optimal results. Waiting too long may result in nerve damage and long-term nerve pain which may include burning, tingling pain and headaches, sometimes lasting months to years…

Acupuncture may still help at this later stage, though it will be limited to reducing symptoms, not resolving them if long-term nerve damage has taken root.

Schedule your acupuncture appointment at Aleesha D Acupuncture today.

 

Acupuncture treats Shingles by treating the overall TCM patterns of Wind Heat and by clearing Blood Heat and what is called Dampness. It also treats the Channels (energy pathways) and local areas affected.

  • Acupuncture lowers inflammation
  • Acupuncture may help avoid nerve damage
  • Acupuncture helps other symptoms:
    • Headaches
    • Nausea
    • Nerve pain
    • Fatigue
    • Stress
    • Acupuncture helps strengthen weak immune system
      • This helps fight the virus
      • This helps virus return to dormant state

Conventional (Western Medicine) Treatment:

Medications include:

  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds
  • Prescription narcotics
  • Steroids
  • Antihistamines (for itching)
  • Anti-viral drugs at onset (may reduce severity)

Risk Factors

  • A weakened immunity
  • Age 50 and older
  • Higher risk of a complication called Post-herpetic Neuralgia (nerve pain may become chronic if not treated)

 

Facts

  • You cannot catch Shingles from someone from Shingles
  • Shingles is due to latent chicken pox virus
  • You may catch chicken pox from someone with Shingles

(if you have not had chicken pox)

Tips to Use at Home

  • Visit a licensed acupuncturist during acute (early) stage
  • Apply topical capsaicin cream
  • Apply turmeric paste (may stain clothing and skin)
  • Apply a tincture of myrrh to the affected area 3x daily
  • A vaccine is available called Zostavax (50% success rate)
  • Your licensed acupuncturist may also go over other lifestyle recommendations according to your pattern, including diet and stress reduction tips.

Prompt treatment is important to avoid complications, especially if severe, whether seeking Acupuncture treatment as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Western Medical treatment.

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha Ackerman treats all types of pain including headache, migraine and back pain. She specializes in Women’s health treating patients with Anxiety, Mild to Moderate Depression, Endometriosis, Auto Immune Disease such as Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid Disease and syndromes such as Fibromyalgia.

Aleesha treats low mood and energy using acupuncture, TCM diet and other lifestyle recommendations when appropriate to you as an individual.

To schedule with Aleesha, visit AleeshadAcupuncture.com

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care.

No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturists Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Blaine, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Maple Grove, Osseo, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Spring Lake Park and Ramsey, MN 55303.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55434, 55449, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro and Minneapolis area.