Tag Archive for: acupuncture

Acupuncture for parkinson's disease - the mechanism explained

Parkinson’s disease – acupuncture helps to regulate dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals within the brain and other areas of the body. It is involved in many essential functions, including movement, motivation, reward, and the regulation of mood.

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra start to degenerate and die. This leads to a decline in dopamine levels, which disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters needed for smooth and coordinated movement. As a result, the characteristic motor symptoms of PD, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability, begin to manifest.

The primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease involves the use of medications that either replenish dopamine levels or mimic its effects.

To investigate the effect of acupuncture on dopamine levels, the lead researcher Sabina Lim at Kyung Hee University in Seoul used a standard mouse model of inducing Parkinson’s disease, in which injections of a chemical known as MPTP kill off brain cells that manufacture dopamine.

Some of the injected mice were then administered acupuncture specific to treatment of Parkinson’s. Another group of mice received acupuncture in two spots on the hips, not believed to be effective for Parkinson’s, while a third group had no acupuncture at all.

By the end of seven days, the MPTP injections had decreased dopamine levels, both in the mice that had not had acupuncture, and in the mice that received ‘pretend’ acupuncture, to about half the normal amount. But in the acupuncture-treated group, dopamine levels declined much less steeply, and nearly 80% of the dopamine remained.

The study has been published in Brain Research1. (ANI)

This groundbreaking research invites us to consider acupuncture’s hidden potential as an ally in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

NZ general practitioners embrace acupuncture

New Zealand GPs embrace acupuncture

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, it is intriguing to observe the increasing incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into mainstream medical practice. A recent survey of 300 New Zealand general practitioners highlights a promising trend in the integration of acupuncture into their daily practice.

A Growing Interest in Acupuncture:

The survey unveiled that an impressive 95% of the participating doctors referred patients to one or more forms of complementary and alternative medicine, while 20% practiced these therapies themselves. Notably, acupuncture emerged as the most common CAM therapy practiced by GPs/family doctors in New Zealand.

Pursuing Education in CAM Therapies:

The study also shed light on the extent to which medical professionals pursued formal education in these areas. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported having undergone formal training, while 29% indicated they were self-educated in one or more CAM therapies.

The Future of CAM in Medical Education:

As the medical community increasingly recognises the potential of CAM therapies, such as acupuncture, it’s no surprise that a significant portion of surveyed doctors – 67% to be precise – expressed their belief that CAM should be included in conventional medical education as an overview.

Conclusion:

The integration of CAM therapies, particularly acupuncture, into New Zealand’s mainstream medical practice illustrates a growing recognition of the benefits these therapies offer. As medical professionals continue to pursue formal and informal education in these areas, we can anticipate a more holistic approach to healthcare that effectively combines conventional medicine with CAM therapies to provide the best possible care to patients.

A visit to the hospital can include acupuncture

3 August 2004

Following an NHS lead in the UK, the Green Party is advocating for hospital visits to include alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, osteopathy, and homeopathic medicines. This initiative is backed by a recent report on complementary and alternative health treatments.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee recommends public funding for alternative practices deemed safe. Green Party health spokesperson Sue Kedgley supports fully integrating these practitioners into the healthcare system.

Kedgley envisions a future where healthcare providers can offer complementary treatments alongside traditional methods when appropriate and effective, expanding patient options and potentially improving outcomes.