Neurological Health
‘Helping your body’s natural intelligence to restore balance’
Conditions seen for treatment with acupuncture:
Migraines
Studies suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial for certain individuals suffering from migraines. Here are some ways acupuncture may be helpful for migraines:
1. Pain Relief: Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. By activating specific points associated with pain relief, acupuncture may help alleviate migraine-related discomfort.
2. Reducing Frequency and Severity: Some research indicates that regular acupuncture sessions may lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines. The cumulative effect of acupuncture treatments may contribute to long-term improvements in migraine symptoms.
3. Regulating Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture is believed to influence the release and balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, pain perception, and the regulation of vascular tone, potentially impacting migraine development.
4. Improving Blood Flow: Acupuncture may enhance blood circulation, including blood flow to the brain. Improved blood flow can be beneficial for individuals prone to migraines, as changes in blood flow are thought to be involved in the initiation of migraine attacks.
5. Stress Reduction: Stress is a common trigger for migraines, and acupuncture is known for its stress-reducing effects. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, acupuncture may help minimize the likelihood of migraine episodes in susceptible individuals.
It's important to note that the response to acupuncture can vary from person to person, and while some individuals may experience significant relief, others may not find it as effective. Additionally, acupuncture is often used as part of a comprehensive approach to migraine management, which may include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and conventional medical treatments.
Before starting acupuncture or any alternative therapy for migraines, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it is a safe and appropriate option for your specific condition. Acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or prescribed medications for migraines.
Vertigo / Dizzeness
Some people find relief from symptoms of vertigo through acupuncture. Here's how acupuncture may be beneficial:
1. Regulating Vestibular Function: The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Acupuncture is believed to influence the function of the vestibular system, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms of vertigo.
2. Improving Blood Flow: Acupuncture may enhance blood circulation, including blood flow to the inner ear. Improved blood circulation can contribute to the overall health of the vestibular system.
3. Reducing Muscle Tension: Tension in the neck and shoulder muscles can sometimes contribute to vertigo. Acupuncture may help relax these muscles, reducing tension and promoting a sense of balance.
4. Stress Reduction: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate vertigo symptoms. Acupuncture is known for its stress-reducing effects, which may indirectly help alleviate vertigo by promoting relaxation.
It's essential to note that while some individuals may find relief from vertigo symptoms through acupuncture, individual responses can vary.
Tiredness /Fatigue
Fatigue is a common and often complex symptom that can result from various factors, including medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and emotional well-being. While acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote balance, it's important to note that the effectiveness of acupuncture for fatigue can vary among individuals.
Here are ways in which acupuncture may be considered beneficial for managing fatigue:
1. Increased Energy Flow: In traditional Chinese medicine, fatigue is often associated with an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi (energy). Acupuncture aims to restore the balance and smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, potentially helping to alleviate feelings of fatigue.
2. Stress Reduction: Acupuncture is known for its stress-reducing effects. Chronic stress can contribute to fatigue, and by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, acupuncture may indirectly help improve energy levels.
3. Improved Sleep Quality: Fatigue is often linked to poor sleep quality. Acupuncture may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve overall sleep, contributing to better-rested individuals who are less prone to fatigue.
4. Enhanced Circulation: Acupuncture is believed to improve blood circulation. Better circulation can ensure that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to cells and tissues, potentially reducing feelings of fatigue.
5. Balancing Hormones: Acupuncture may influence the release of hormones, such as endorphins and cortisol. Balancing these hormones can have positive effects on mood and energy levels.
It's essential to approach acupuncture as a complementary therapy rather than a standalone solution for fatigue. Before considering acupuncture, it's advisable to consult with healthcare professionals to identify and address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to fatigue.
Individual responses to acupuncture can vary, and it may require multiple sessions to observe significant effects.
General Tips to Address Tiredness
1. Evaluate Sleep Quality: Ensure you are getting enough quality sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule. Create a sleep-friendly environment, including a comfortable mattress and pillows, and minimize screen time before bedtime.
2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to fatigue. Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to maintain hydration levels.
3. Balanced Diet: Eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals, and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and sugary foods, as they can lead to energy crashes.
4. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, as it can improve energy levels, enhance mood, and promote better sleep. Start with activities you enjoy and gradually increase intensity.
5. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can lead to fatigue. Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation exercises.
6. Limit Stimulants: Reduce intake of stimulants like caffeine, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. Excessive stimulant consumption can disrupt sleep patterns.
7. Rule Out Medical Conditions: If fatigue persists despite lifestyle changes, consult with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical conditions such as anaemia, thyroid disorders, sleep apnoea, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
8. Acupuncture, while research is ongoing, some studies suggest that acupuncture may help with fatigue.
Stroke Recovery
Stroke recovery is a complex process that often involves a combination of medical treatments, rehabilitation, and support. Acupuncture is one of the complementary therapies that some individuals explore as part of their stroke recovery journey. While research on the effectiveness of acupuncture in stroke recovery is ongoing and results can vary, there are ways in which acupuncture may be beneficial:
1. Motor Function Improvement: Acupuncture may help stimulate nerve pathways and improve blood circulation, potentially contributing to enhanced motor function and recovery of movement in affected limbs.
2. Reducing Muscle Spasms and Stiffness: Stroke survivors often experience muscle stiffness and spasms. Acupuncture may help relax muscles and reduce spasticity, improving overall mobility.
3. Pain Management: Chronic pain is a common issue during stroke recovery. Acupuncture is known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects and may help manage pain associated with muscle tightness, joint stiffness, or nerve damage.
4. Improving Balance and Coordination: Acupuncture may have positive effects on the central nervous system, potentially aiding in the improvement of balance and coordination, which are often affected after a stroke.
5. Emotional Well-being: Stroke recovery can be emotionally challenging. Acupuncture is thought to have a calming effect on the nervous system and may help reduce anxiety and improve mood, contributing to overall well-being.
It's important to note that acupuncture should be approached as a complementary therapy and not a replacement for conventional medical treatments and rehabilitation. Stroke recovery typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
Before incorporating acupuncture or any other complementary therapy into a stroke recovery plan, it's crucial to consult with the healthcare team overseeing the recovery.
Every stroke survivor's situation is unique, so it's essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive and personalized recovery plan.
Fibromyalgia
Acupuncture is one such complementary therapy that some individuals with fibromyalgia explore for symptom relief. Here are ways in which acupuncture may be beneficial:
1. Pain Relief: Acupuncture is known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. By inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, helping to alleviate pain associated with fibromyalgia.
2. Improving Sleep Quality: Sleep disturbances are common in fibromyalgia. Acupuncture may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve overall sleep quality, contributing to better rest for individuals with fibromyalgia.
3. Reducing Fatigue: Acupuncture is believed to boost energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with fibromyalgia, who often experience persistent fatigue as a symptom.
4. Balancing the Nervous System: Acupuncture is thought to modulate the autonomic nervous system, helping to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. This may contribute to a sense of relaxation and reduce the heightened stress response often associated with fibromyalgia.
5. Enhancing Circulation: Acupuncture is believed to improve blood circulation, potentially reducing muscle stiffness, and promoting better oxygenation of tissues. Improved circulation may alleviate some of the discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.
It's important to note that the response to acupuncture can vary among individuals, and it may not provide the same level of benefit for everyone. Additionally, acupuncture is often used as part of a comprehensive approach to fibromyalgia management, which may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Parkinson’ Disease
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the brain cells that produce dopamine. Integrative care with acupuncture may help relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The goal of acupuncture treatment for Parkinson’s is to slow down the progression of the disease and help to maintain mobility and cognitive function. Several studies have found that acupuncture used in combination with conventional pharmacological treatment is a safe and effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Joanne has undertaken specialist addition training in Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) for treatment neurological conditions and pain.
Lee, S & Lim, S. (2017). Clinical effectiveness of acupuncture on Parkinson’s Disease. A Prisma compliant systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 936 (3).
Li,K et al. (2023). Electroacupuncture for motor dysfunction and constipation in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a randomised controlled multi centre trial. The Lancet.com, 56 (February.