What Can Acupuncture Treat? In an official report, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, the World Health Organization has listed the following symptoms, diseases and conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture: Acute & Chronic Gastritis Peptic Ulcer Acute Epigastralgia Primary Dysmenorrhea Bilary Colic Acute Bacillary Dysentery Allergic Rhinitis/ Hay Fever Morning Sickness Nausea and Vomiting High Blood Pressure Stroke Low Blood Pressure Malposition of the Fetus Renal Colic Rheumatoid Arthritis Tempromandibular Pain (TMJ) Leucopenia Induction of Labor Postoperative Pain Sprains/ Strains Headache/ Migraines Periarthritis of the Shoulder Knee Pain Tennis Elbow Depression Sciatica Neck Pain Trigeminal Neuralgia Facial Pain Low Back Pain Dental Pain Asthma Menopause Menstruation (PMS) Adverse Reaction to Radiation or Chemotherapy OTHER CONDITIONS THAT RESPOND VERY WELL TO ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT: Macular Degeneration Bedwetting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Bronchitis Digestive Problems Cataracts Earache Diabetes Hypoglycemia Dermatitis Addiction Treatment Hormone Imbalance Insomnia Irritable Bowel Syndrome Examples: Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)  Signs and Symptoms:   The syndrome intermittently affects about 1/3 of all pre-menopausal women, 25-40 years of age. Although not every woman experiences all the symptoms or signs at one time, many describe bloating, breast pain, ankle swelling, a sense of increased weight, skin disorders, irritability, aggressiveness, depression, inability to concentrate, libido change, lethargy and food cravings.   Conventional Treatment:   Treatment by oral contraception, which suppresses ovulation, is sometimes helpful, but patients often complain they still have many of the symptoms of PMS. Most treatments are geared toward reducing the symptoms, but do not address the underlying causes.   Traditional Chinese Diagnosis:   The diagnosis is based on findings from the physical examination, electro-diagnostics, and common symptom patterns that the patient exhibits. PMS can be due to one or more of the following syndromes:   ·        Damp Heat in the Liver & Gallbladder ·        Liver Qi Invading the Spleen ·        Liver Qi Invading the Stomach ·        Liver Qi Stagnation   Traditional Chinese Treatment:   The choice of acupuncture points, Chinese herbs, and nutritional supplements are chosen after a diagnosis is made. The treatments are designed to help restore normal function and to provide healing to the affected areas. Many start to notice improvement after only a few treatments, however, some of the syndromes may require a series of treatments before PMS is completely resolved. Asthma   Asthma is an inflammatory respiratory illness characterized by mild to severe difficulty in breathing. This is caused by constriction and swelling of the airways, along with an increase in secretions of mucus, which plugs up the smaller passages. As a result, air cannot get into or out of the lungs as easily as it usually does. Wheezing results as air squeaks through the narrowed and inflamed air passages.   Conventional Treatment:   Steroids and bronchodilators are the current treatment of choice for chronic asthma. They work by decreasing the swelling and inflammation of the airways. However, they have potentially significant side effects, especially when taken for long periods of time. Side effects can range from restlessness, insomnia, headache, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, behavioral problems and learning disabilities.   Traditional Chinese Diagnosis:   The proper TCM diagnosis is based upon elecro-diagnostic findings, physical examination findings, and common symptom patterns the patient exhibits. Asthma may be due to one or more of the following syndromes:   ·          Lung Heat or Lung Cold ·          Lung and Kidney Deficiencies ·          Lung Qi Deficiencies ·          Toxic Heat   Traditional Chinese Treatment:   Treatment is aimed at eliminating or correcting the syndrome through the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutrition. These together, aide in healing and reinforce the patient between treatments. We have had great success in treating asthma and most patients start to notice improvement in just 3 to 7 treatments.