Two issues ago, Acupuncture Today reported on the efforts of individual acupuncturists to aid the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The outpouring of support demonstrated by the acupuncture profession in the past few months has been nothing short of remarkable, as dozens of practitioners have volunteered their time throughout the Gulf Coast region to help people affected by Katrina. In the meantime, suppliers, schools, and state and national associations have all made significant contributions, working together to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of food, clothing, acupuncture needles, herbal remedies, and other items to provide much-needed relief.
Although it is now more than 110 days since Hurricane Katrina made landfall, the effects of the hurricane will continue to be felt by the residents of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi for many months, perhaps years, to come. Fortunately, the acupuncture community hasn't forgotten the victims of Katrina; even now, practitioners continue to stream into New Orleans and other cities along the Gulf Coast, providing aid and comfort when possible, and doing their best to make the lives of the hurricane victims better.
Acupuncture can provide constipation relief while maintaining a healthy pregnancy. A combination of San Jiao 6 (Zhi Gou) and Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) is excellent for treating constipation during pregnancy. San Jiao 6 is the shu-stream and fire point of the San Jiao channel. It can regulate the qi of the three jiaos, unblock the qi of the fu organs, descend counterflow fire, open the orifices, activate the collaterals to disperse stagnation, and eliminate distention to stop pain.
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
Mitochondria, the cell’s “powerhouses,” generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), regulate oxidative stress, and coordinate vital cellular functions. When mitochondrial health declines, patients may experience widespread effects, from impaired muscle recovery to cognitive decline. The mitochondrial theory of aging even suggests progressive mitochondrial deterioration is a central mechanism in chronic disease and systemic frailty. Photobiomodulation (PBM), the therapeutic use of red and near-infrared light, directly targets mitochondria to restore energy metabolism.
