Ruth Tongen owns Synergy Health, LLC, a private practice in Edina, Minnesota. She received her master's degree in Oriental medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is licensed as an acupuncturist by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Ruth also has a bachelor's of science in nursing from the University of North Dakota and has held staff, executive and consulting roles in acute care, long-term care, research, and employee health. She is also credentialed in human resources and combines her backgrounds to serve people moving through major transitions and living with chronic conditions.
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.
In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 20 including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability, often managed with pharmacological and surgical interventions. However, acupuncture has long been used as a non-invasive treatment for knee pain, and recent research provides new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
