ACUPRESSURE BETTER FOR LOW BACK PAIN THAN PHYSICAL THERAPY
   A study completed at the National Taiwan University in Taipei found Acupressure is a more effective treatment in reducing low back pain than conventional physical therapy.

   A test group of 129 people, identified by researchers as suffering from chronic low pain, were recruited through an orthopedic clinic. Each received a standard disability questionnaire. 65 were assigned a standard physical therapy treatment regimen, and 64 received 6 Acupressure treatments over a one-month period.

   Acupressure (pushing specific points with the fingertips to release tension and increase circulation) utilizes all of the same body points as Acupuncture. To keep the treatment consistent, all of the subjects received treatment from the same therapist.

   The study concluded that Acupressure gave patients better, longer-lasting relief for low back pain. An 89% reduction in disability was reported for the Acupressure group, who also scored better on measures of pain and had fewer days off from work or school.

   Perhaps the most significant conclusion of this study was that when the patients were followed-up six months later, they still had the benefits of the Acupressure treatment.

(DR. DAVID SINGER'S HEALTH REPORTS VOLUME 9 ISSUES 134)
SOURCE: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_30076.html

ACUPUNCTURE HELPS SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT BETTER THAN PHYSICAL THERAPY
   The benefits of Acupuncture in treating Shoulder Impingement Syndrome have been confirmed in a 2005 study conducted by researchers in Sweden. The results showed Acupuncture to provide enhanced healing over traditional ultrasound therapy when administered over a like period of time.

    Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is due to irritation to or a tear in the rotator cuff, or an inflammation of the bursa in the area of shoulder bones. (A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that provides a cushion between a bone and tissues such as skin, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. An inflammation of the bursa is called bursitis.) This occurs mainly in individuals participating in sports or work activities requiring extensive and repeated overhead action, such as in the sports of tennis or swimming or the occupations as painting or construction. Pain occurs when the arm is lifted above shoulder height; the pain often travels down from the shoulder extending as far as the elbow joint.

   85 adults, aged 30-65, who were identified as suffering from some degree of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome for at least 2 months were qualified for the study. Randomly, they were allocated to receive either Acupuncture or ultrasound.

   The acupuncture group received 10 treatment sessions over a 5-week period. The ultrasound group received ultrasound therapy twice weekly over the same 5 weeks. Additionally, a home exercise program was regularly performed and logged by both groups. The aim of the exercise was stimulation of increased circulation and strength conditioning of rotator cuff muscles.

   Testing of the patients at the end of the 5-week period demonstrated more rapid improvement in the Acupuncture group. And, while members of both groups continued to improve in tests conducted in the year to follow, the Acupuncture group continuously showed greater improvement.

   Researchers concluded, "Acupuncture is advocated before ultrasound, in addition to home exercises, for patients with Impingement Syndrome."

(DR. DAVID SINGER'S HEALTH REPORTS VOLUME 9 ISSUES 142)
SOURCE: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2006/mar/03shoulder.html

HOLISTIC MEDICINE NEWS

ACUPUNCTURE HOLDS BENEFITS FOR DIABETES SUFFERERS
Patients with diabetes may have new hope for treatment - Acupuncture.

A recent study conducted in a country exhibiting exceptionally high rates of diabetes in both its general population as well as foreign residents may offer new hope for persons suffering from this condition anywhere in the world.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) demonstrates a very high rate of Type II Diabetes (non-insulin dependent) in its population. Estimates run as high as 25% of the population suffering from diabetes and 90% of these are in the Type II position. Apparently, the cause is both a lack of physical activity and
poor eating habits.

The Acupuncture study was conducted at the Dubai Wellbeing Center and was spurred by the fact that 1 in 3 visitors to the center show signs of diabetes. The 17 doctors from the center administered Acupuncture treatment and traditional diabetes treatments to 60 patients divided into two groups.

The Acupuncture group of 38 patients received treatment at three points administered once daily for 30 days. The control group of 22 took usual diabetes prescribed drugs. Both groups followed the same regulated diet during the study.

Besides the major benefit to the Acupuncture group of marked improvement to their condition, none of the participants showed any side effects to their treatment. Officially, 27 (71%) of this group were successfully treated and only 11 (29%) needed some additional treatment.

In the drug-taking control group, 12 (55%) cases were rated as effectively treated and 8 (36%) significantly helped. However, 20 (91%) of them showed serious side effects to the drugs, including kidney failure.

The study concluded that Acupuncture treatments are a better alternative than existing drug treatments for diabetes and have no side effects. It is another study showing Acupuncture to be effective in a territory beyond only the handling of pain, where many people commonly think the benefits end.

(DR. DAVID SINGER'S HEALTH REPORTS VOLUME 9 ISSUES 138)
SOURCE: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/11/prweb315733.htm

   My overall health started to recover during the first week of treatment: my body got rid of the constant muscle soreness, which can be explained by the improved blood circulation. Within the second week, my dentist noticed the significant progress in my gums' condition. At the end of the first month, my night sweating was gone, and my feet and palms, which used to be constantly wet, have become dry. During this time, Dr. Lee was very kind to take care of some minor but unpleasant issue such as bee sting --- my arm had been swollen for a few days before the needles were used, and the swollenness disappeared within the two following hour; and the over-exercised arms' muscles.

   If you need a painless, non-invasive treatment for your health problems, Dr. Lee can design and implement it! I would recommend Dr. Lee to every woman in the 35-55 age group to maintain health, energy, beauty and youth.

Jenny C. Lee, L. Ac.           Master Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Nutritionist

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