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Asthma Basics:

Anyone who has had or is close to someone who has had an asthma attack knows the characteristic shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and feeling of suffocation, as well as the nervousness, sense of helplessness, fear and even panic that ensues.


Asthma varies in severity, from mild wheezing and shortness of breath to life-threatening respiratory failure. In many cases, it requires constant awareness and management. Though the triggers vary from person to person, it has been determined that an inflammation of the airway leads to a contraction of the airway muscles, production of mucous and swelling of the airways. Asthma, like allergies, is an immune system imbalance,  leading to hypersensitivity, inflammation and broncho-constriction.


Though it can arise at any age, half of all cases first occur in children under age 10, affecting twice as many boys as girls. It is the cause of over 10 million school days missed per year, and it is the number one reason that children are hospitalized.



Picture of Doctor Showing Child Asthma Inhaler


Asthma is on the Rise:

According to the Asthma and Allergy foundation of America, as of 2001, an estimated 17 million Americans suffer from asthma. 5 million are under age 18 (1 in every 20 children). Everyday, 14 Americans die from asthma. And, the Center for Disease Control expects that the number of Americans with asthma will rise to 30 million by the year 2020. Here in Tampa Bay, over 100,000 people have been diagnosed with this disease.


Not only is asthma on the rise, but in many cases our current medical technology is not able to keep up with it. I have met several very scared parents whose children are on 7 to 10 medications every day, and are making 2 to 4 visits to the E.R. each month.


Triggers of Asthma:

Asthma can be extrinsic: triggered by sensitivity to specific external allergens. Common extrinsic allergens include pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mites; irritants, such as cigarette smoke, household cleaners, room fresheners, candles, incense, paint, varnish, talcum powder, chalk dust and other air pollutants; as well as food additives including sulfites. Extrinsic asthma is often accompanied by other allergic symptoms such as eczema or sinus allergies.


Asthma can also be classified as intrinsic. Here, the specific allergen triggers cannot be identified. Most cases are preceded by a severe respiratory infection, and may be aggravated by lung irritants, emotional stress, fatigue, exposure to noxious fumes, hormonal changes, temperature and humidity changes. Many asthmatics have both intrinsic and extrinsic asthma symptoms. Other triggers include infection, sensitivity to medication, exercise, and gastric reflux.


Causes of Asthma:

Why do some people have asthma, and others do not? This is the subject of many studies, most of which have barely begun to scratch the surface. Here is a small sampling of some findings so far:


A study published in the Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, which involved 13,944 children over an 8-year period, led the Institute of Medicine to conclude that children who receive tetanus or diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccines have double the chance to develop asthma, and are 50% more likely to experience severe allergy-related symptoms, and 80% more likely to have sinusitis.


Also, a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine concludes that children who are exposed to cigarette smoke at an early age experience a decline in lung function, and a 50% greater chance of being diagnosed with asthma by age 6, than children who grow up in non-smoking families.


Yet another study shows that asthma is a potential side effect of artificial Hormone Replacement Therapy.


Common Treatments:

Most asthma is managed by pharmaceutical medications, which do a beautiful job of life-saving care. Given an emergency situation, pharmaceuticals are often the best option. But pharmaceutical medications do nothing to address the underlying cause of why someone has the disease. Nor do they promote overall health and wellbeing, or decrease the need for more pharmaceutical medication. In fact, the long-term use of asthma medications may actually be detrimental:


For example:

Bronchodilators are used to relieve coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing; their general side effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches, nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia, especially among children and the elderly.


Corticosteroids are used to decrease inflammation in the airways. They also reduce a person’s ability to cope with and recover from trauma, surgery and infection. Other side effects include hoarseness, dry mouth, suppressed growth in children, coughing, increased appetite, fluid retention, weight gain, mood swings, increased cholesterol, osteoporosis, thinning of the skin, diabetes, cataracts, and muscle weakness.


Antihistamines are used to relieve allergy attacks, which can contribute to asthma. They cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, confusion, nightmares, nervousness, restlessness and irritability. Other common asthma drugs can have side effects such as hives, abdominal pain, ulcers, seizures, vomiting blood, rapid heart rate, potassium deficiency, increased liver enzymes, reversible hepatitis, severe allergic reactions, and, in rare cases, even death.


Oriental Medicine for Asthma: According to Oriental medicine, asthma symptoms are actually an indicator of an underlying health imbalance. Acupuncturists attempt to get to the root cause of the problem rather than just treat the symptoms. Oriental medicine works on the premise that the body, given the right conditions, has amazing healing capacities.

Chinese medicine is based on the idea that the human body is a reflection of the natural world. To stay healthy, it must maintain a balance between the passive and the dynamic energies: yin and yang, which can be represented by the opposing forces of cold and hot, night and day, wet and dry. Just as extremes of climate wreak havoc in the natural world, extremes within the body harm it.


As discussed earlier, asthma is an imbalance in the immune system. Oriental Medicine aims to reestablish and maintain internal balance; this builds the overall health of the person so that it is able to heal itself. When the underlying cause is taken care of, the symptoms resolve, and in the case of asthma, the triggers lose their impact.


Most often, in terms of Chinese medicine diagnostics, asthma is seen as a deficiency in the energy (or Qi “chee”) of the Lungs, Spleen or Kidneys, and an accumulation of Phlegm. These can be caused by inappropriate diet, food additives, toxin exposure, repeated upper respiratory infection, genetics, emotional strain, lack of exercise, overwork, and even the asthma medications themselves can contribute to deficiency. Usually it is a combination of these that set the stage for asthma.


Acupuncture for Asthma:

Acupuncture can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks: A study conducted at the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care in the University Hospital of Vienna showed that over 70% of patients with long-standing asthma reported a significant improvement of their ailments after ten weeks of acupuncture treatment.


In another study, Scientists at the Second Municipal People’s Hospital, Kaifeng City, China studied 192 patients suffering from bronchial asthma, all of whom were treated by acupuncture. There was a marked improvement in 76.5% of the patients.


Nutrition:

Many people are unaware that diet plays a major role in the disease process of asthma. Food intolerance has been well recognized as a contributing factor. Cereal grains high in gluten, such as wheat and barley, are major culprits, as are dairy products, eggs, fish, shellfish, cheese, nuts, and chocolate. It is also best to avoid highly processed foods, and chemical additives, such as food colorings and MSG.


Obesity and a diet rich in saturated fats has been found to increase incidents of asthma, while diets rich in vegetables, fiber, food-based vitamin E and C, calcium, magnesium and potassium have much lower risk. Other helpful vitamins and minerals are natural selenium, zinc, B-vitamins, and glutathione.


Omega-3  fatty acids, found in flax seed oil, hemp seeds, evening primrose oil and borage oil are very valuable in decreasing inflammation naturally. Modifying the diet to phase out phlegm causing foods, such as dairy products, fried foods and refined sugars, while increasing water intake is a another very important step to reduce asthma symptoms.


Herbs for Asthma:

Chinese herbalists have used herbs for thousands of years to treat respiratory complaints. Chinese herbs are usually prescribed in formulas that combine herbs synergistically to be more balanced and effective. When used appropriately, there are few to no side effects. It is strongly advised to only take Chinese herbs that have been prescribed by a trained Chinese herbalist, since not all herbs are appropriate for all people and some may not combine well with certain pharmaceutical medications.


Acupuncturists today are using the same principles and methods that have proven themselves over 3000 years, on billions of people. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine address the underlying root cause of the problem, and build the health of the entire person; reducing, and in some cases, altogether eliminating, the symptoms.


Note: If you are currently under the care of an M.D. or D.O., it is recommended that you do not stop your current medications. Acupuncture treatment will assist the goal of your current therapy. If you are interested in decreasing or eliminating your prescription medications, you would need to work gradually toward that goal with your M.D. and your Acupuncture Physician.


How Can Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater Help?

At Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida we are proud to offer a wide range of treatment options that may help to address your asthma symptoms. As mentioned above, oriental medicine, acupuncture, herbs and even dietary changes can all impact asthma and the associated symptoms. Dawn offers all of these treatment options, and more! Interested in a free 15-minute phone consultation? Simply schedule yours today.


Sources: All About Asthma, www.sw.org. (2) Springhouse Corp. Handbook of Diseases, 2nd Ed., Springhouse PA, 2000. pp 79-84. (3) Life Extension, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Expanded 4th Ed. Life Extension Media. 2003. pp 139 – 143 (4) Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, www.aafa.org, Dec. 2001. (5) “15 million American adults have asthma,” Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Aug. 16,2001; Health Biz News, www.healthbiznews.com, Aug, 2001. (6) USA Today, June 13, 2001; www.usatoday.com (7) Dynamic Chiropractic, March 20, 2000, Vol 18, No.7, pp. 1, 34. (8) The American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, July 15, 2002, WebMD Health,www.my.webmd.com, July 30, 2002.

Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM

(Published in New Times Naturally, Oct 2006)

Question:

About 6 months ago I lost my sister to a fatal car accident. Since then I’ve been depressed, I have no energy, and I cannot sleep well. I don’t want to take pharmaceutical medications for depression. Is there anything acupuncture can do to help me cope with how I am feeling?


Picture of A Woman Grieving On A Couch Looking Out Window

Answer:

To a degree, grief and sadness following a loss is normal and healthy. We shouldn’t be afraid to feel sadness, even deep mourning and grief. It is natural and part of the process of healing and acceptance.


But, when the grieving process (or any strong emotion) goes on too intensely or for too long, it can cause an imbalance that not only disrupts your life, but also your vital life energy. In Oriental Medicine, the body, mind, and spirit are inseparable, such that one cannot experience an imbalance in one area without affecting the others.


Just as the word itself literally says “e-motion” or “Energy in Motion”, emotions are meant to move freely through the body and mind, be experienced, and then released. But when emotions don’t move freely, for any number of reasons, they can become “stuck” in the mind and body, making it difficult to let go and accept our loss. Eventually this stagnant energy affects the body in negative ways.


The emotion of grief, in Oriental Medicine, is known to most directly affect the energy of the Lungs. Many people have experienced catching a cold or contracting bronchitis simultaneous to a deep sense of grief. The most extreme examples of this are some of the cases of “unexplained” lung cancer that we hear about in the news, including the sudden death of Christopher Reeves’ wife after his passing; her overwhelming grief so disrupted the energy of her lungs that she developed cancer.


This is certainly not to say that all grieving people will eventually develop lung cancer; it is only to point out that our emotions are inextricably linked to the energies of our physical bodies.


It is in this realm that Oriental medicine is helpful. Acupuncture helps to move energy in the body that has become stagnant, encouraging it to flow freely again. It also helps to nourish energy where it is deficient, which helps to strengthen the Lung and Heart energy.


After a Clearwater acupuncture treatment for emotional release, you might feel lighter and freer, as though a burden has been lifted. Or you might feel the emotion come to the surface, to be fully experienced before then being released. It is important that this process not be stifled; breathing deeply will assist the energy in flowing freely.


Chinese herbal formulas can also be helpful with releasing stagnant energy, nourishing the Lung and Heart energy, and abating the symptoms common to grief such as insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, appetite changes, digestive disturbances, tension, nervousness, and low energy.


Lastly, because of the connection between the flow of energy and breath, and between the emotion of grief and the Lung, engaging in mindful breathing techniques and/or getting some light form of aerobic exercise daily can be of great benefit.


Start Clearwater Acupuncture For Grief

Are you currently grieving? Interested in Clearwater acupuncture treatment? Herbs? Other guidance? We would be happy to provide a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your exact needs and see if our treatment options are a good match.

--- Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM

While cancer survival rates are increasing due to advancements in cancer treatment, the treatments themselves are still very taxing to the body, causing numerous debilitating side-effects.  Acupuncture is a perfect complementary option to lessen these side effects, alleviate pain and help strengthen the body.  Because of this, many elite cancer care facilities including Moffitt Cancer Center, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Naval Medical Center (San Diego) offer acupuncture services.



Picture of Cancer Support Acupuncture in Clearwater, FL


Oriental Medicine for Cancer:

Oriental Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced form of medicine in the world.  It is just as valuable today as ever, because it emphasizes the re-establishment of natural balance and utilizes the body’s innate healing wisdom to gently address the underlying causes of symptoms.


Though it is a complete medical system, most Doctors of Oriental Medicine do not treat cancer per se.  Instead, we offer supportive treatment, using acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutritional counseling to reduce the side effects of conventional cancer treatments, relieve pain, and to provide support for the overall health of the body.


Oriental Medicine for Nausea & Vomiting:

Nausea, vomiting and poor appetite are common side effects of chemotherapy.   Even with the best anti-nausea medications, 60% of chemotherapy patients still experience nausea and vomiting (Collins).  Acupuncture has been found by many research studies to greatly reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting; in fact, the National Institute of Health endorses its use.  For example, in England, a study of 130 cancer patients found that when acupuncture was added 97% had reduced or no sickness after chemotherapy (Dundee).  Numerous other studies support the same findings (Aglietti, Deng, Reindl, Molassiotis).


Acupuncture for Pain:

Because Acupuncture and Chinese herbs enhance the circulation of energy and blood through the body, it can decrease the swelling and pain of surgery, and the pain of cancer itself.  To illustrate, in 2005, the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association reported on several studies:  In one, the majority of 250 patients with gynecologic cancer had enhanced pain relief when acupuncture was administered as an adjunct to anesthesia (Menefee).  Another study found substantial pain reduction in patients receiving ear acupuncture (Menefee).   Cancer treatment–related pain, muscle and bladder spasms, and vascular problems all are found to improve with acupuncture (Alimi, Deng, Menefee).


Acupuncture for Increased Immunity and Energy:

Acupuncture helps build the immune system and increase the rate of healing, as well as boost energy levels.  It is ideal to use concurrent to cancer treatment (to reduce side-effects), before treatment (to help prepare the body) and after treatment (to build strength and prevent recurrence).


While it is advisable to not take Chinese herbal medicine during chemotherapy treatment, to avoid possible interactions, it is quite helpful to take individually prescribed Chinese herbal formulas before chemo has begun, and after it is complete. Several studies reviewed in Acupuncture Today (Sept 2005 edition) show that combining Chinese herbal formulas with conventional therapies leads to better treatment results with fewer hemoglobin changes, higher white blood cell counts, and lower recurrence rates than conventional therapy alone (Fratkin).  In another study, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, acupuncture was shown to reduce post-chemotherapy fatigue by 31% (breastcancer.org, Cohen).


Acupuncture for other chemotherapy–related problems:

Acupuncture can help with a host of other chemotherapy related problems: Because there is evidence that acupuncture can assist a variety of psychoneurological issues, researchers at UCLA recommend that physicians support their patients’ decision to use acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction (Johnston).  Acupuncture is also useful to treat patients with radiation-induced xerostomia (lack of salivation), as well as patients with shortness of breath, depressed mood, leg swelling due to removal of lymph nodes, and menopausal symptoms due to anti-estrogen therapy. Acupuncture also improves arm mobility following lymph node removal from the chest area (Cohen, Filshie, Mehling, Menefee, Rydholm).


In my own clinic, I have also used acupuncture to alleviate dizziness after radiation therapy, and scar tissue pain from cancer surgery.


For those who are needle shy, a treatment alternative is acupressure massage.  Using the same acu-points, acupressure applies gentle sustained pressure, rather than needles.  It is a perfect choice for those who fear needles, or who just want to experience supportive touch.


A welcome added effect of acupuncture/acupressure is the deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing that is often experienced during and after the treatments; it can greatly increase a cancer patient’s quality of life.


Dawn’s Qualifications:

Cancer care is one of my passions, so I have become certified in “Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient” from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I provide acupuncture, acupressure and nutritional counseling to patients in all various stages of all various types of cancer to alleviate discomfort, and to enhance energy, appetite and immune function.

I generally do not prescribe Chinese herbal medicine to patients undergoing chemotherapy, but I do like to provide it for patients who are complete with their chemotherapy treatments, or are not candidates for chemotherapy, to enhance their digestion, vital energy, and immune system.

For more info on the care I provide for Cancer patients, please see my Cancer support website page.

Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM

(Excerpts published in Tampa Bay Wellness, Oct 2007)

Start Cancer Support Acupuncture in Clearwater Today

Are you, a friend or a loved one currently going through cancer treatments? Looking for cancer support options that can help you feel your best during these times? Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater offers a wide range of cancer support/care treatment options. Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation today to get started. Sources:

Aglietti, L., et al.   “A pilot study of metoclopramide, dexamethasone, diphenhydramine and acupuncture in women treated with cisplatin” Medical Oncology Division, Ospedale Policlinico, Perugia, Italy. – 1990. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. 26(3) p. 239-240


Alimi, David, et al.  “Analgesic Effect of Auricular Acupuncture for Cancer Pain: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Trial”.  Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 22 (November), 2003: 4120-4126

American Cancer Society Website. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/content/STT_1x_Cancer_Facts__Figures_2007.asp

Cohen, Andrea J, MD, et al. “Acupuncture: Role in Comprehensive Cancer Care—A Primer for the  Oncologist and Review of the Literature.” Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol. 4, No. 2, 131-143 (2005).

Collins, KB & Thomas, DJ.  “Acupuncture and acupressure for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.” J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2004 Feb;16(2):76-80. Review.

Deng, G, et al.  Complementary therapies for cancer-related symptoms. J Support Oncol. 2004 Sep-Oct;2(5):419-26; discussion 427-9. Review. PMID: 15524070

Dundee, J, et al.  Acupuncture prophylaxis of cancer chemotherapy-induced sickness.  Department of Anaesthetics, Queen’s University of Belfast. – 1989.  Journal of Royal Society of Medicine 1. 82(5) p. 268-271.

Filshie, J, et al.  “Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness.” Palliat Med. 1996 Apr;10(2):145-50.  PMID: 8800822

Johnston, MF, et al. “Acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction: a hypothesis-generating literature review to inform clinical advice”.   Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(1):36-41. PMID: 17351025

Johnstone PA, et al. (Naval Medical Center, SD)  “Integration of acupuncture into the oncology clinic.”  Palliat Med. 2002 May;16(3):235-9. PMID: 12047000

Komen, Susan G.  The Breast Cancer Foundation Website. http://www.komen.org/intradoccgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=298

Mehling, We, et al.  Symptom management with massage and acupuncture in postoperative cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007 Mar;33(3):258-66. PMID: 17349495

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/1987.cfm

Menefee, Lynette, PhD & Monti, Daniel, MD.  “Nonpharmacologic and Complementary Approaches to Cancer Pain Management.” Journal of the American Osteopathic Association • Vol 105 • No suppl_5 • November 2005 • 15-20.   http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/105/suppl_5/S15 – REF43#REF43

Moffett Cancer Center Website. http://www.moffitt.usf.edu/ClinicalPrograms.aspx?spid=9194651A8B264C848B698727A326E3B3&ContentNumber=3&ForwardFrom=87EF0AF86A4B4237A29886E3EC67B04A

Molassiotis A, et al.  “The effects of P6 acupressure in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients”. Complement Ther Med. 2007 Mar;15(1):3-12. Epub 2006 Sep 27. PubMed # 17352966

NIH Consensus Statement (Acupuncture) Online 1997 Nov 3-5; month, day]; 15(5):1-34. http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm

Reindl, TK, et al.  “Acupuncture against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology. Interim results of a multicenter crossover study”.  Support Care Cancer. 2006. Feb;14(2):172-6. Epub 2005 Jul 14. PMID: 16021478

Rydholm, M & Strang, P. Acupuncture for patients in hospital-based home care suffering from xerostomia.  J Palliat Care. 1999 Winter;15(4):20-3. PMID: 10693302

Location

2907 FL-590 Suite 6A,

Clearwater, FL 33759

Phone: (727) 475-4710, ext 1

 

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