Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome



Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the current name for a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue and a variety of associated physical, constitutional and neuropsychological complaints.

The clinical manifestation of CFS includes fatigue,
  • difficulty concentrating, 
  • headaches, 
  • sore throat, tender lymph nodes,
  • muscle aches, 
  • joint aches, 
  • fever, and night sweats.
  • difficulty sleeping,
  •  psychiatric problems (such as depression), 
  • allergies, 
  • abdominal cramps, 
  • weight loss or gain, 
  • chest pain, 
Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with CFS. Most patients with CFS are generally between 25 and 45 years old, although cases in childhood and in middle age have been described.

It is often postinfectious, associated with immunologic disturbances, and is commonly accompanied by depression. Recent controlled studies of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome documented abnormalities in endocrine function consistent with reduced production of corticotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus.

Other conditions and diseases can also cause chronic fatigue are:
  • Anemia, 
  • Shortages of essential nutrients, such as potassium 
  • Thyroid Problems. 
  • Diabetes. 
  • Depression. 
  • Obstructive sleep apnea.
Treatment




Acupuncture is a holistic therapeutic approach that stimulates and strengthens the body giving health, wellness and balance to body and spirit. It is a complete healing system that enables the body to awaken the powers of self-healing. The healing art of acupuncture is based on the specific, painless insertion of thin needles at designated points on the body to activate the energy Qi.


  • A restful sleep for at least seven hours a day and a proper diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and cereals will greatly help the body to rejuvenate. 
  • Regular exercise is recommended in order to increase the metabolic rate.  
  • Large amounts of coffee and alcohol should be avoided.
  • Stress management with socializing and relaxing activities is. 
In most cases fatigue is caused by a combination of factors, therefore it is important to care for both physical and mental health simultaneously.

Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture



Smoking is a global social problem. A third of the world population (1.1 billion people) smokes. 3.5 million smokers and 19,000 non-smokers, because of passive smoking, die every year.

The reasons to quit smoking are endless! Smoking cessation represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives. 


Cigarettes have 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known carcinogenic compounds and 400 other toxins. According to the CDC, smoking is the cause for 443,000 premature deaths each year and is associated with emphysema, lung cancer, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, chronic cough and an increase in the frequency of colds and flu.

Besides being a nervous habit, smoking is an addiction. In fact, nicotine is one of the most addicting drugs known to humanity. Its negative effects are not immediately apparent, as are those of other drugs, but its long-term effects are often deadly.

Acupuncture helps all those who want to quit smoking but can not. Treatment with acupuncture for smoking cessation is dynamic.

Acupuncture, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, is a highly effective aid in the control of smoking and other addictions.

Acupuncture helps to 
  • decrease the physical cravings for tobacco.
  • It also lessens the symptoms of withdrawal and has a 
  • generally sedative effect on the nervous system. 
Beta-endorphin, the natural hormone which causes physical relaxation and reduces sensitivity to pain, is released by the acupuncture treatment. This production of beta-endorphin is part of the physical mechanism which makes it possible for you to quit smoking. 

Statistical studies show a success rate in smoking cessation with acupuncture 85-90%.


Treatments consist of :

Insertion of sterile, disposable needles into special points on the ear, hand and wrist. A mild electric current is sometimes passed through these needles to augment the effect. Each treatment lasts about 30 minutes. Minute sterile retainer needles or press pellets are inserted into the ear and remain in place for a few days. These "ear-tags" serve to exert a constant mini-stimulus to special points found helpful in reducing withdrawal symptoms. 

Weight gain is less of a problem when acupuncture is used because the acupuncture points that reduce the craving for tobacco also help to control the craving for food.

Tips for quitting smoking
  1. Exercise can reduce stress and helps relaxation. 
  2. The consumption of large quantities of vegetables and fruits are good for detoxifying the body.
  3. Avoid junk food, sugar and coffee. These increase blood sugar levels and thus worsen the symptoms of tobacco withdrawal.
  4. Increase water consumption, because dehydration causes a feeling of deprivation

Auricular Acupuncture (Auriculotherapy)




Auricular acupuncture and auriculotherapy is the therapeutic method using the ear pinna for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases that affect the entire body. 
Auricular therapy is widely used for many conditions, including addiction treatment, mood disorders, obesity, pain, and other conditions

This medical system emphasizes a holistic approach to medicine, an approach that treats the whole person. The acupuncture points found on the ear help to regulate the body's internal organs, structures, and functions.

Auricular therapy has a long history of use in China. It was mentioned in the most famous of ancient Chinese medical textbooks, “The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.” In modern times, auricular therapy has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's own feel-good chemicals.

In France, auricular therapy has been used methodically and systematically, by world renowned Dr. Paul Nogier, also known as "The Father of Auriculotherapy"  from the 1950s. 

The pinna of the ear is very well innervated and therefore has numerous nerve endings and receptors. It represents a microsystem of the whole organism.

What are the advantages of Auriculotherapy? 
It's a fast, easy technique
It is very effective in musculoskeletal pain
Extremely effective in helping control the appetite (bulimia and obesity)
Excellent results in cases of stress (stress) and insomnia.
It has a continuing therapeutic effect even when the patient is at home.

Nowadays auricular acupuncture is very popular as a very effective medical treatment for slimming and for smoking cessation.