Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is often viewed as a “problem” or illness. It’s not. Instead, PMS is a variety of responses to an ordinary event in women’s lives: menstruation. PMS usually occurs monthly, accompanied with specific symptoms and signs that can appear seven to ten days before menstruation and then disappear after the onset of the menstrual flow. To better understand PMS, it is important to look at the whole picture.

Although PMS is due to unbalanced hormonal fluctuations, other factors such as stress, a nutritionally inadequate diet, lack of exercise and sleep, and a hectic or sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate the symptoms. Because most women exhibit as many as four to ten symptoms one to two weeks prior to menstruation, their lives—from relationships with family and friends, to work productivity and the ability to appreciate and take pleasure in their own bodies—may become diminished.

To make matters worse, women may be at increased risk for PMS if

1. They are over 30 years old
2. They are experiencing significant amounts of stress
3. Their nutritional habits are poor
4. They have suffered side effects from birth control pills
5. They have difficulty maintaining a stable weight
6. They do not get enough exercise
7. They’ve had a pregnancy complicated by toxemia
8. They have had children (the more children, the more severe the symptoms)
9. They have a family history of depression

What to do about PMS

In treating PMS, Western medicine recommends diet and lifestyle changes coupled with medications that manipulate the levels of progesterone and estrogen (i.e. birth control pills), tranquilizers and/or antidepressants (for nervousness, anxiety and depression) that affect mood and emotions. Although prescription medications can sometimes bring immediate relief, they unfortunately do not address the underlying cause of PMS, and they can cause unwanted side effects that may mimic PMS symptoms.

A natural approach

In 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH)1 issued a consensus report that suggested acupuncture is effective in the treatment of menstrual cramps, and other symptoms associated with PMS. Acupuncture can address PMS symptoms naturally, without medication, by restoring balance and harmony, both physically and emotionally. In Chinese medicine, the root cause of PMS is usually an imbalance or blockage of Qi, (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy, and blood within specific organ and meridian systems. When Qi and blood become imbalanced or blocked, symptoms and signs associated with PMS will appear.

The role of an acupuncturist is to investigate the underlying causes leading to PMS symptoms. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine what organ and meridian systems are out of balance, they treat PMS symptoms according to each individual patient’s imbalances and concerns.

By inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, an acupuncturist is able to stimulate and activate the movement of Qi and blood. When Qi and blood begin to travel freely throughout the body, balance and normal function are restored and PMS symptoms are alleviated. Acupuncture restores hormonal balance and provides deep relaxation to help reduce stress, ultimately encouraging and supporting greater health and well-being of both body and mind.

A practitioner may also recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a nourishing, organic, whole foods diet, getting regular aerobic exercise and adequate sleep, enjoying warm baths, supplementing the diet with vitamins and herbs, and practicing deep relaxation exercises such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga.

Whether you suffer from PMS symptoms on an occasional or a monthly basis, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a safe, natural and effective approach to alleviating these symptoms. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine may hold the key to a healthier, balanced, PMS-free life.

Resources:
1 National Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference on Acupuncture, Program & Abstracts (Bethesda, MD, November 3-5, 1997). Office of Alternative Medicine and Office of Medical Applications of Research. Bethesda.

Most people experience significant pain at some time in their lives—whether from an injury, illness, or an unknown cause. Pain is a warning signal, an alarm that goes off when your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong and out of balance.

What can you do?

No one should have to live with pain, but which treatment is right for you? Often times, people suffering from pain take medication to dull the pain. Taking medication is understandable when pain is constant and unbearable. It may be helpful to dull the symptoms for a short period of time, but it will not get at the root of the problem and correct it. It is like hitting the snooze button on an alarm. Unless the cause of the pain is treated, your body will keep sounding the alarm and reminding you that something is wrong. Eventually the pain may get worse or become chronic. It is
also possible for the medications to cause unwanted side effects and further compromise your health.

Surgery may be another option. At times, this approach may make sense, but it could be both expensive and risky, and there is no guarantee that it will be effective.

Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to eliminate pain. Unlike other methods of handling pain, there are no side effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledge the benefits of acupuncture in treating and eliminating pain due to a wide range of causes.

An acupuncturist’s approach to pain.

Acupuncture practitioners recognize that there is a vital energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”), circulating within the body. Qi flows through a series of pathways called meridians. Meridians are like rivers within your body. The diagram to the right shows the meridians throughout the body. Wherever a river flows it brings with it water that provides nourishment and life to the land, plants and people around it. Likewise, meridians transport life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland in the body.

It is important for Qi to flow freely throughout the body. Think of water flowing through a garden hose. A blocked hose will not provide
an adequate supply of water to a plant. Eventually, the plant will be unable to thrive, grow and blossom.

Similarly, a blockage in the flow of Qi anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands. Under normal circumstances, your body can easily return to good health and vitality. If the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if your body is in a weakened state, the flow of Qi becomes restricted and a variety of symptoms, including pain, may arise.

What does acupuncture do?

By inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points, an acupuncturist is able to break up blockages that have hampered the smooth flow of Qi. Once this is done, Qi can travel freely throughout the body, promoting pain-free health, well-being and vitality.

Not only can acupuncture treat signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort, it can also get to the root of the problem. When the initial cause of the pain is corrected, your body can begin to heal on deeper levels. Your acupuncturist may also suggest adjunct therapies to
enhance treatment and speed healing, such as: massage, stretching,
yoga, herbal supplements and dietary changes.

NECK PAIN RELIEF IN METAIRIE – BIG EASY ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL MEDICINE

Does acupuncture help with neck pain?

Yes, acupuncture can relieve neck pain by releasing tight muscles, reducing inflammation, and restoring mobility

DON’T LET NECK PAIN HOLD YOU BACK

Does your neck feel stiff, sore, or hard to move?

Do you get headaches from neck tension or long hours at a desk?

Many people deal with this every day from posture, stress, or old injuries.

Neck pain makes simple things harder — turning your head, sleeping well, or even enjoying time with family.

Neck pain doesn’t just cause discomfort. It can trigger tension headaches, limit mobility, disturb sleep, disturb work, and drain your energy. The good news? Acupuncture offers safe, natural, and drug-free relief that addresses the root cause of your discomfort.

WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN?

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons our Louisiana residents seek out acupuncture treatment. Neck pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including wear-and-tear, strains or sprains, or inflammation. A few common culprits include:

Everyday Strain, Occupational, Lifestyle strain:

• Long hours at a desk, on the road, carrying heavy weight, overuse or doing repetitive tasks

Poor Posture / Seated Lifestyle:

• Text neck, tech neck, long computer hours, long drives, awkward sleep positions

Injuries, Accidents, Trauma:

• Whiplash, sports injuries, or accidents

Nerve Entrapments / Irritation:

• Nerves being elongated, shortened, or compressed to cause pain along a line of action

Medical Conditions / Aging:

• Arthritis, herniated discs, disc height changes, and some age related wear and tear

Growths / Scars:

• Masses, tumors, cysts, scars, and bone spurs. These can put pressure on nerves and cause a line of action of pain/inhibition along that nerve pathway

Lifestyle Factors: 

• Smoking (slows healing), stress (tightens muscles), seasonal cold/damp weather can all trigger pain, or feeling tight muscles when sick.

HOW PEOPLE EXPERIENCE NECK PAIN

What Might People Feel?

• Physically – Pain can be experienced widely from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain. You may also experience reduced mobility, headaches, stiffness, or pain/weakness radiating to your arms if nerves in the neck are compressed
• Mentally – Decreased quality of life, depression, or anxiety due to long term effect on lifestyle
• Time Frame – Some cases resolve with rest and lifestyle changes; others become persistent or recurring, lasting months or years.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK FOR NECK PAIN?

Acupuncture is effective because it targets both the muscles and nerve pathways involved in pain.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is well known to provide a natural, anatomy based, researched, and safe approach to treating neck pain.

Thin sterile needles are inserted at specific points either locally or along distant areas of the body that connect to the same pathways to manipulate the body, reduce pain, and calm the nervous system. Pain can come from nerves being elongated, shortened, or compressed. Nerve compression and muscular tensions lead to areas of the body not being able to fire actions like a misfire in a car or perform as intended because the area could be shut off.

Western Medical Perspective:

• Triggers release of endorphins (your body’s natural pain relievers)
• Relaxation of tight muscles and reduces spasms
• Improves blood flow and circulation for faster healing
• Reduces inflammation and swelling
• Restore strength and mobility by promotion of nerve signaling and action
• Calms the nervous system, helping the body “reset” from chronic tension

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective:

• Clears energy (Qi) blockages that create pain and stiffness along meridians
• Restores balance and circulation of Qi, blood, and body fluids
• Calms the mind to hold less tensions in the body

The Result: Less neck pain, fewer headaches, better sleep, improved posture, improved mobility and strength, and improved quality of life.

RESEARCH ON ACUPUNCTURE FOR NECK PAIN

Modern research supports what patients have experienced for centuries: acupuncture helps relieve neck pain and improve mobility.

• A study published in the British Medical Journal found acupuncture to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic neck pain, improving both movement and comfort.
• Research from the National Institutes of Health showed that acupuncture not only reduces pain intensity but also improves daily quality of life, with results that last beyond treatment.

These findings confirm what we see every day in our clinic: acupuncture provides safe, natural, and long-lasting relief for people living with neck pain.

TYPES OF TECHNIQUES USED FOR NECK PAIN

Traditional Acupuncture

• Insertion of thin needles along body meridians. Points along the Gallbladder, Bladder, Small Intestine Channels, and Hua Tuo Jia Ji points of the central spine are most often used.

Sports Medicine Acupuncture

• Insertion of thin needles to manipulate motor points of specific muscles to decompress nerves, relax muscles, restore strength and mobility

Electrostimulation

• Electroacupuncture attaches clips to the needles with a gentle pulsating electric current between them. Electrostimulation can provide deeper stimulation for a period of time without the need to manually stimulate each needle

Cupping

• Cups are placed onto the skin to create suction. This increases blood flow to surface level tissues and loosens muscles/tendons

IMAGING AND RED FLAGS

X-Rays, MRI, CT Scans, and other imaging may be recommended if:

• Pain following a major injury, accident, or fall
• Weakness, numbness, tingling spreads to arms or legs
• Pain is severe, persistent, or gets worse even with care
• Coordination issues or balance issues, sudden loss of bladder/bowel control
• Unexplained weight loss or major fluctuations in body temperature
• Imaging can be used to determine structural changes as we age and also after some injuries causing high levels of pain. A few examples that could be found: fractures, cysts, disc issues, and nerve entrapments

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST ACUPUNCTURE VISIT

When you visit Big Easy Acupuncture in Metairie, we start by discussing the reason for your visit, history of complaint, and checking your mobility and muscle strength. Then we create a plan just for you.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

• Discussion of condition, history of condition, detailed medical history, and orthopedic mobility and strength assessment

Treatment Process

• Acupuncture needling targeting pathways of pain and muscles according to findings 
• A relaxing session with needles retained for about 20 minutes — many people even nap during treatment

What Do People Feel

• Reduction in pain levels, increased range of motion, relaxation of tight muscles, sense of relaxation or euphoria, Possible temporary soreness near needle sites.

Complementary Care

• Treatments may also include cupping, electro-acupuncture, or manual therapy to enhance results

Herbal Medicine  

• Custom herbal blends targeted to your specific condition. Works well between visits of acupuncture to keep treatment going

Lifestyle Recommendations and Exercises

• Support with recommended stretches, posture tips, and stress management techniques

Big Easy Acupuncture treatments utilize a combination of Sports Medicine Acupuncture along with Traditional Chinese Medicine to bring you the best of both this ancient healing system along with modern treatment methods.

BENEFITS OUR PATIENTS NOTICE

• Relief from neck pain and stiffness
• Fewer headaches caused by tension and increased blood flow
• Better posture, range of motion, and strength
• Improved sleep and less stress
• Reduced intake of pain medications
• More energy for daily life

Many patients notice relief after the first or first few visits. For ongoing pain, a short series of treatments helps retrain your body and bring steady improvement.

AFTERCARE (POST TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS)

• Stay hydrated
• Avoid stress triggers if possible and be mindful of any neck triggers
• Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after treatment
• Some patients may have temporary soreness at needling sites as the body processes treatment. This can be normal for some and resolves normally within 24-48 hours.
• Pain reduction is not the only progress people make on their journey to reduce and remove their pains. Pay attention to changes in mobility, strength, sleep, medications used, and overall comfort level.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many acupuncture sessions do I need for neck pain?

• Most patients notice improvement within the first visit or first few visits. For chronic conditions, a short series of 6–8 visits helps retrain your body and provide lasting relief.

Is acupuncture safe for chronic neck pain?

• Yes. We see many patients with acute and chronic neck pain. Acupuncture is a very safe option. Some patients may feel temporary almost post workout soreness at the needle site after treatment.

Can acupuncture help with tension headaches from neck pain?

• Absolutely. By relieving tight muscles, improving circulation, and regulating the nervous system, acupuncture often reduces headache frequency and intensity.

Do you accept insurance for acupuncture?

• Big Easy Acupuncture is a cash-based clinic. However, we can provide itemized receipts for insurance reimbursement upon request.

Unlike pain medications that only mask symptoms, acupuncture helps your body heal. It’s safe, natural, and effective — and it’s trusted by people all over the world.

🌿 Ready to Find Relief from Neck Pain?

📍 Big Easy Acupuncture | Metairie, LA
📞 504-650-0027

FEEL RIGHT. MOVE FREE. LIVE EASY.

References:

1. Irnich, D., et al. Randomised trial of acupuncture compared with conventional massage and “sham” laser acupuncture for treatment of chronic neck pain. British Medical Journal June 30, 2001;322:1-6.
2. Liang Z, Zhu X, Yang X, Fu W, Lu A. Assessment of a traditional acupuncture therapy for chronic neck pain: a pilot randomized controlled study. Complement Ther Med. 2011 Jan 19, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21195292.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that currently affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States—with 200 more people diagnosed every week. This chronic disease causes uncomfortable, sometimes debilitating symptoms that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

An unpredictable condition

The exact causes of MS are not entirely understood, and there is currently no cure, though there have been many advances in treatment in recent years. Western medicine considers MS an autoimmune condition–a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. In the case of MS, the immune system starts attacking and breaking down a substance called myelin, the sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. Myelin increases the speed of the transmission of nerve signals.

When myelin becomes “broken” or destroyed, nerve impulses are slowed down, leading to a progression of nerve-related problems. When these nerve fibers become damaged, symptoms can result, including:

• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Numbness or weakness of
  the limbs

The symptoms of MS vary from person to person, can range from minor to severe and can even disappear for a period of time only to flare up unexpectedly.

Treatment options

Depending upon your symptoms and the progression of the disease, your doctor may suggest medications designed to slow the disease and/or medications for the symptoms.

It is important to take an active role in your treatment. More and more, people living with MS are choosing to complement their Western treatment with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture and TCM can provide a safe, natural way for those living with MS to stay as healthy as possible. Including acupuncture and TCM in your treatment plan can help boost your overall health and relieve symptoms. Practitioners of TCM view MS differently than Western medicine practitioners, taking into account each individual’s overall health, lifestyle and emotional well-being—not just their symptoms.

TCM is based on the concept that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows through the body in channels called meridians. If Qi becomes stagnant, unbalanced or deficient, symptoms such as those linked to MS can result. This can occur for any number of reasons, from an inherited constitutional imbalance or illness to stress or an external invader such as wind or dampness.

Your practitioner will work to determine the condition at the root of your symptoms in order to create a treatment plan. For example, the muscular stiffness and numbness associated with MS are often related to excessive dampness within the meridians, or a deficiency in the liver and kidney organ systems.

Based on their diagnosis, your acupuncture practitioner will work to balance the Qi in the body’s organ systems by manipulating corresponding points on the body with hair-thin acupuncture needles. While acupuncture alone can’t cure MS, it has been found to be particularly useful in managing symptoms such as pain, muscle spasms and bladder problems.

Self-care for MS

MS can have an impact on every part of your life. To help support both your physical and emotional well-being, your practitioner may suggest some of these lifestyle changes and self-care techniques.

• Herbal remedies – Your practitioner may provide herbs or nutritional supplements designed to help relieve symptoms and boost your overall health. Be sure to let your other health care providers know if you take supplements in order to avoid any potential drug interactions.

• Staying cool– Heat can make symptoms of MS worse. Tepid baths, cool drinks and air conditioning may help make you more comfortable.

• Exercise – Yoga and Qi Gong can help improve strength, balance and depression. Consider adding gentle aerobic exercise as well to improve your overall health and reduce stress.

• Stress relief– Stress can exacerbate symptoms and cause other health problems, so it’s important to keep your stress levels in check. Meditation or deep-breathing techniques can help you stay calm and relaxed. Massage is another great way to help relieve stress and loosen tense muscles. If your anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a professional.

MS is a serious condition, but many people with MS live long, happy, fulfilled lives. Acupuncture and TCM can provide the support you need to cope with MS and its effects. If you or someone you love is facing MS, contact an acupuncturist today.

References:
Chinese herbal treatment for Multiple Sclerosis and other flaccidity syndromes. S. Dharmananda, Ph.D. Inst. for Traditional Medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine and Multiple Sclerosis. A patient guide. E. Vickers, N.D., L.Ac.
Acupuncture for Multiple Sclerosis. 6/27/08. Link

Menopause is a natural, physiological cycle that occurs in all women. Conventional medical treatments only address various symptoms and signs associated with menopause. However, symptoms and signs are just one part of the whole picture.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine understand that symptoms and signs are merely indications of an imbalance deep within the body. This 5,000 year-old healing art focuses upon correcting underlying imbalances that have occurred over the years. These imbalances, if left unchecked, will result in a variety of symptoms and signs normally associated with a Western diagnosis of menopause.

Acupuncture and a woman’s natural process

Menopause signifies “a change” within a woman’s life. This change occurs because a woman’s body chemistry is shifting. Chinese medicine recognizes this chemistry change as a natural process.

Estrogen is similar to what acupuncturists call Jing Qi. Jing Qi is like a gift that is given to all of us at the time of conception. It is the battery that provides us with the basic energy to power all our life functions. When Jing Qi is abundant, our ability to adapt to disease, illness and stress is optimal.

As we age, our supply of Jing Qi energy is slowly drained. Generally, Jing Qi naturally begins to decline between the ages of 35 to 60, although some people drain it faster than others. When Jing Qi declines, the Organ Systems within our body become unbalanced. This leads to various symptoms and signs, such as graying hair, loss of libido, weakness of knees, urinary difficulty, poor memory, backache and fatigue.

Another factor that can contribute to menopause is an imbalance in Yin and Yang energies. One possible scenario is an imbalance caused by the slowing of the flow of Yin. Yin can be thought of as the cooling system of the body. When this cooling system declines, heat symptoms will naturally arise, leading to night sweats, restlessness, hot flashes, mood swings, heart palpitations and insomnia.

The decline of Yang energy can also lead to imbalance. Yang represents the warming and metabolizing functions of the body. When Yang is unbalanced, symptoms may include water retention, cold hands and feet, weight gain, edema, indigestion, hypertension, or raised cholesterol levels.

Left untreated, a decline and imbalance of Jing, Yin or Yang will lead to the symptoms and signs that are normally associated with a Western diagnosis of menopause.

What can an acupuncturist do?

An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough evaluation and a complete health history. The symptoms, signs and other information that is gathered are pieces of the diagnostic health puzzle. Putting together this puzzle allows a practitioner to develop a unique treatment plan that will address each patient’s individual concerns.

When treating menopausal symptoms, an acupuncturist must first determine where the energy has changed, and what Organ Systems have become unbalanced. Once this is known, various natural therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, meditation, Qi Gong and diet can be used to correct the imbalances.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address menopause. Treatment supports the healing energies of Jing, Yin and Yang, providing the body with the building blocks it needs in order to nourish, heal, and regain balance.