“An important historical event occurred sometime during the third and fourth century B. C. that clearly establishes that these two societies were indeed in communication with each other.  At that time, India already possessed a highly evolved literary society which had produced scores of texts on such topics as religion, astrology and medicine.  The preeminent Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita was already many hundred years old, while the landmark Huang-ti Nei-ching was only then being compiled in China.  During this period, reports started to circulate in China about Soma, the psychotropic plant…which played a central role in the Rig Veda, a scripture that appeared prior to 1000 B. C.  Soma was promoted in China as possessing power to bestow immortality, and the persistent and enticing reports eventually led Emperor Qin Shi (reigned 221 – 207 B. C.), the first Emperor of a unified China, to order the procurement of this wondrous plant.  Other evidence suggests that there had been contact between these two ancient Asian cultures before the 4th century B. C.  For example, there are some remarkable similarities between their ancient systems of astrology.”

Mr. Svoboda goes on to postulate that the texts on Ayurveda were spread throughout China not only with the arrival of the Buddhist monks during the first century A. D., but in fact, much earlier.  There is ample evidence that this was the case.  For example, the Chinese surgeon Hua Tuo (110 – 208 A. D.) is recorded as the first physician in China to use a decoction of hemp as surgical anesthesia.  Yet Ayurvedic medicine has a sophisticated history of surgery dating back as early as 600 B. C. to the Indian text Sushruta Samhita, where the use of hemp as surgical anesthesia was first recorded.  In his book, Mr. Svoboda goes on to point out countless similarities in medicine, religion, astrology, art and alchemy providing abundant evidence that the exchange of ideas between India and China was a constant occurrence starting as early as 400 B. C.

In his book, The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture, Dr. Frank Ros provides evidence that one particular volume of an ancient Ayurvedic text known as Suchi Veda is translated as “the art of piercing with a needle” and deals entirely with acupuncture. Likewise, Dr. Ros goes on to point out that the terms “needling” and “burning” (moxibustion) were utilized by Charaka, the ancient Ayurvedic physician, not only with reference to surgery but also to non-surgical medical modalities.  Likewise, the ancient Ayurvedic text written by Charaka, Charaka Samhita outlines the location and medical use for Marma (vital points) many of which correspond exactly to traditional Chinese acupuncture points. This Ayurvedic text was written sometime around 1000 B. C.  There is evidence that this text was taken to China with the Buddhist monks in the first century A. D. or even earlier by other travelers. The carefully guarded Tibetan medical text, 4th Shastra, indeed explains that Tibet received knowledge of Acupuncture and herbal medicine from India.

If these influences from India did in fact occur, why have scholars largely ignored Ayurvedic literature in their search for the roots of acupuncture in China?  One possible explanation is that the ancient Ayurvedic texts refer to their use of acupuncture in the category of surgery and the acupuncture terminology is not distinct from surgical terminology.  In contrast, the Chinese texts separate the two modalities into two distinct arts with separate terminology.

Based on the above, there is evidence to suggest that acupuncture evolved both from the ancient Ayurvedic system of India and the extensive application and observation of the art by the medical experts in China during the first century A. D.  Also, archeological evidence suggests that prior to the first century A. D., the use of needles for bloodletting was widely practiced in China but acupuncture, as we know it, had not yet appeared on the scene.  Therefore, at some point during the first century A. D., there was a quantum leap in the use of needles from purely a means of bloodletting to the practice of acupuncture as a means of accessing and regulating the subtle energy of the body.  Unfortunately, historians have very little information which would explain how this quantum leap occurred.  This gap in the story only supports the theory that this leap in technology may have been sparked or facilitated by ideas coming from the outside.  Perhaps India and China were working along two parallel tracts which converged in China during the first century A. D.

There can be no argument that medicine in China, over the last 3000 years, has evolved through a rich exposure to countless influences, both from within and without.  I believe it is fair to say that any meaningful examination of the origins of acupuncture would be incomplete without a thorough discussion of the influences from India, Tibet and perhaps other neighboring populations.

References:
Robert Svoboda and Arnie Lade;   Tao and Dharma, Lotus Press, 1995
Dr. Frank Ros; The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture, Lotus Press, 1994
D. C. Epler, Jr.; “Bloodletting in Early Chinese Medicine and its Relation to the Origin of Acupuncture”; Bulletin of the History of Medicine, 54; 1980, pp. 337 – 367

1) Increase fiber in the diet. Soluble fiber is best, in the form of psyllium seed husks. There are a number of excellent psyllium products on the market or simply buy bulk psyllium seed husks from any natural food store.Begin with 1/2 teaspoon mixed in a glass of water and follow with an additional glass of water. Over several weeks, gradually increase to one teaspoon twice or three times a day, as needed for comfortable daily bowel movements.

2) Between meals, drink plenty of pure, warm or room temperature water on an empty stomach. As a general guideline, divide your weight in pounds by 2. The result of this equation is the number of ounces of water you need to drink every day. The best times to drink are upon rising in the morning and between 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon. Juice, green and herbal teas can be included in this amount.

3) Take the Ayurvedic herb Triphala – 2 capsules with a glass of warm water about 2 hours after your evening meal or an hour before breakfast in the morning.

4) Sacrum rubs -  Rub up and down along side of the sacrum region, applying pressure when rubbing so that hands remain in contact with the skin, but do not cause pain. Rub up and down about two hundred times until the skin feels hot. Do this before bed at night.

5) The best topical ointment for hemorrhoids (and the least expensive) is ordinary zinc oxide ointment (at least 25% zinc oxide) available at any drug store, usually in the baby or diaper supplies.

If these recommendations do not help to clear up hemorrhoids within 3 to 4 weeks, you should see a naturopathic doctor who can treat your hemorrhoids with direct current procedure known as the Keesey Technique. This is a painless procedure that permanently removes internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids that do not heal on their own should be surgically removed by means of a minimally invasive procedure that is relatively painless and with a very short recovery period. In Portland, see Dr. Brett Hubbard, N.D. for either of these procedures.

One of the most common of these “non-needle” techniques is moxibustion, a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb Mugwort (artemisia vulgaris), is burned on, or near, the skin in order to stimulate and warm specific points and to trigger a number of healing reactions. Moxibustion is at least as old as acupuncture, with records of the practice dating back many centuries B.C. Although it may sound painful, moxibustion actually feels very comfortable for most patients and the therapeutic effects are significant.

Japanese scientists have found that stimulation from moxibustion, at specific points, can dramatically boost the body’s immunity and trigger other profound healing effects. In clinical practice, we find that moxibustion is effective for painful or stiff muscles and joints, arthritis and certain auto-immune disorders. In addition, I have found that moxibustion lifts the spirits and is very effective for many types of depression or fatigue.

Another important tool of the acupuncturist is cupping: the application of suction or vacuum cups to the surface of the body. Like moxibustion, cupping goes back thousands of years.  Cups are small glass bowls (1″ to 3″ in diameter) which are applied to the body with vacuum suction.  The vacuum is created either by means of heating the air inside the cup or by mechanical pump.  The suction from the cup causes the blood to gather at a particular site near the surface of the body, thus affecting circulation.

Nothing helps to relax stiff and tight muscles faster and more deeply than cupping. Also, cupping influences the function of the internal organs and is indicated for a wide array of digestive or gynecological problems which are caused by blood stagnation. For example, if a patient is suffering from congestion in the lungs or abdominal cramps, cupping will bring almost immediate relief.

Finally, shiatsu is perhaps the most common non-needle technique used my acupuncturists. Many people think shiatsu is a form of massage, but actually it’s quite different. Shiatsu consists of rhythmic, single point pressure applied with the hands and fingers, along the traditional “Qi” energy meridians of the body. Shiatsu is simple, safe, non-invasive and at the same time, very helpful in the treatment of many common disorders of our modern society.

Based on research in Japan, it has been documented that shiatsu helps to calm the sympathetic nervous system and improve the function of the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, endocrine glands and internal organs. In addition, it has been shown that shiatsu assists the body in eliminating toxins and metabolic waste.

So, for readers who might be attracted to acupuncture but are nervous about needles, moxibustion and cupping are some of the alternative methods that an acupuncturist might use. And who knows?  After you experience some of the benefits of these ancient techniques, you may want to try the needles.

In an article titled, “Acupuncture, a Powerful Integrative Oncology Tool“, researcher Jack Bleeker shows how acupuncture and other natural healing modalities are becoming mainstream as complimentary treatments along with conventional western medicine in the treatment of cancer. Below is a segment of his article.

“Integrative Oncology is the combination of “mainstream” care and evidenced-based complimentary therapies to control cancer-related pain and symptoms [source: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine]. Complementary therapies, while not given the attention that more traditional cancer therapies may receive, are perhaps equally important while undergoing treatment for certain types of cancer. Patients diagnosed with difficult to treat malignancies will often use these types of therapies in conjunction with traditional treatment options, which include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiology, to form a more comprehensive and effective treatment regimen. Among the most effective alternative therapies utilized by those diagnosed with cancer is acupuncture.

Acupuncture has long been utilized as a general pain reduction method for thousands of years, originating in the Far East and gradually being utilized throughout the world. Effective cancer treatment often depends on the patient’s ability to not only defeat the cancer through various methods but to also maintain their health and mental spirit throughout the course of treatment.

Often, the symptoms and effects of the cancer itself on the body are insignificant compared to the pain and other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are often fatigued, experience a lack of appetite and weight loss, and may become depressed.  For cancer patients experiencing these and other side effects, acupuncture is extremely beneficial. According to the ancient theories of Chinese medicine, “qi,” or “life energy,” flows through energy channels within the body known as meridians. These channels connect the body’s internal organs, and if these meridians become “blocked,” or an individual’s qi cannot flow properly, disease will set in. Acupuncture is said to relieve blockages and restore the natural flow of qi, and ultimately restoring one’s health.

Cancers such as mesothelioma, which are often unable to be removed by surgical means, are often treated with some combination of chemotherapy and radiation [the combination of chemo drug Alimta® and anti-cancer drug Cisplatin® is a popular treatment for cancer patients with mesothelioma]. While these potent drugs can be effective in eliminating some of the tumor mass and growth, they also profoundly affect the health of the surrounding tissue. Symptoms experienced by those undergoing mainstream cancer treatments include fever, nausea, and debilitating pain.

Patients who undergo acupuncture in conjunction with mainstream cancer therapies have experienced dramatic reductions in pain and feel that their energy and mental wellbeing was restored. Cancer patients who feel energized, are pain-free and have a solid state of mind are more likely to withstand traditional methods of cancer treatment and have an increased survival rate. Acupuncture is said to be so effective, in fact, that the World Health Organization [WHO] has recognized acupuncture as a successful intervention for adverse reactions to radiation and chemotherapy. The National Institute of Health [NIH] also agreed that acupuncture may relieve nausea and pain experienced by cancer sufferers, and the organization supports acupuncture clinical trials.”

Jack Bleeker, Research Coordinator
June 17, 2009

Medical studies in Japan have shown that acupuncture and shiatsu help to balance the autonomic nervous system because they specifically calm the sympathetic nerves.  During acupuncture and shiatsu, the entire autonomic system relaxes, allowing the peripheral blood vessels to expand and nourish the body on a deep cellular level. At the same time, toxins are released and flushed from the cells throughout the body. This effect alone allows the body to release stress and make hundreds of corrections on a chemical and cellular level.

In this country, people understand the benefits of having their car serviced on a routine basis, even if there are no particular problems. It’s called routine maintenance. But what most people don’t understand is that the body too needs routine maintenance in order to reduce stress, eliminate toxins and correct imbalances in the circulation of qi energy and blood. And these benefits are cumulative with regular treatment.

So, yes, acupuncture and shiatsu are very effective for specific disorders such as headache, anxiety, depression, acute or chronic pain, insomnia, stomach or intestinal problems, fatigue and fibromyalgia, just to name a few. But in my opinion, the most important benefit of acupuncture and shiatsu is the overall relaxation and balancing of the autonomic nervous system. This is why I recommend regular acupuncture and shiatsu as part of everyone’s routine health care program.

There are many possible reasons for insomnia. But in all these cases, the common factor is too much activity in the brain at night, during sleep time. In traditional acupuncture terms, the heat in the body is not grounded and is rising to the head at night. In western medical terms, there is an over stimulation of the sympathetic nerves leading to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.

Japanese acupuncture and shiatsu work well together to balance and ground the body’s energy and often this is enough to restore a normal sleep pattern. But sometimes, a client will come to me after years of sleep disturbance and several other therapies. In cases like this, insomnia is usually more stubborn and in addition to acupuncture and shiatsu treatments, I will suggest diet and lifestyle changes and possibly herbal supplements for a brief period, to help correct the imbalance.

If you have difficulty getting a restful night’s sleep, here are a few home remedies that can be helpful.

1) Diet – For many people it’s important to avoid all stimulants, particularly after the noon meal. Aside from the obvious stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks, certain spices stimulate the nerves or create heat in the body, which can disturb our sleep. Try to avoid spicy foods or at least try to eat them in the middle of the day, so that by bedtime, their effect has diminished. In the evening, eat a lighter meal and avoid fried, broiled or greasy foods, alcohol, black pepper, cayenne, ginger, cloves and garlic. Also, try to keep salt to a minimum.

2) Supplements – People with insomnia often have a calcium and/or magnesium imbalance. First, I suggest magnesium citrate (200 mg in the morning and 200 mg before bed). If magnesium alone does not help after a few days, add 200 to 400 mg calcium at bedtime, either in the form of coral calcium or calcium citrate.

3) Exercise – Of all the self-help advice, nothing is more effective than daily exercise in order to balance the body’s energy, improve the circulation and assist in the elimination of toxins.  If you have a serious health condition, it is important to exercise carefully and not over do it.  Discuss exercise with your health care professional in order to design a program that is best suited for your particular body type and condition. But for sleep problems, avoid exercise after 6:00 P.M.

4) Hot Footbath – Soak the feet and ankles in a bucket or tub of hot water for 20 minutes before bed.

5) Foot Rubbing – Before bed, sit cross-legged, or in a chair, and stroke one foot at a time (with the opposite hand) lengthwise and with medium to strong pressure, at least 200 strokes.  Use two drops of sesame oil on each foot during this process.  Then put on some old socks and go to bed.

6) Avoid napping during the day, avoid eating after 7:00 P.M., avoid exercise after 6:00 P.M. and avoid hot baths. (Warm baths are fine but hot baths are counter productive)

7) Above all, if you can’t sleep for a few nights, don’t worry. No one ever died from insomnia. Even if you just lay quietly in a dark room for 6 to 8 hours, you are getting more rest than you might imagine. And the next day, you’ll probably function better than you think.

If you have tried these suggestions and still can’t sleep, a series of acupuncture and/or shiatsu treatments can be very helpful. Or consult with an Ayurvedic or Chinese herbalist.

Indirect Moxibustion

Although not well known in the west, the art of moxibustion plays an important role in traditional medicine of Japan. Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb “mugwort” (artemisia vulgaris) is burned near the surface of the skin in order to stimulate specific acupuncture points and to trigger natural healing responses in the body. The use of moxibustion is at least as old as acupuncture, with records of the practice dating back many centuries B.C. In China and Japan, the word (or characters) for acupuncture actually includes the word for moxibustion, thus illustrating how closely linked are these two modalities.  According to the classical texts, moxibustion and acupuncture are complimentary, each one enhancing the effects of the other.

The mugwort plant grows wild here in the Northwest and is often seen as an ornamental plant in front yards. The herb is considered “Yang” in Chinese medicine and as such, it is both warming and moving.  When the dried leaves are ground and sifted, a fine wool is produced (commonly referred to as “moxa”) which can easily be rolled into various shapes for burning.  The most common shapes are cones and sticks.

In Japan, scientists have studied moxibustion under laboratory conditions and have found that the infrared radiation from burning moxibustion is almost exactly the same wavelength as the infrared radiation in the human body.  And, the warming qualities of the dried mugwort itself enhances the warming effects of the combustion.  The result is that the heat from moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, giving both an immediate warming effect and a continuing warming effect, which lasts for several days after the treatment.

From a western medical perspective, we know that when we sustain a significant burn, all the biological systems of the body join together in a defensive response to protect the body from further damage and begin production of new blood and tissues.  Over two thousand years ago, the physician sages of China discovered that many of these profound healing reactions will occur even if the body sustains only a very small burn.

The very idea of burning the skin to produce a beneficial effect seems primitive and outrageous to most people in the West. But let’s put the concept into perspective. First, we are talking about a very mild burn, about as severe as a sunburn. Second, we are talking about very small areas of the skin, no larger than 2 – 4 millimeters in diameter. Japanese scientists have found that a small and mild burn from moxibustion, at specific points, can dramatically boost the body’s immunity and trigger a cascade of profound healing effects. These effects include a significant increase in white blood cell production, an increase in platelet count, a reduction in blood coagulation time, increased activity of the adrenal glands and many other biochemical reactions that assist the body in healing.

In traditional Asian medicine, moxibustion is indicated for any condition of pain, low energy or obstruction, where coldness or stagnation is a primary causative factor. Likewise, moxibustion is used for cases of blood deficiency or blood stagnation, since it is considered to move blood and stimulate blood production.

As an acupuncturist in Portland, I have found that moxibustion lifts the spirits and is very effective for many types of mild depression or fatigue. And for stiff or painful muscles and joints, acupuncture combined with moxibustion is one of the best treatments available.

Moxibustion is a powerful form of therapy which, when applied correctly, can stimulate the body’s own healing potential. If you are interested in the ancient medicine of Asia, you may want to receive a treatment in order to experience for yourself the wonderful healing effects of moxibustion. Moxibustion is also an effective and inexpensive home therapy, which is easy to learn from any licensed acupuncturist who has studied Japanese moxibustion therapy.

As in most cities, there are many styles of acupuncture in Portland. I practice Japanese acupuncture and shiatsu. (More information about this particular style of acupuncture is discussed on other articles on this blog.)All styles of acupuncture are based on the classical Chinese theory that the body and spirit are made up of different forms of Life-energy, or “qi”, combined with the five elements. This “qi” energy nourishes the body and maintains proper health through a complex network of channels or meridians. In addition, we know from empirical observation that “qi” energy follows the blood. If the “qi” energy becomes stagnant, the blood will become stagnant and vice versa. When the “qi” energy and blood circulate freely through the meridians, we enjoy good health and a positive attitude. Disease occurs when the circulation of “qi” and blood are impaired due to stress, negative emotions, improper diet, insufficient rest, environmental toxins or seasonal changes.

Acupuncture evolved over the course of many centuries as a method to stimulate and regulate the circulation of “qi” and blood in the body. From this standpoint, it can be argued that acupuncture will help the body to resolve any imbalance or disorder. If we can improve the circulation of “qi” and blood, it stands to reason that the body will respond favorably. I have been continuously amazed to see how well people respond to acupuncture for a wide range of disorders from pain syndromes to infertility to digestive disorders.

From another perspective, it has been documented that acupuncture is effective in calming the sympathetic nervous system and improving the function of the endocrine glands and internal organs.

The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic functions. These two systems are designed to work together like two sides of a balance. The sympathetic system helps the body to function in states of stress or excitation. When the sympathetic system is dominant, the body’s attention is focused on the peripheral muscles and nerves in order to react appropriately in a “fight or flight” situation. When the parasympathetic system is dominant, the body’s attention shifts to the internal organs and in general, the body prepares to relax and replenish its energy. At any given point in time, either the sympathetic or parasympathetic mode is dominant. Our nervous systems are designed to shift back and forth between these two modes of functioning, several times a day.

Problems arise when we become stuck in one mode for too long. And in the stress of our modern society, the overwhelming tendency is to become stuck in the “fight or flight” or sympathetic mode. Over time, this chronic over stimulation of the sympathetic nerves can lead to problems such as hypertension, headaches, dizziness, irritable bowel syndrome, muscular or skeletal pain, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal disorders. Because of its profound calming effect on the sympathetic nerves, acupuncture is particularly effective in treating these kinds of disorders.

Finally, there are a few disorders that respond particularly well and very quickly to acupuncture. In this category, I would list liver/gallbladder imbalances, headaches, digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, stress, mild to moderate anxiety or depression and food or substance cravings.

Migraines are sometimes called vascular headaches because they involve a restriction in blood flow to the brain. Stress, or some other trigger, causes muscle tension and spasm at the base of the skull, restricting the blood supply to the brain. In response, blood vessels in and around the brain dilate in order to compensate for the reduced oxygen. The pressure of these dilating arteries on cranial nerves causes the severe throbbing pain associated with migraine headaches.

One of the best alternative therapies for a migraine headache is Japanese acupuncture combined with the ancient practice or “cupping”. Cups are round vessels, 1″ to 3″ in diameter, which are applied to the body with vacuum suction. The vacuum is created either by means of heating the air inside the cup or by a mechanical pump. The local area of low pressure causes the blood to gather under the cup near the surface of the body, creating an immediate improvement in circulation. In particular, cupping helps to reset or regulate the tension in the arteries… helping to relax overly tense arteries and tighten those that are too lax. Cupping certain areas on the back can produce this regulating effect throughout the entire body.

In addition to acupuncture and cupping, dietary and lifestyle changes can often help to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. In this regard, the following suggestions may be helpful.

1) Experiment avoiding foods that are known to trigger migraines for some people. The most common problem foods, in order of importance, are:

• tannins in tea, red wine and apple cider
• chocolate
• aged cheese
• other dairy products
• peanuts
• poultry, including eggs
• caffeine in coffee, tea and cola drinks
• sulfites in processed meats and seafood
• beef
• wheat
• food additives such as MSG, artificial sweeteners (especially those containing Aspartame) and food colorings
• heavily processed or packaged foods

To find out if any of these foods are a trigger for you, experiment by eliminating one at a time for a couple of weeks and observe any change in the frequency or severity of your headaches. In addition, a number of prescription medications can cause migraine headaches in some people. Read the information sheet which comes with your medication and if headaches are a possible side effect, consult with your doctor to see if an alternative medication can be prescribed.

2) Feverfew herbal capsules – 125 mg. per day and containing at least 0.2% parthenolide. Check the label to make sure it contains standardized 0.2% parthenolide. This herb works best as a preventative and may be taken every day in the above dose. If a migraine occurs, take 500 mg. in one dose and do not take any more Feverfew that day.

3) Magnesium (Citrate or Amino Acid Chelate) – begin with 200 to 250 mg per day and gradually increase your dose up to 400 mg. If your stools become loose, back down the dosage to a comfortable level.

4) Exercise moderately, but every day. Exercise helps to regulate blood chemistry as well as vascular tension. It’s best to alternate with different exercises which move the major muscle groups of the body. Bicycling, rowing and swimming are excellent “non-impact” exercises.

5) Drink plenty of water. Your body weight divided by 2.5 equates to the minimum number of ounces of pure water (including juice) you should drink every day. It’s best to drink water mostly between meals.

6) Take flaxseed + borage oil complex – 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.

7) Two or three times each week, drink celery juice alone or combined with carrot, cucumber, spinach and/or parsley. Or, two 8-ounce glasses of this juice per day can be taken as a preventative, instead of Feverfew capsules.

Precautionary Note
Persistent headaches can be a sign of a serious health problem. If you have frequent or persistent headaches, it is recommended that you consult with your health care professional.

The ancient physicians of China and Japan considered depression to be a form of Qi deficiency or Qi stagnation. The Qi, or Life-energy is either deficient or not flowing evenly throughout the body. The result is a subjective experience of weakness, fatigue, lack of motivation, sadness or even despair. In this ancient system of medicine, the lungs and the organs of digestion are considered the most important organs involved in the generation and distribution of Qi. Therefore, in treating depression, we focus attention on the Qi meridians associated with these two organ systems.

It’s interesting to compare this ancient perspective with western science which views depression as a deficiency or imbalance in brain chemistry…with particular emphasis on the neuro-transmitter serotonin. The importance of serotonin is underscored by the fact that almost every anti-depression drug is designed to increase serotonin levels in the brain. But if we ask how serotonin is produced in the body, we get a surprising answer…one which points back to the ancient physicians of China. Researchers have found that as much as 80% of our serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, as a by-product of digestion.

In Japanese style acupuncture, we use specific points and acupuncture techniques that lift the spirits and re-establish a normal flow of Qi in the body. In addition, there are a number of dietary and lifestyle changes that can help to increase energy and elevate the mood. If you suffer from mild to moderate depression, here are a few suggestions that can make a significant difference within a few weeks.

1.    Take a concentrated fish oil supplement which provides at least 5 to 1 ratio of  Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) to Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA). DHA is a major building block of brain tissue and has a proven track record as a safe and effective treatment for depression and ADHD. In Great Britain and Europe, many doctors are using DHA supplementation to replace conventional drug therapy for mild to moderate depression.

2.    Aerobic exercise for 20 minutes, at least 5 days per week, is extremely valuable to help balance blood chemistry and remove toxins. If regular exercise is not part of your daily routine, it is important to begin carefully and build up to 20 minutes gradually over 2 or 3 months. Discuss exercise with your health care professional in order to design a program that is best suited to your condition.

3.    Certain prescription and OTC drugs can contribute to depression. If you are taking a pharmaceutical drug, find out if depression is one of the possible side effects and discuss with your doctor.

4.    Likewise, recreational drugs are major causes of depression for many people. Marijuana, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, narcotics, cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol, can all disrupt normal brain chemistry and deplete serotonin levels.

5.    A diet for depression has to be specifically designed to fit each individual. But in general, it would be helpful to eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce sugar, fried foods, junk foods and highly processed foods.

Precautionary Note: Severe clinical depression is a serious disorder. If you believe that you may be severely depressed or have difficulty working and maintaining your daily routine, consult with a medical doctor who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.