Dublin Accupuncture

ALLERGY

Allergies and food intolerance’s can cause symptoms including, rash, itch, runny nose, sneezing, headache, red or dry eyes, inflammation, irritation, aches and pains, toxic overload, bowel and digestive upset, Flu like symptoms, low immune system, nutritional deficiencies, organ and system imbalances, raised PH levels and chronic fatigue. This can lead to illness or trigger existing conditions. We treat a wide range of conditions. The testing used is non-invasive and pain free. It incorporates Chinese medicine, bio-resonance muscle testing, Diet and Nutrition therapy

 

We test for a wide variety of foods, chemicals, and airborne substances.

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.somaacupuncture.com/allergies.html

An allergy is sensitivity to a substance which usually does not cause any harm. The immune system views the allergen as if it was a dangerous infection releasing a surge of histamine. This can cause an array of symptoms some mild while others can be severe and last for periods of time. Eg. inflammation, irritation, fluid retention, itching, fatigue, digestive upset, pain, flu like symptoms, weight loss/gain , mood swings, Premenstrual Syndrome, hormonal imbalance, Candida, nutritional deficiencies, toxic overload, organ imbalances, disruption in ph balance and insomnia. . In severe cases an allergic reaction can lead to Anaphalactic shock.

 

Allergies can affect almost any part of the body and be caused by an ever increasing range of natural or artificial substances eg chemicals, airborne substances like dust mite, food and drink, animals, environmental, preservatives and additives. Allergies can be the sole cause of illness or act as a trigger to existing conditions.

 

Allergy testing and treatment

The consultation and testing used are non-invasive and

 

pain free. We incorporate Traditional Chinese medicine

 

bio-resonance, muscle testing, nutrition therapy, herbal

 

medicine, acupuncture, and stress management, etc.

 

(CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION)

 

http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.ie/2012/08/muscle-testing-and-bioresonance.html http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.com/2012/02/joanne-mc-govern-chinese-herbalist.html

 

ON YOUR FIRST VISIT TO OUR CLINICS, A DETAILED ASSESSMENT IS CARRIED OUT. THIS INCLUDES, CHINESE TONGUE PULSE AND FACIAL DIAGNOSES, PAST AND CURRENT MEDICAL HISTORY, NUTRITION DIET AND LIFESTYLE ASSESSMENT. AN ALLERGY/FOOD INTOLERANCE TEST MAY ALSO BE ADVISED. DEPENDING ON THE DIAGNOSIS, A SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALISED TREATMENT PLAN WILL BE ADVISED. ALL CONSULTATIONS ARE PRIVATE AND BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

WHAT CAN TCM DO?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acupuncture has been shown to be a safe and effective way to combat the symptoms of seasonal allergies. In 2004, a study published by Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that patients treated with acupuncture for six weeks and given a Chinese herbal medicine formula to take daily saw improvement in their allergy symptoms, higher energy levels and improved emotional well-being. The study was covered, along with tips about how acupuncture can be used to treat allergies in this Seattle Post-Intelligencer article.

 

In acupuncture, there are seven key pressure points that can help bring relief to seasonal allergy sufferers. By focusing on these points, an acupuncturist can help relieve and reduce symptoms like runny nose and sinus pain or headache. Six of these points are found on your face and the seventh is on your left foot. To get started, you can even stimulate these pressure points on your own – here’s a recent Huffington Post health blog post that tells you how.

 

Chinese herbal treatments can also help. I have worked with patients for years to not only treat the symptoms of their seasonal allergies – which in Traditional Chinese Medicine are sometimes referred to as the “branches” – but also to strengthen their overall systems throughout the year – or the “root”.

http://www.bergencountyacupuncture.com/paramus-nj-acupuncture/treat-allergies-with-acupuncture-paramus-acupuncture/ http://www.philadelphia-acupuncture.com/ahhhh-choo-acupuncture-and-seasonal-allergies   ALLERGIES SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most common are dermatitis, eczema, urticaria (nettle rash/hives) and psoriasis. Symptoms can include itching, redness, pain, swelling, sores, pustules, rashes, and acne. Causes can include allergies to certain foods, drugs, perfumes, chemicals and animals, poor diet, stress, nutritional deficiencies and organ imbalances.

 

Eye and ear allergies

 

Allergies can cause the eyes to water swell become sore red and irritated. The ears can also be affected causing itching internally and externally, fluid can also build up inside the ear causing pressure a ringing sensation and temporary deafness.

 

Respiratory allergies

 

 

Some common nasal conditions which are caused or triggered by allergies include rhinitis, sinusitis and hay fever. Symptoms can include sneezing, nasal discharge, headache, stuffiness, flu like symptoms and congestion. Chest conditions can manifest with symptoms such as coughing with or without phlegm, susceptibility to colds and flu, sensitivity to drafts or chills

Asthma

attacks can be brought on by an allergic reaction to foods and airborne substances. Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, coughing and chest tightness.

 

Food allergies and food intolerances

 

The list of symptoms of food allergies is endless they include digestive upset, skin rash, organ imbalances, delayed immune response, mouth sores, mood swings, toxin build up, weight gain or loss, stress, headache, poor absorption of nutrients and irritable bowel syndrome. Food allergies can upset the natural balance between good and bad bacteria leading to fungal infection. They can also interfere with the bodies’ natural ph levels.

Candida and allergies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candida is one of the most frequent conditions seen in the western world. It often manifests itself as vaginal infection in women. Causes can include allergies, poor diet, stress, nutritional deficiencies, poor immune system and antibiotic use. Symptoms are wide and varied. For example, thrush, nail infections, gas, bloating, constant hunger, bad breath, anal itching, severe dandruff, itchy flakey scalp, toxic overload, digestive and bowel upset, weight gain / loss and poor concentration.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

 

IBS affects many people. It manifests with severe pain, bloating, belching, stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, indigestion, spasm, anal itching, frequent and urgent bowel motions. This condition can be very stressful, which in itself makes the condition worse. Causes can include food allergies and food intolerances, stress, nutritional deficiencies and organ imbalances.

 

PH Balance

 

http://www.water-for-health.co.uk/articles-scientific-and-technical/acid-alkaline-balance.html?gclid=CKrn0IH8rK4CFdRA4QodIyodSg

 

PH balance / acid balance can be altered by food allergies and equally allergies can be caused by over acidity resulting in disorders such as gout, acne, aches and pains, indigestion, psoriasis, red itchy skin, cellulite, heartburn, constant fatigue and illness.

 

Organ Imbalances

 

In Chinese medicine, allergies can cause disruption in the natural balance between yin and yang, smooth flow of Qi/energy and harmony amongst the organs. For example, disharmony of earth and wood (spleen and liver). Clinical indications of this may include indigestion with gas, cramping, nausea, constipation / diarrhea, Premenstrual Syndrome with sore breasts, bloated abdomen, irritability and fatigue, headaches, mood swings, erratic appetite, irregular / painful periods, craving foods, cold hands and feet, unstable blood sugar and poor concentration. Other causes include stress low immune system infections poor diet and lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies. It is important to identify and treat these imbalances as soon as possible to avoid illness.

 

Stress and allergies

 

 

Allergies can put huge stress on almost any part of the system. Equally stress, can interfere with the immune response, resulting in allergies. It is important to keep stress at manageable levels so that the system can function properly. A well balanced diet, regular aerobic exercise and continual water intake are essential to reduce stress. Just as there are certain foods and drinks which raise stress levels there are also an array of supper foods that help to de-stress. It is important to decrease stress inducing foods and increase de-stress foods.

Nutrition and allergies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over time if allergies are left untreated nutritional deficiencies will occur. To maintain good health it is important that we are getting adequate nutrition on a daily basis to support our lifestyle. Nutrition is required for all of the bodies systems and functions. It is important that we are eating the right foods, that these foods are being broken down properly, and that the nutrition from these foods is properly absorbed. Symptoms of deficiency or mal-absorption of nutrition are numerous and need to be identified and treated ASAP.

 

Toxins

 

Our systems are bombarded with toxins every day. For example, air pollution, drugs, heavy metals, excess salt and sugar, preservatives and additives, chemicals and fumes. Allergies can cause toxin levels to rise within the body. Equally toxins can leave the body hyper sensitive to intolerances and allergies. Many toxins are fat soluble and are stored in the fatty parts of the body. Symptoms can include allergy reactions, Premenstrual Syndrome, weight gain, joint pain, bad breath, headaches, constipation, digestive upset, premature ageing, poor concentration, fluid retention, Candida, gallstones, acne, bad breath, body odor, erratic blood sugar levels and M.E. Toxins can be stored in many parts of the body. It is therefore important to do a complete systems detox, to avoid toxic overload.

 

 

 

Breathing

 

Many people are unaware of how they breathe. Breathing is life we cannot survive for longer than a few minutes without air. Correct breathing filters and warms air which helps to reduce invasion of wind, cold, damp, airborne allergies and toxins. When we breathe incorrectly we can have a tendency to over breathe or hyperventilate causing many symptoms including wheezing, asthma attack, stress, panic attacks, insomnia, snoring, palpitations, light headed feeling, anxiety, stress, low immune system, fatigue, poor concentration and headache. We need to concentrate on breathing correctly no matter where we are or what we are doing. Simple breathing techniques which can be done by anyone and incorporated into everyday living can have a dramatic effect on health and energy.

 

Nutrition

 

Where deficiencies have been found, diet changes and in some cases nutritional supplements will be recommended. Specific nutritional supplements can also be used to improve the immune system, treat stress, balance ph and intestinal flora (good bacteria). All nutrition recommended will be fully licensed.

 

Diet and lifestyle

 

Where needed, simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference to your health will be advised. Particular attention will be given to increasing intake of foods that heal and decreasing intake of foods that harm. Regular exercise, depending on your health, and adequate water and sleep. Stress management may also be advised.

Acupuncture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.acupuncturebenefits.org/acupuncture-for-allergies-and-colds-and-flu/

 

can be used to diagnose and treat most conditions. It can successfully treat the signs and symptoms associated with allergies. It is the largest drug free healthcare system in the world, and can be used in conjunction with western medicine. It can restore balance between yin and yang, smooth flow of Qi/energy, and harmony between the organs.

 

Auricular acupuncture (needle free) is simple, pain free and safe. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions. For example, allergies, insomnia, stress, fears and phobias, fertility issues, stop smoking and weight loss. It is suitable to use on children and older people.

 

Chinese herbs

 

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/how-to-treat-allergies-with-traditional-chinese-medicine.htm

 

have been used for hundreds of years. Specific herbal formulas can be used to successfully treat most conditions. For example, allergy symptoms (sneezing itching burning stinging pain), increase absorption of nutrition, improve the immune system, stress, Candida, asthma, IBS, fatigue, digestive conditions, detox the system, skin conditions, oedema, and weight gain or loss. Any Chinese herbs that are recommended will be fully licensed.

 

JOANNE MC GOVERN  Dip. Ac., Lic. Ac., ITEC., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Stress Management., Dip. Nutritional Advisor.,MAFPA., http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.com/2012/02/joanne-mc-govern-chinese-herbalist.html

 

 

Acupuncture Stops Dermatitis Itch – New Research

 

 

 

 

 

 

New research concludes that acupuncture “significantly reduced type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with AD (atopic dermatitis).” In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study; researchers compared acupuncture and drug therapy with placebo and non-intervention control groups. Both acupuncture and drug therapy significantly reduced itching with acupuncture being the most effective of the two.

Researchers measured outcomes for two types of acupuncture protocols. Protocol I measured the effects of acupuncture using preventative (preceding) acupuncture treatment. Protocol II measured acupuncture’s effects when applied to active itching. Protocol II was the most effective of the two. Drug therapy testing employed citirzine, an antihistamine, as the pharmacological agent to control itching. Citirizine (Zyrtec, Reactine) was as effective as preventative acupuncture care but not as effective as active acupuncture.

Joanne Mc Govern – Dip Ac., Lic Ac., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional Adviser, ITEC, Dip Stress Management.

http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.com/2012/02/joanne-mc-govern-chinese-herbalist.html

 

PSORIARIS

Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin condition that produces red, dry plaques of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes from the blood . Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

http://www.medicinenet.com/psoriasis/article.htm

TYPES OF PSORIARIS

The most common form of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, affects eighty percent of all psoriasis sufferers. Its symptoms are the “classic ” psoriasis symptoms: patches of raised, inflamed red skin covered by silver-colored scales. The scales are actually dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the psoriatic inflammation. Over time, the scales flake off, revealing the red skin beneath, and new scales form. In black Americans these psoriatic plaques are often the same color as the skin.

http://www.tree.com/health/psoriasis-types.aspx

DIET

Although a special psoriasis diet is debatable, studies have shown that certain nutrients and minerals are a great help in the management of the disease and there are certainly some foods to avoid for the prevention of the attack.

Researchers have 5 major nutrient recommendations to include in your psoriasis diet. These are:

http://www.psoriasisz.com/psoriasis-diet

TCM AND PSORIARIS

Definition? Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is characterized by elevated, red, inflamed patches that are sometimes covered with silver scales. Often there is itching, pain, and burning sensation as well. Psoriasis can happen anywhere on the body but most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Psoriasis tends to affect men and women equally and although it can affect all age groups, it primarily affects adults. 

Possible causes?  In western medicine, the possible causes of psoriasis are still not clear but the following are a few possibilities that scientists have come up with:

 

• Autoimmune condition: In psoriasis, a type of white blood cell, called a T-cell, are put into action by mistake and become so active that they can trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and rapid turnover of skin cells. This means that skin cells quickly rise from their origin below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature. Usually this takes about a month in the average person, but in psoriasis, it may only take a few days.
• Family history: one-third of cases; Researchers have identified genes linked to the disease after studying a large number of families affected by psoriasis.
• Emotional stress
• Skin damage
• Cold weather or changes in climate
• Physical illness
• Some medications including lithium, quinidine, and those that treat high blood pressure and inflammation can trigger an outbreak or worsen psoriasis

Biomedical treatment? Doctors treat psoriasis based on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, and type of psoriasis, and the patient’s response to initial treatments. This is called the “1-2-3″ approach. In step 1, topical medications are used. In step 2, light treatments are used (phototherapy). In step 3, oral medications or injections that treat the whole immune system are used (called systemic therapy). Over time, affected skin can become resistant to treatment and will no longer work, especially when topical steroids are used. Also, many psoriasis patients say that they have either not yet found a treatment that really works or they are afraid of the adverse reactions they will have to the medications.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Psoriasis?  In my practice, I see many patients with psoriasis. In most cases, the patient has tried every ointment or medication without success and is seeking an alternative. In the initial visit, I ask the patient many detailed questions and talk with them about the course of treatment. Chinese herbal medicine is my first treatment of choice but quite commonly I will also recommend acupuncture once per week. In all cases, I advise them regarding their diet and supplement intake.

In TCM theory, the skin lesions of psoriasis is mainly caused by an excess of “heat” which can manifest as blood-dryness, heat in the blood, blood stasis, damp-heat, or fire and toxic-heat. The “heat” is often resulting from pathogenic wind entering the body and invading the yin and blood. Also, Qi (energy) and blood obstruction throughout the body due to stress for example, can result in heat accumulation. Liver and Kidney weakness may also lead to the deficiency-type psoriasis. The TCM approach to psoriasis is to differentiate the syndrome and decide on what the underlying cause is. The aim of TCM is to result in a permanent solution after treating the root cause of the illness.

How fast can you see results?  The results of TCM treatment will vary depending on each case, although most patients notice visual changes within 1 – 4 weeks. It is very important that patients comply with all treatment requirements for maximum effectiveness including nutritional changes, stress-relief exercises etc.

Nutritional Therapy for Psoriasis?  In my practice, the nutritional recommendations I give are detailed and customized for the individual patient. However, the following are just some general therapies for all people suffering from psoriasis:

• Omega 3 essential fatty acids – may reduce inflammation, lubricate skin, and regulate prostaglandins (2000mg per day)
• Zinc (25mg per day
• Folic acid (1mg per day)
• Quercetin (500mg three times per day before meals)
• Avoid red meat, dairy products, and simple refined sugars
• Avoid acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus foods, eggplant, and coffee
• Avoid highly allergic foods such as corn, wheat, eggs
• Avoid alcohol and smoking

Research study: Acupuncture for Psoriasis 61 cases of psoriasis were treated with acupuncture, including 25 patients with complications of joint involvement, and two cases of scleroderma additionally. All of the patients had failed to respond to their western medical treatments. 25 patients were males and 36 were females. Their ages ranged from 22 to 84 years, with an average of about 52 years. Most of them (about 61%) had quite extensive involvement of the body. The average duration of their illness was over 16 years, ranging from 2 to 65 years.

They received an average of about 9 acupuncture sessions.

With the acupuncture treatment, about one-half (30) of the 61 patients had complete or almost complete clearance of the skin lesions. About a quarter (14 patients) of them had a clearance of about two-thirds of the skin lesions. Eight of them had a clearance of one-third of the skin lesions. Only nine patients had minimal improvement. This indicates that acupuncture is an effective therapeutic modality for psoriasis, particularly when the western conventional treatment was ineffective

http://www.chinesemedicineclinic.com/psoriasis.html.

TREATMENT

 On your first visit a detailed assessment is carried out.  This includes Chinese tongue pulse and facial diagnoses, past and current medical history, nutrition diet and lifestyle assessment. We also check for food intolerances/allergies. Allergies and food intolerances can cause symptoms including, rash, itch, inflammation, irritation,  toxic overload, bowel and digestive upset low immune system, nutritional deficiencies, organ and system imbalances, raised PH levels and chronic fatigue.  This can lead to illness or trigger existing conditions.  The testing used is non-invasive and pain free. It incorporates Chinese medicine, bio-resonance  muscle testing and Nutrition therapy

http://www.daatc.com/allergies-2/ 

We test for a wide variety of foods, chemicals, and airborne substances We also check for nutritional deficiencies, organ imbalances, and toxins, PH/ acid balance, intestinal flora and the immune system. Depending on the diagnoses, a treatment plan will then be advised for you. This may involve exclusion diet, acupuncture / needle free acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition diet and lifestyle changes. Any exclusion diet will be fully explained and include recommendations for alternative foods.   All consultations are strictly private and by appointment only.  

Joanne Mc Govern – Dip Ac., Lic Ac., Dip. Chinese Herbs, Dip. Nutritional

 Advisor, Dip Stress Management.

http://acupunctureandallergytesting.blogspot.com/2012/02/joanne-mc-govern-chinese-herbalist.html