NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE STUDY REVEALS ACUPUNCTURE’S POTENTIAL IN IMPROVING OUTCOMES AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY
December 6, 2023
Acupuncture, a potentially effective treatment for heart rhythm disorders, pain and nausea, is now being studied for use after cardiac surgery at Northwestern Medicine.
ACU-Heart is a clinical trial designed to assess the feasibility of daily acupuncture in the hospital setting after open-heart surgery, which has not been examined to date,” says lead investigator, Kim L. Feingold, PhD, a cardiac psychologist and the founder and director of Cardiac Behavioral Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Dr Feingold states “We know that the mind and body are connected,” “We’re always looking for ways to improve the patient experience and reduce the emotional consequences of heart disease, which can include depression and anxiety.”In the ACU-Heart pilot trial, patients undergoing valve surgery with no prior history of atrial fibrillation, were sorted into two groups. One group received standard care after surgery and the other received daily acupuncture intervention from the day after surgery until discharge.
From the study, the research team found that acupuncture after heart surgery was linked to:
– Lower rates of post-operative atrial fibrillation
– Reduced pain, nausea, stress and anxiety
– Less time spent in intensive care
– A reduced need for anti arrhythmic medication
“It’s exciting to demonstrate the potential role of acupuncture in the cardiovascular setting,” says Dr. Feingold. “There’s more to be done, but the ACU-Heart pilot trial certainly demonstrates significant promise.” This shortened article was taken from the full article which was originally published on NM.org on September 2023.
“Acupuncture is great for maintenance. It helps a long life become a better-quality life.” It’s about “Getting the “CHI”. Life Force flowing. Schedule your treatment today.
Feeling Stressed? Acupuncture Can Help!
January 16, 2023
Yes, research has found that acupuncture can be very beneficial to those with chronic stress. Many people suffer from stress 24/7. While there are many treatments, Acupuncture works wonders, it is one of the most effective treatments out there for reducing stress
Acupuncture promotes the parasympathetic zone, also referred to as “rest and digest” it is the zone one should be in for the body to heal. Most people in today’s world are in a sympathetic zone, which is also known as “fight-or-flight,” and can be triggered by something as little as watching something upsetting on the news, traffic, and so forth. When the body is in this zone, all the blood flow goes to the limbs, as your body perceives a threat, meaning that all other processes such as digestion and healing of tissues/organs are put on hold. During Acupuncture, your body goes from being in the sympathetic zone to the parasympathetic one. “This not only immediately calms you down, but also puts your body in healing mode.
When in the rest and digest mode, acupuncture stimulates the production of endogenous opioids like serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin “This symphony of neurotransmitters controls our body’s response to stress and improves our mood, and has such a profoundly relaxing effect.
Acupuncture for Calmness
June 13, 2022
Stress is the number one contributor to major disease in America – so don’t let your stress levels get out of hand. Acupuncture reduces your stress, lowers anxiety and creates calmness.
How does it work?
Deactivating the analytical brain which is responsible for anxiety and worries, and acting on the primary somatosensory cortex which is the area in the middle of the brain which is known to reduce sensitivity to stress and pain.
Downregulating the body’s stress response by balancing neurotransmitters and hormones. Stress triggers the production of certain hormones, cortisone and adrenaline.
Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to initiate the relaxation response. The parasympathetic nervous system acts like a brake and will calm your nervous system down to help you relax.
Regulate the release of inflammatory markers and chemicals which are associated with anxiety. Emotional disturbances and anxiety can lead to lowered immune system function and increased inflammation in the body.
Shift the effects of stress induced biochemical and behavioral changes that are triggered when someone experiences anxiety.
“Acupuncture is great for maintenance. It helps a long life become a better-quality life.” It’s about “Getting the “CHI”. Life Force flowing. Schedule your treatment today.
Vagus Nerve -The Super Power for fighting stress
March 31, 2022
Stress can affect our mental and physical health, shifting that should be a top priority . There are techniques we can practice daily to boost healing, decrease pain, and adjust our nervous system for a decreased stress response.
The Vagus nerve acts to synchronize our nervous system to decrease this stress response. It is the largest cranial nerve and it’s the most powerful nerve in the body, it connects the brain to the heart, lungs, spleen, and gut, when we stimulate the Vagus nerve we can receive impressive health benefits!
One of the easiest ways to stimulate the Vagus nerve is through Slow Deep Breathing. You can learn to use breathing exercises to shift your focus away from stress or pain. The human mind processes one thing at a time. If you focus on the rhythm of your breathing, you’re not focused on the stressor.
The moment we anticipate stress in any form, we tend to stop breathing and hold our breath. Breath-holding activates the stress response; it tends to increase the sensation of pain, anxiety, or fear. To practice, deep breathing inhales and exhale through your nose, breathe very slowly and aim for 6 breaths a minute. Exhale longer than you inhale, exhale triggers the calm and relaxed response
Additional techniques for stimulating the vagus nerve are: Acupuncture, singing, laughing, ice-cold showers, etc.