Dia Vickery PhD (Theology) LAc

Posted By Dia on February 7, 2010

There have been many advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer.  While the standard medical care for cancer is effective, the treatments are aggressive and cause numerous unwanted side effects as well as a lowered immune system. Acupuncture has received much attention as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments for its use in pain relief, reducing side effects, accelerating recovery and improving quality of life.

Acupuncture provides a total approach to health care for people with cancer. It can be used to address many of the concerns that come up during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery.

According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released.

Areas that acupuncture has shown the most promise include:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dry Mouth, Night Sweats and Hot Flashes
• Stress, Anxiety and Fatigue
• Pain Management
• Increasing White Blood Cell Count

The strongest evidence of the effect of acupuncture has come from clinical trials on the use of acupuncture to relieve nausea and vomiting. Several types of clinical trials using different acupuncture methods showed acupuncture reduced nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, surgery, and morning sickness. It appears to be more effective in preventing vomiting than in reducing nausea.

Other symptoms caused by cancer treatment

Clinical trials are studying the effects of acupuncture on cancer and symptoms caused by cancer treatment, including weight loss, cough, chest pain, fever, anxiety, depression, night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, speech problems, and fluid in the arms or legs. Studies have shown that, for many patients, treatment with acupuncture either relieves symptoms or keeps them from getting worse.

Boosting the Immune System

Human studies on the effect of acupuncture on the immune system of cancer patients showed that it improved immune system response, including increasing the number of white blood cells.

Pain Management

In clinical studies, acupuncture reduced the amount of pain in some cancer patients. In one study, most of the patients treated with acupuncture were able to stop taking drugs for pain relief or to take smaller doses.

Acupuncture is also very useful for support if you are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Because chemotherapy and radiation therapy weaken the body’s immune system, a strict clean needle method must be used when acupuncture treatment is given to cancer patients.

New Lung Cancer Guidelines Include Acupuncture

Acupuncture is now officially recommended for lung cancer patients experiencing fatigue, dyspnea, chemotherapy-Induced neuropathy, pain, nausea and vomiting.

The new edition of these standard guidelines represents the first time complementary and integrative medicine has been addressed in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, causing more fatalities than the next four most common types of cancer combined.

The new guidelines were developed and reviewed by 100 multidisciplinary panel members and have been endorsed by the American Association for Bronchology. American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, Oncology Nurses Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the World Association of Bronchology.

Category: Acupuncture | No Comments »
Tags: accupuncture, acupucnture, Acupuncture, cancer, lung cancer, oncology, pain relief, traditional oriental medicine

Posted By Dia on December 29, 2009

For more and more patients, insurance coverage for acupuncture is the make or break deciding factor.  I am pleased to announce that, through OptumHealth Physical Health of California, I will be a participating acupuncture provider for the following companies beginning 16th January 2010.

Great-West Healthcare
Health Allies
Medical Resource LLC
Secure Horizons
PacifiCare Health Systems
United Healthcare
Premera Blue Cross
Spring Hill School
Easy Choice Health Plan

I remain an in-network provider for Blue Shield of California.

If your health care coverage is with any of these plans, or any other, I encourage you to make 2010 the year you take control of your health.  Call to make an appointment and let acupuncture/traditional oriental medicine assist you toward radiant good health.

Category: Acupuncture, General, Insurance | No Comments »
Tags: accupuncture, acupucnture, Acupuncture, Insurance, traditional chinese medicine, traditional oriental medicine

Posted By Dia on December 23, 2009

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following update.  It has more to do with Public Health than Acupuncture, but I post it here as a public service since there may be a water frog or two being gifted this holiday season. 

Investigation Update: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections.  In the course of routine assessment, a number of cases with the same strain have been identified over many months. As of 11:59pm EST on December 9, 2009, 50 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 25 states.

ADVICE TO CONSUMERS

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any amphibian (e.g., frog) or reptile (e.g, turtle), their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with them or their housing.   Adults should assist young children with hand washing.  
• Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.  Call your health care provider if you or a family member have any of these symptoms.

Persons who should avoid contact with amphibians and reptiles and their habitats (e.g., aquarium, fish tank, or terrarium)

• Persons at increased risk for serious infection from salmonellosis are children < 5 years old, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems.
• These persons should avoid contact with amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) and anything that comes in contact with them (e.g., aquarium, habitat, and water).
• Keep amphibians and reptiles out of homes with children < 5 years old or people with weakened immune systems.

Placement and maintenance of habitats

• Amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) should not be kept in child-care centers.
• Habitats containing amphibians or reptiles should not be kept in a child’s bedroom, especially children aged < 5 years.
• Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas.
• Keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared or served to prevent contamination.
• Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the home. Use disposable gloves when cleaning and do not dispose of water in sinks used for food preparation or for obtaining drinking water.
• Do not bathe animals or their habitats in your kitchen sink. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be thoroughly cleaned afterward. Use bleach to disinfect a tub or other place where reptile or amphibian habitats are cleaned.
• Children aged <5 years should not clean habitats.

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning habitats.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about the outbreak, read the complete update on the CDC Salmonella website. To learn about other recent outbreaks and incidents, visit the CDC Recent Outbreaks and Incidents page.

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · 1600 Clifton Rd · Atlanta GA 30333 · 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Category: General, Public Health | No Comments »
Tags: hand washing, personal hygene, Public Health

Posted By Dia on November 30, 2009

Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life. Many women report feeling healthier than they have ever felt before; however, the physical growth of the baby and changes in hormone levels can bring about pain, discomfort and a , variety of health problems.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can provide a safe, effective alternative for many of the health complications that may arise before, during and after pregnancy. A growing number of women are choosing acupuncture to use throughout their pregnancy.

Said it before, will say it again, healthy parents produce healthy babies. With acupuncture and Oriental medicine, parents can improve their health to create the most optimal environment for their unborn child. In addition to their ability to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, acupuncture and Oriental medicine are an effective treatment for regulating menstruation and hormone levels, reducing stress and addressing any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns that a woman may have.

Acupuncture during Pregnancy

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can play a vital role in the comfort of a pregnant woman. There is strong evidence to support that acupuncture is highly effective at treating some of the most common problems experienced during pregnancy including morning sickness, heartburn, insomnia, water retention and sciatica.

Problems commonly treated during pregnancy:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Edema and Swelling
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Pelvic Pain
• Neck and Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Leg Cramps
• Fatigue and Exhaustion
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and Depression

Acupuncture Postpartum

Many women feel depleted after the birth experience.  Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help the transition of those first few months after birth to ensure a quick recovery. Postpartum care focuses on the physical, emotional and psychological recovery of the mother from the effects of pregnancy and labor, as well as encouraging breast feeding.

Problems commonly treated postpartum:

• Fatigue
• Postpartum Depression
• Mastitis
• Insufficient or Excessive Lactation
• Post Operative Healing
• Night Sweats

Category: Acupuncture, Fertility | 4 Comments »
Tags: accupuncture, acupucnture, Acupuncture, birth, childbirth, depression, Postpartum, pregnancy, pregnant, traditional oriental medicine

Posted By Dia on November 22, 2009

This year has been so tough that it even intruded on writing this blog.  As I was assembling my thoughts and getting everything in order, a good friend called to tell me she has breast cancer – one breast for sure and probably both.  She’s on a fast track to surgery, which is good, she has a good prognosis, which is good but she’s still going through a lot.  And, because I care for her, the announcement has meant I am too.  I’m sharing this so you, whomever you are reading this, will know this blog isn’t some intellectual exercise, but is something I’m writing about because it’s affecting my life too.

This year has seen a lot of deaths as well as a lot of serious illnesses.  And grief can begin long before the actually death of a friend or loved one, human or animal.  Grief can also come from the death of someone famous, if the connection is strong enough.

But grief doesn’t only come from a death of a person or companion animal.  The loss of a job can cause a level of grieving similar to the loss of a person.  This year has seen a lot of folks losing jobs, or having family members lose a job.  The problem comes when a person is not aware that a life change like that can cause severe, real, palpable grief.  They wonder if there’s something wrong with them, feel like they’re losers – after all, they only lost a job and here they are feeling this great sadness.  Are they cracking up?  A total waste of a human life?  Totally weak?

The answer, of course, if none of the above.  They’re experiencing a very understandable shock/grief reaction and they need some support.  So if you know someone who has lost their job be kind to them and maybe even suggest they look for some support to help them through this time.

Ironically, other major life changes can cause grief.  Graduations, weddings, births, even a new house or apartment can be a situation where grief arises.  Our self-image is changing dramatically during these events.  Once we graduate we lose our identity as a student.  We come into a wedding as two individuals and leave with new identities, we are now married – a part of a team and the single individual we were no longer exists.  Women’s bodies dramatically change when they become pregnant, and over the course of their pregnancy, they begin to identify themselves with those changes.  Then suddenly, they give birth and they lose that pregnant woman to become a new mother.  And moving into a new house or apartment means that Mr. X of 1234 Green Apple Circle no longer exists and has become, instead, Mr. X of 5678 Calle Grande.  These are wonderful changes, but they can bring up grieving as well as celebration.

In acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine (T.O.M.), the Metal element is strongly affected by grief.  The organ systems associated with Metal are the Lungs and the Large Intestine.  Practitioners will often treat Lung or Large Intestine points to help patients appropriately grieve by breathing in life and releasing the “crap” they’re holding on to.  Acupuncture and T.O.M. can help with grief, both new grief and long-standing deep-rooted grief.

Of course, just like everything else that acupuncture and T.O.M. can treat, various practitioners are more or less trained and able to treat grief, so if you or someone you love decides to try acupuncture and T.O.M. treatments, talk to a variety of practitioners before making your final decision.

As we move along the year, from the Autumn/Metal season to the Winter/Water season, grief can become solidified.  The basic nature of Winter is cold, hardening things and keeping things unchanged – frozen even.  By using appropriate warming techniques, herbal formulae and needle techniques; acupuncturists can help their patients avoid freezing into a pattern of long-term grief.

It’s not easy to talk about loss or the fear of loss but it is vitally important to reach out to someone.  If acupuncture and T.O.M. aren’t your thing, there are plenty of highly trained psychologists and psychiatrists who can help.  If you are of a more spiritual bent, there are clergy members of all faiths and denominations trained to help.  There are even special grief counselors.

So if you or someone you love is facing the terminal illness or death of a loved one, please remember there are a variety of avenues available to help you and that, unlike some of life’s experiences, it really IS best to share this experience with someone who has the knowledge, tools and compassion to help you through.

In Loving Memory –
J’hana
Michael
Robbie
Miriam
Baby Caleb

Category: Acupuncture, Psychoemotional | 2 Comments »
Tags: accupuncture, acupucnture, Acupuncture, cancer, death, dying, emotional, grief, traditional chinese medicine, traditional oriental medicine