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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine For Neck Pain

I often tell my patients who come to the office in Mamaroneck seeking acupuncture and Chinese medicine the same thing: more than fifty percent of patients seeking acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment come for a pain-related condition. The top three pain conditions seen by most acupuncturists are lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Most acupuncturists have a lot of experience treating pain, especially neck pain.

At various stages in life, most individuals experience some form of neck pain, whether it’s waking up with a stiff neck or feeling tightness from prolonged periods of stress. Certain occupations may increase the likelihood of developing acute or chronic neck pain. Workers who engage in repetitive tasks, maintain prolonged sitting positions, or frequently use their arms are particularly vulnerable to neck discomfort. In our modern age, “cell phone neck” has become increasingly common.

The neck is among the body’s most flexible yet sensitive areas. Throughout the day, many of us unknowingly place stress on our necks, which can lead to pain, discomfort, stiffness, and restricted movement not only in the neck but also in the shoulders and arms. Our posture, activities, stress levels, sleep, lifestyle, and even eating habits affect the health of our neck.

For those dealing with neck pain—whether occasional or persistent—acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may offer effective relief. Acupuncture has gained recognition as a viable treatment for various painful conditions. This natural approach to managing neck pain is both safe and effective.

Understanding Neck Pain

Neck pain can stem from a variety of sources, including wear and tear, strains or sprains, and inflammation. Common causes include:

  • Poor Posture: Prolonged bending or slumping forward can lead to strains (overstretched muscles) or sprains (ligament injuries). Situations like extended computer use, long drives, reading in bed, or awkward phone positions can exacerbate this issue. Sleeping in an unfavorable position is also a frequent contributor.
  • Injuries and Trauma: Acute neck pain and whiplash are often the results of injuries from falls, sports, or automobile accidents.
  • Medical Conditions: Chronic pain and stiffness can arise from conditions such as arthritis or herniated discs. Illnesses like the flu and jaw-related injuries may also lead to neck discomfort.
  • Stress: Anxiety and stress can cause muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and back.
  • Exposure to Drafts: Allowing drafts to reach your neck, whether indoors or outdoors, can cause discomfort and stiffness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views wind as a harmful element that can invade the body, particularly through the head and neck, especially with damp hair. This can lead to muscle soreness and tightness. It’s important to wear a scarf to cover your neck, especially in cooler months.
  • Sleeping with Damp Hair: Similar to drafts, going to bed with wet hair can cause neck muscles to contract, leading to stiffness and pain, and may even trigger headaches for some individuals. Ensure that your hair is dry before going to bed.  In Chinese medicine, neck pain may be attributed to factors like overuse, strain, muscle tension, or the invasion of cold, wind, and dampness.

How Acupuncture Can Assist?

Research, including studies published in reputable medical journals, indicates that acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment for chronic neck pain. It can alleviate pain related to movement and enhance cervical mobility. Given that neck pain can be a persistent issue, it is often beneficial to consider multiple treatment modalities, including acupuncture.

Check out the studies below for more information:

The Acupuncture Treatment Process

An acupuncture session typically begins with an assessment of the patient’s condition. In treating pain, it is important to discern the quality of pain, aggravating and alleviating factors, as well as a thorough health history to determine other factors preventing the body from recuperating on its own. These factors include sleep, digestion, stress levels, etc. This is followed by the careful insertion of needles to restore energy flow and alleviate discomfort. Sessions usually last around 60 minutes, and the frequency of treatment will depend on the severity and duration of pain. These key details would be discussed early in the treatment plan.

Complementary Therapies for Neck Pain Management

In addition to acupuncture, complementary treatments such as cupping, moxibustion, bodywork (tuina and reflexology), internal herbal medicine, and external herbal medicine can enhance neck pain management.

  • Cupping Therapy: This technique utilizes suction cups to relieve tension and improve circulation in the neck and back. Cupping can greatly enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment, often reducing the number of treatments needed to gain relief.
  • Bodywork (Tuina and Reflexology): These techniques apply pressure to various points, meridians, joints, muscles, tissues, etc., to promote relaxation, circulation, increased range of motion, and pain relief.
  • Internal Herbal Remedies: Chinese herbs can be beneficial when used alongside other treatments but should only be taken under professional guidance. Chinese herbal formulas are used to alleviate muscle and joint stiffness and pain. For some very chronic cases of neck pain, internal herbs are often added to speed up recovery.
  • External Herbal Remedies: After a thorough diagnosis of the pain symptoms, topical herbal medicines are applied in the form of oils, liniments, plasters, steams, soaks, etc. Different topical preparations are used for different stages of recovery. Topical herbal medicine is applied daily and is an excellent adjunctive therapy.
  • Moxibustion: Cases of neck pain that have pronounced weakness, fatigue, and sensitivity to cold often do really well when moxibustion is added to the treatment. Moxibustion warms and loosens up chronically cold and tight areas of the neck, greatly relieving pain.
  • Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling: With all health conditions, there are certain causative factors that can create a health problem or greatly exacerbate an existing one. By working with diet and lifestyle, the effects of treatment are greatly magnified.

For a greater understanding of the treatment therapies used, please visit this link: Treatment Therapies Offered..

In summary, acupuncture is a valuable method for managing neck pain. It can relieve discomfort, reduce tension, and restore energy flow. However, maintaining good posture and an active lifestyle is equally important in preventing and managing neck pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does acupuncture help with neck pain? Yes, evidence supports acupuncture’s effectiveness in managing neck pain.
  • How long does it take for acupuncture to work? Relief may be felt after one session, but chronic pain might require several treatments. To fully stabilize your pain condition, it will often take a series of treatments.
  • Can acupuncture assist with a pinched nerve? Yes, it can alleviate pain and enhance circulation. The only time acupuncture cannot help with pain is if there is a broken bone or severed tissue.

For further information about acupuncture and how it can help your neck pain, please feel free to reach out to Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, at his acupuncture office in Mamaroneck. The phone number is (914) 772-4044. Or feel free to click the below to schedule your first session.

https://acusimple.com/bookings/1508

Can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Help With Acid Reflux?

Understanding Acid Reflux and GERD

Many patients visit the acupuncture office in Mamaroneck with complaints of acid reflux. Some are on medications, while others are not.  Many of these patients have frequent bouts of burping , burning sensation in stomach and throat,  coughing, poor sleep, chest pain and regurgitation.  A lot of these patients have found acupuncture and Chinese medicine make them feel.a lot better.  Please read on to find out how you can be helped as well.  

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus and throat. This happens when stomach acid moves upwards instead of downwards, leading to discomfort and irritation of the esophageal tissues. While many individuals experience occasional acid reflux, it is often characterized as indigestion, which includes burning stomach pain after eating, or heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest. Although occasional acid reflux can be uncomfortable, it is not classified as a disease. However, chronic acid reflux can negatively affect quality of life and potentially harm tissues.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe form of chronic acid reflux, occurring at least twice a week over several weeks. This condition arises when the mechanisms that prevent acid from entering the esophagus malfunction. Unlike temporary acid reflux, GERD is a persistent mechanical issue. It is estimated that around 20% of adults and 10% of children in the U.S. experience GERD, making it a prevalent health concern.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD

  • Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
  • Noncardiac chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat
  • Asthma-like symptoms
  • Cough
  • Poor sleep
  • Regurgitation 
These symptoms may worsen at night, after consuming large or fatty meals, or when bending over. Babies can also experience GERD, especially if they are born prematurely or have conditions affecting their esophagus. Symptoms in infants may include excessive fussiness, difficulty sleeping, and small episodes of vomiting. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens or relaxes. Factors such as hiatal hernias, pregnancy, obesity, and smoking can contribute to the weakening of the LES.

Chinese Medicine Perspectives on Acid Reflux

In Chinese Medicine, acid reflux is viewed as a problem of direction and movement within the digestive system. Once food is swallowed, it should travel down the esophagus and through the digestive tract until it is fully digested and the waste exits the body. This movement should be downward. When acid reflux occurs, it indicates that the movement of the digestive system is counterflowing or partially moving in the wrong direction. Other symptoms of this counterflow include nausea, vomiting, belching, and constipation.

Causes of Counterflow in the Digestive System

The causes of this counterflow are often related to dietary and lifestyle habits. Some may seem obvious, while others may not. The following factors can slow down the digestive system, weaken it, or cause stagnation. Stagnation may start as bloating or indigestion and can lead to further digestive disorders if left unaddressed.

Dietary Causes

Excessive consumption of the following foods can lead to poor digestion and cause things to slow.  Once digestion slows it can easily cause a counterflow or an upward movement
These foods should be avoided or greatly reduced until your digestion improves:
  • Sweet foods, including cookies, cakes, and processed foods
  • Dairy products
  • Raw, cold, or iced foods and drinks
These foods can cause upward movement in the body, significantly affecting the digestive system. They are also warming and drying, which can lead to agitation, insomnia, high blood pressure, and the symptoms of counterflow mentioned earlier.
These foods should be avoided or greatly reduced until your digestion improves:
  • Spicy foods (such as chilis, cayenne, garlic, and bulb onions)
  • Coffee
  • Alcohol
Lifestyle Causes
The following lifestyle factors can lead to digestive upset, starting with fatigue and bloating, and can result in a wide range of digestive issues beyond reflux:
  • Excessive stress
  • Irregular eating times
  • Laying down after eating
  • Late-night eating
  • Distractions while eating
  • Poor food combining
  • Insufficient chewing
Strategies for Relief from Acid Reflux Symptoms
To alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux and other digestive complaints, it is essential to eliminate as many of the causes listed above as possible. If you choose to seek treatment, we typically begin by investigating the root cause of your condition before working on dietary and lifestyle changes to address it. 
Here are some suggestions to help you:
  1. Drink Boiled Water: Start your day with boiled water and drink boiled water as your main beverage. Drink it the same temperature you would have tea.  This practice can help your stomach relax and break up stagnation in digestion, promoting better movement and reducing bloating and indigestion.  For more information on this practice follow this link: Drink Hot Water For Better Health
  2. Short Walks After Meals: Consider going for a short walk after your meals, particularly after your evening meal. This encourages the downward movement of the digestive system, aiding in proper digestion. For more information on this practice follow this link:  Take A Walk After Eating to Improve Digestion

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help

If you try these suggestions and see no improvement, it may be time to schedule an appointment for treatment. We will conduct a thorough evaluation of your body to identify the cause of your discomfort. This assessment will include a review of your diet and lifestyle, leading to a tailored treatment plan that may incorporate acupuncture, bodywork (reflexology and tuina), ​moxibustion​​​, internal herbal medicine, and more to help you achieve your health goals.  Chinese medicine treatments will improve all aspects of digestion and redirect the movement of digestion in the correct direction by encouraging downward movement.

Studies showing the benefits of acupuncture in addressing acid reflux.

Please book your next appointment by following this link.  ​Book Now​​​

Another Case of Severe Dizziness – This Time Moxa To The Rescue

On Saturday morning, my mother-in-law was complaining of dizziness and nausea. She does not have a history of vertigo, but by the evening, she could barely stand. She would not open her eyes and was very quiet. My wife and father-in-law were becoming very nervous. I had her lie down and inserted about eight acupuncture needles into various points on her body. After about 30 minutes, there was no change in her symptoms. So, I took the needles out and applied moxibustion. First, I put moxa shoes on her feet. Then, I burned moxa on ginger at 2-3 points. Within 5 minutes of putting the moxa shoes on, she opened her eyes and was her normal self. By the end of the treatment, the dizziness was gone, and she was back to normal. Yesterday, we repeated the same treatment, and she is doing fine. This is another example of how acupuncture did not work in the moment, but another technique worked almost instantly. Chinese medicine offers this versatility. I am not saying acupuncture cannot help with dizziness; it can, and I have seen it work many times for dizziness. In this particular case, on this particular day, moxa was the magic treatment.

Moxa is a very ancient treatment. It is most likely older than acupuncture. For more information on moxibustion, check out the moxa page on this site. There is a saying in Chinese medicine: if acupuncture and Chinese herbs cannot treat a problem, then apply moxa. I have seen this time and time again for chronic pain, excessive bleeding, autoimmune disorders, severe fatigue, fertility, and even anxiety and depression. Moxibustion can be very helpful for these conditions especially if other treatments are not helping

Moxibustion is also a technique used to prolong life, and it is used for longevity. Moxibustion has been shown to increase immunity and improve digestive function, reproductive function, etc. It just makes the body stronger and healthier. If you want to know if moxibustion is right for you, schedule a consultation today. You can call the acupuncture office in Mamaroneck at (914) 772-4044, or you can book online below.

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Moxa On Ginger – Great for digestion, pain, fatigue, weakness, etc.

Moxa Shoes are great for severe dizziness, anxiety, insomnia

 

Can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Help With Weight Loss?

Ira Wahrman Acupuncturist Doing Acupuncture
Acupuncture For Digestion

Many patients call the office in Mamaroneck asking about acupuncture for weight loss.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be very helpful for weight.  In general there are two approaches.  In general there are two approaches.  The first approach is to use specific acupuncture points and treatment protocols that have been shown to help with weight loss. Practitioners who do this type of treatment will often advertise treatments for weight loss and it may even be one of their specialities.  Another approach to weight loss is to look at a patients health in a holistic way.  When I say a holistic way the focus is not primarily on the weight.  The focus is making the person as healthy as possible and as a result the body will slowly find its own healthy weight.

I tend to follow a more holistic approach.  First there are many reasons why a person may not be able to loose weight.  It can be poor diet, improper lifestyle habits, lack of exercise, stress, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, poor digestion, chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, genetics, medications, etc.  It can be a combination of things and it often is.

Stress and Insomnia

If you just focus on weight and do not transform your health through holistic treatment, diet and lifestyle adjustments it will be difficult to loose weight and keep it off.  The first things that needs to be worked on are digestion, elimination, sleep, stress and emotional health.  When under stress our bodies release hormones that will often increase hunger and cravings. Many people under stress consume more calories especially at night.  I have many patients that have strong food cravings around bedtime.  This is often due to stress.  By managing stress with acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments it becomes much easier to manage food cravings and your appetite.  It is the same thing with sleep.  If you are having trouble getting rest at night and suffer from insomnia your body will also tend to hold onto extra pounds.  Lack of sleep will cause your body to release hormones that again will  increase hunger and cravings and cause your body to hold onto weight.  By getting adequate rest our bodies can regulate metabolism and hormones to keep us energized and relaxed during the day.  As a result we make better choices and our bodies functions optimally which again will prevent weight gain and increase loss.

Digestion

Poor digestion will also often lead to food cravings and poor eating habits.   Patients who suffer from constipation, loose stools, ibs, Crohn’s, reflux etc. often have a difficult time loosing weight.  This is due to the fact that regardless of the food they are eating they are not digesting well.  By smoothing out digestive issues patients often find it much easier to make the dietary changes needed for good health and weight loss.  If digesting poorly your body does not assimilate nutrients well and lead to cravings.  You can eat the fanciest and most expensive health foods and still not loose weight.  After eating you should feel satisfied and not crave sugar.  Your stomach should be relaxed and your energy level should not be affected by your meal.  In the morning before eating breakfast you should pass a normal stool.  If this is not the case your digestion is not functioning optimally and you may have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.

Urination

It is important to have healthy bowel movements and normal urination.  Healthy elimination means your body is regulating waste properly.  By normal urine I mean light yellow urine four to six times a day.  It should not be hesitant, urgent or painful.  If your urine falls outside of the normal guidelines your body may have trouble regulating waste and you may have a tendency to keep weight on.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are also major contributing factors weight gain and obesity.  People who suffer from anxiety and depression will often have difficulty with managing their lifestyle and eating habits.  Many people who feel depressed also have difficulty motivating themselves to make healthy lifestyle and dietary choices.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help

Obesity has become a major issue in this country and it is a contributing factor to many chronic health conditions.  If you are having trouble loosing weight and want some help meeting your health goals feel free to give me a call to discuss your options.  As a Chinese Medicine pracitiioner I strive to empower my patients.  Making slow dietary and lifestyle changes accompanied by acupuncture, herbal and massage is a very good combination for many people to reach their health goals.  Many people feel lost when it comes to their health.  I can hopefully help you gain some clarity and put you on the path to better health.  In time you will hopefully reach your optimal weight.

If you have any questions about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and would like to see if the treatments at the office in Mamaroneck would be a good fit for you feel free to call (914) 772-4044.  If you would like to book your first appointment please click the button below.

 

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A Case Of Severe Dizziness – Cupping To The Rescue

Cupping Case Study

     Recently I had a patient a patient come into the office in Mamaroneck with upper back tightness, headache and severe dizziness. A few months prior she was coming in for acupuncture and bodywork to help to alleviate her symptoms of depression and improve her sleep.  Acupuncture and bodywork were very helpful for those symptoms but when she came in this time she was suffering from new symptoms and dizziness was the most bothersome.  Usually acupuncture and body work do wonders for these symptoms but for this session the patient left feeling more relaxed, but the dizziness persisted.  When feeling around her neck I found a lot of restrictions in her upper neck and decided to apply cupping.  We did an intense cupping session lasting about 20-30 minutes and afterwards her dizziness was 90% better.  Acupuncture and bodywork are usually my go to treatment for most patient visits but when they do not give the result the patient is looking for, I often will look for other treatments to help.  In this case cupping was the key.  Cupping alone helped this patient recover from her dizziness.   

What is cupping?

     Cupping is a cross-cultural technique that has been used all over the world by various cultures throughout history.  Cupping is a therapeutic technique that creates suction on the skin to help to extract toxins and relieve muscle tension from deeper tissues. The body’s cells use oxygen and release carbon dioxide, but when circulation is blocked, waste can accumulate, causing discomfort.  This can include pain, stiffness, numbness, etc.
     Physical pain signals a disruption in circulation of blood, fluids and energy flow. When toxins are trapped in muscles or joints, the body struggles to eliminate them, leading to further blockage. Cupping uses vacuum suction to draw these blockages to the skin’s surface, making it easier for the body to remove them through the blood supply.  As these blockages move you will see coloring of the skin.  For mild blockages in circulation the marks will be pink to light red.  For more serious blockages the color can vary from dark red to purple to even black.   The darker the color of marking the stronger and more chronic the blockage.  The good news is that the darker the blockage the better your symptoms should feel after the treatment.  This is usually the case but not always.  The marks disappear in 2-7 days.
     In just ten minutes, cupping can eliminate toxins from targeted areas and promote fresh blood flow, revitalizing the tissue and restoring circulation.  Cupping can reduce the overall number of treatments needed for various health conditions.  For many chronic pain conditions, it can often reduce the recovery time by half.

Is cupping painful?

     The cupping sensation can be sometimes be uncomfortable l for the first sixty seconds, the time during which most of the toxins are removed. It is helpful to try to relax into the process of being cupped, and to acknowledge and tolerate the discomfort.  It will be worth it.

What can cupping help with?

  • Respiratory Conditions: Cough, colds, asthma, COPD, bronchitis, wheezing pneumonia, poor immunity, other chronic and acute respiratory conditions.
  • Pain Conditions: Joint pain, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, stiffness, numbness, jaw pain, TMJ, sciatica etc.
  • Skin Conditions: eczema, itching, hives, etc.
     Cupping can also be helpful for digestive, urinary and reproductive issues that are related to muscle tension and tightness.  Cupping also does wonders for muscle tension and tightness caused by stress.  It is also helpful for some neurological cases including some forms of dizziness.
     Back to my patient.  Here are some pictures from her treatment.  She felt much bette after the treatment.  Once the cups went on I could see the dark dark red and purple markings quickly show up.  I had high hopes for her to feel better.  The treatment was not painful and she is still doing great.  

Neck cupping

Neck Cupping

Neck Cupping

 

     If you have any questions about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and would like to see if the treatments at the office in Mamaroneck would be a good fit for you feel free to call (914) 772-4044.  If you would like to book your first appointment please click the button below.

 

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