Military Does Acupuncture for PTSD

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/military-tries-acupuncture-to-treat-troops-for-ptsd-757786.html

Clean Needles for Acupuncture Safety

First Published in Acupuncture Today June, 2010, Vol. 11, Issue 06

By Michael Jabbour, MS, LAc, William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc and Steven Schram, PhD, DC, LAc

A recent article in the British Medical Journal by Woo et al. argues that infection from acupuncture needles is a serious problem.¹ Pointing at 50 cases worldwide since 1970, the author implies that acupuncture is dangerous because the risk of infection is high and that acupuncturists are not using sufficient care to prevent infections.

Both assertions are patently false, the risks greatly exaggerated and, if anything, has clarified for the public how safe trained practitioners of acupuncture are. Every medical treatment from aspirin to brain surgery carries some risk and acupuncture is no exception. According to one study, "Although the incidence of minor adverse events associated with acupuncture may be considerable, serious adverse events are rare."2

Consider the facts in context. There are currently 30,000 acupuncturists and 8,000 acupuncture students in the U.S. Each sees an average of 50 patients per week. This equates to roughly 1.5 million treatments per week and 78 million acupuncture treatments per year. This does not include the multitude of acupuncturists in Europe, Australia or the Far East, where acupuncture is routinely practiced and, in main cases, fully integrated into mainstream medicine and government-reimbursed health care. The claim of 50 disparate infections worldwide over a 40-year period comes to approximately one infection per year globally. If anything, this article highlights the extraordinary safety of acupuncture treatments, not that acupuncture presents a danger to the public. Given the billions of acupuncture treatments administered worldwide, it is clear that there is an extremely low risk of infection from acupuncture needle insertion.

If these same low levels of adverse events were reported for any treatment method in conventional medical practice, that treatment would rightly and routinely be touted as a huge success. With regard to mainstream medical practice, an average of 195,000 people in the U.S. died due to potentially preventable, in-hospital medical errors from 2000 to 2002, according to a new study of 37 million patient records that was released by HealthGrades, the health care quality company.³ In addition to the deaths, 1.14 million patients also suffered a "safety incident," which represents one in four Medicare patients admitted from 2000 to 2002.⁴

Another risk gauge for infection or other side effects in acupuncture is the cost of malpractice insurance. A $1 million to $3 million policy for an acupuncturist in the U.S. is less than $800/year. If there was an infection risk of any magnitude, the premiums would be significantly higher.
According to Adrian White, clinical research fellow at the Peninsula Medical School, and Mike Cummings, both editors of Acupuncture in Medicine, the risks associated with acupuncture can be considered negligible in the hands of competent practitioners.^5-7 In fact, White and Cummings go further to say that the currently published opinion of medical experts is that routine disinfection of skin prior to needle insertion is actually unnecessary in healthy patients, even though it is regularly practiced in acupuncture clinics in the U.S.^8,9

Woo's second claim that acupuncturists are not using sufficient care to prevent infections is also not factual. Without current best acupuncture practices, Woo states that the cause of most outbreaks was from "improperly sterilized reusable acupuncture needles." But he fails to mention the fact that qualified acupuncturists in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and many other countries must adhere to strict clean-needle guidelines and, by law, may only use sterile, single-use disposable needles.¹⁰ In fact, the article fails to cite research published in the same journal showing acupuncture to be extremely safe when practiced by a trained acupuncturist.⁶

The Woo article errs on two counts. It sensationalizes negligible risk and omits current best practices that mitigate what little risk is, in fact, there. Additionally, Woo's analysis undermines the scientific and regulatory integrity of the profession, clearly pointing to academic bias. What would be more appropriate and useful to health care providers and the public is recent data taken from prospective studies of the incidence of infection from acupuncture.^11,12 This would place the risk associated with acupuncture treatment delivered in the U.S., U.K., and Europe in true perspective.

It is perplexing to the academic community how this irrelevant and misleading editorial was allowed through the BMJ's rigorous editorial process. The publication of inaccurate and alarmist data that does not consider current safety precautions is ill-conceived and irresponsible on the part of the author and the publisher. The article created the impression that acupuncture may be dangerous, while in fact, the readily available data shows extraordinary safety compared to many other medical interventions. The subsequent dissemination of this editorial via the BBC Web site and other news outlets raises disproportionate concern and fear mongering regarding one of the safest of the medical practices.

The reach of this inaccurate article continues worldwide. It is being republished on the BBC, Reuters, FOX News, and a growing number of other news organizations. This misinformation could lead to unnecessary panic and people choosing not to use this safe and effective treatment modality. An immediate public statement of clarification by the BMJ is warranted to preserve its reputation and give a balanced, accurate representation of factual medical information.

All authors of this article are members of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) and active contributors to the community through academic, research, professional, legislative and regulatory work. One of the primary purposes of the AAAOM is to promote adherence to high ethical, safety, and professional standards on part of the practitioner. The AAAOM works with a wide range of national and international standards-setting and research organizations, legislative and regulatory bodies, and institutions that oversee, govern, and advance the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. The AAAOM takes patient risks associated with acupuncture seriously and works to advance the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the safest ways possible.

References

1. Woo PCY, Lin AWC, Lau SKP, Yuen KY. Acupuncture transmitted infections. BMJ 2010;340:c1268.
2. Ernst E, White AR. Prospective studies of the safety of acupuncture: a systematic review. Am J Med 2001;110:481-5.
3. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/11856.php.
4. www.whale.to/a/iatrogenic_q.html.
5. White A, Hayhoe S, Hart A, et al. Adverse events following acupuncture: prospective survey of 32 000 consultations with doctors and physiotherapists. BMJ 2001;323(7311):485-6.
6. MacPherson H, Thomas K, Walters S, et al. The York acupuncture safety study: prospective survey of 34 000 treatments by traditional acupuncturists. BMJ 2001;323(7311):486-7.
7. Witt CM, Pach D, Brinkhaus B, et al. Safety of acupuncture: results of a prospective observational study with 229,230 patients and introduction of a medical information and consent form. Forsch Komplementmed 2009;16(2):91-7.
8. Walsh B. Control of infection in acupuncture. Acupunct Med 2001;19(2):109-11
9. Hoffman P. Skin disinfection and acupuncture. Acupunct Med 2001;19(2):112-6.
10. www.ccaom.org/cntprogram.asp.
11. White A. The safety of acupuncture; evidence from the UK. Acupunct Med 2006;24(Suppl):S53-7.
12. Witt CM, et al. Efficacy, effectiveness, safety and costs of acupuncture for chronic pain; results of a large research initiative. Acupunct Med 2006;24(suppl):S33-9.

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Michael Jabbour speaks on technology, medicine and politics pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine. He is one of the founding directors of the New York State Acupuncture Coalition and the current president of the Acupuncture Society of New York, and chairs the AAAOM Medical Integration committee. He maintains a private acupuncture and herbology practice in midtown Manhattan.

Click here for more information about William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc.

Dr. Steven Schram has been a licensed acupuncturist since 1996. He is the past president of the Acupuncture Society of New York, and is the current president of the Manhattan District of the NY State Chiropractic Association. In addition, he serves on the Insurance Committee of the AAAOM, remains a member in the States President's Council of the AAAOM, and has maintained a private practice in Manhattan since 1984.

AOMA President's Blog: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Acupuncture?

AOMA President's Blog: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Acupuncture?

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Acupuncture?

Link To Audio File of the Interview

R. Douglas Fields interviews Geoffrey Burnstock of the University College London at an international meeting in Fukuoka. They discuss a new biological hypothesis for the action of acupuncture using ATP.

P2x3 respond. to ATP reacts to nerve signals interneurons go to the brain stem which has the motor neurons for organic function in digestion and respiration there are relay stations in the cortex for pain. Apparently, ATP is released in the presence of acupuncture needles.

Further Reading

Burnstock, G. (2009) Acupuncture: a novel hypothesis for the involvement of purinergic signaling. Med. Hypotheses, October, 74:470-2.

Fields, R.D. (2009) New Culprits in Chronic Pain. Scientific American November, 301: 50-57.

Fields, R.D. and Burnstock, G. (2006) Purinergic signalling in neuron-glia interactions.Nature Reviews Neuroscience June, 7(6): 423-36.

InteractionsGuide™ - Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions

I have used this database and its variations since 1992. You might find it useful.

Warmly,

Will

InteractionsGuide™ - Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions

http://www.InteractionsGuide.com

Free Access during February!

Electronically Empowered Access to the Standard Reference Work in the Field:
Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions:
Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies
Mitchell Bebel Stargrove ND, LAc
Jonathan Treasure MNIMH, AHG
Dwight L. McKee MD
MosbyElsevier 2008
932 pages

Presenting detailed, evidence-based coverage of the most commonly encountered therapeutic agents in modern clinical practice, this resource is designed to help you safely and effectively integrate herbal, nutrient, and drug therapy for your patients or clients. Combining pharmaceuticals with herbs or nutrients may complement or interfere with a drug's therapeutic action or may increase adverse effects. Drug-induced depletion of essential nutrients contribute to acute and long-terms adverse effects that are preventable through informed clinical management. Comprehensive clinical data, quick-reference features, and the insight and expertise of trusted authorities help you gain a confident understanding of how herbal remedies and nutritional supplements interact with pharmaceuticals and develop safe, individualized treatment strategies for your patients.

Key Content Features:
   * Seventy comprehensive monographs of herb-drug and nutrient-drug interactions cover the most commonly used herbs and nutrients in health-related practice and help you coordinate safe, reliable therapy.
   * Each herb and nutrient monograph features summary tables and concise, practical suggestions that provide quick and easy reference and complement the systematic review and in-depth analysis.
   * Unique icons throughout the text differentiate interactions, evidence, and clinical significance.
   * Up-to-date information keeps you current with the latest developments in pharmacology, nutrition, phytotherapy, biochemistry, genomics, oncology, hematology, naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, and other fields.
   * A diverse team of authoritative experts lends valuable, trans-disciplinary insight.

Instant Online Access With Powerful Database Tools Through Web Application:
   * Elegant Design – opens to summary tables and provides easy access to the depth of content that you choose.
   * Instant Full Text Search - type what you're looking for, and be taken right to it.
   * Intelligent Analysis Tool - select up to 10 substances and see the possible interactions presented according to clinical significance
   * Inline Linked Citations - view the full citations in context, and access the original abstract on pubmed with just one click.

Institutional access, multiuser accounts and academic discounts available.

Recommended by Leading Educators and Practitioners

"The most comprehensive and substantiated resource I have seen on drug/herb/nutrient interactions. I was especially impressed by Dr. Stargrove and his interdisciplinary team's ranking of the quality of the available evidence as well as their careful consideration of beneficial interactions, not just adverse effects. Required for every clinician serious about integrative medicine."

Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., ND

Co-founder, President Emeritus, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA

Editor, Integrative Medicine: A Clinicians Journal

 

It has been well documented that many patients often do not share with their practitioners all of the medicinal products they may be using.  It behooves all practitioners to not only ask patients what they are taking, but also understand potential interactions and deficiencies that might occur and make recommendations. This book, by acknowledged experts in the field of integrative medicine, offers evidence-based advise for clinicians of all types.  I whole-heartedly recommend this book for its thoughtful, balanced and well-referenced presentation integrating scientific evidence with practical clinical experience."

David Riley, MD

Editor in Chief - EXPLORE - The Journal of Science and Healing

Clinical Associate Professor - Univ. of New Mexico School of Medicine

 

".... I enthusiastically welcome this book, a collaboration written by experienced clinicians within the fields of conventional, integrative and natural medicine for health professionals who wish to effectively counsel their patients on the safe and beneficial use of dietary supplements. As the title suggests, this book addresses herb-drug interactions, nutrient-drug interactions, and drug-induced nutrient depletions in a clinically oriented, and integrated manner. The authors demonstrate an appropriate balance between recommendation and risk based upon the overall strength of the scientific evidence and their own clinical experience. The text is well referenced, balanced and objective and the use of icons and summary tables allows the clinician to quickly identify areas of potential risk, as well as potential benefit.  This book is a major contribution to the field of integrative medicine and an invaluable resource to practitioner and researcher alike."

from the Foreward, by

Tieraona Low Dog, MD

Director of Education, Program in Integrative Medicine

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine

Chair, U.S. Pharmacopeia Dietary Supplements Information Expert Panel

For further information, including book samples and reviews in professional journals, visit MedicineWorks athttp://www.medicineworks.com

AOMA Acquires New Campus

AOMA in the Statesman


View Larger Map

February 1, 2010

AOMA announces new campus location

Enrollment growth, alternative medicine trends driving expansion

Note: Media are invited to a brief event at the new campus Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. Speakers, who will also be available for interviews, include AOMA President Dr. William Morris, AOMA Board Member Betty Edmond, and Seton Vice President James Davis. Qi gong and acupuncture demonstrations will be given, and drawings and plans for the new campus will be on display.

AUSTIN—Leadership of the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin announced today that the college will be expanding to a new, larger main campus in the spring of 2011.  AOMA’s new 19,000 square foot headquarters campus, at 4701 WestGate Blvd., will include smart media classrooms, a student intern clinic, a mind/body center, faculty and administrative offices, a library, student and faculty gathering spaces, quiet and group study areas, an herbal medicine center and a bookstore/retail space.

“Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are increasingly recognized as important components in American healthcare,” says Dr. William Morris, president of AOMA. “With our internationally renowned faculty, demonstrated student success, and a new campus designed to provide excellence in every aspect of teaching, learning and student life and support, we are positioned for national leadership.”

A primary benefit of the new campus, Morris says, is that its master plan is designed to meet the specific needs of AOMA’s growing student population. Continued growth is expected because of the college’s new status as the first and only stand-alone, single-degree granting school of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the nation to be regionally accredited.  AOMA became accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in December, 2009.

AOMA offers a masters level graduate program in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, preparing its students to be skilled, professional practitioners. SACS accreditation signifies that AOMA has a mission appropriate to graduate education; resources, programs and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain the college’s mission; clearly specified educational objectives in line with the degree offered and proven success in achieving its stated objectives.

Since its founding in 1993 AOMA has grown rapidly in size and reputation, drawing students from around the nation and faculty from around the world.  Current student enrollment is 204, and the school has more licensed graduates than any other acupuncture and Chinese medicine school in Texas.  AOMA also conducts more than 20,000 patient visits annually in its student intern and professional clinics.

The use of acupuncture is on the rise in the United States. The number of visits rose from 27.2 to 79.2 per 1,000 adults between 1997 and 2007. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), approximately 3.1 million adults in the United States used acupuncture within the year prior to 2007, a 47 percent increase from the 2002 NHIS estimate. The increases are related to increasing evidence for acupuncture in the treatment of medical ailments including chemotherapy-induced nausea, chronic back pain, hypertension and allergic rhinitis.

James Davis, senior Vice President for Mission Integration, Seton Healthcare Network says, “We have seen increasing demand for alternative and complementary medicine from our patients, and have been pleased to partner with AOMA administration and faculty to provide this care at Seton Medical Center Williamson and Seton GoodHealth Commons. AOMA curriculum includes the study of integrating acupuncture and Chinese medicine with Western medicine, and students are able to see how this works in practice through our partnership,” Davis says.

AOMA Student Association President Cynthia Clark says students are looking forward having a new main campus, and to participating in the detailed design process. “The plans for the new campus are exciting for students,” Clark said. “The new campus has a more cohesive feel. We will have a larger library, improved technology, more space for clinical practice, and better places to gather and to study,” she said.

AOMA’s student intern clinic and bookstore/retail space are already open at the new 4701 Westgate Blvd. site. The existing professional clinic and bookstore/retail space at AOMA’s current location at 2700 West Anderson Lane will remain to serve patients and customers after the new campus is in full operation beginning in April, 2011. AOMA also serves patients at Seton Topfer clinic, Seton GoodHealth Commons, and People’s Community Clinic.

The extensive remodeling of the new campus site has been designed by Austin architectural firm Steinbomer & Associates, known for their design of Austin Studios, the private airport hangar at Austin-Bergstrom Airport and 524 North Lamar, among other projects. Detailed design is currently underway, with construction anticipated to begin in winter 2010. The outline of the new campus design is available at www.aoma.edu.

###

About AOMA                        

The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin offers a masters level graduate program in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, preparing its students for careers as skilled, professional practitioners.  AOMA is known for its internationally recognized faculty, award-winning student clinical internship program, and for having more licensed graduates than any other acupuncture and Chinese medicine school in Texas. Since its founding in 1993, AOMA has grown rapidly in size and reputation, drawing students from around the nation and faculty from around the world. AOMA also conducts more than 20,000 patient visits annually in its student and professional clinics. AOMA collaborates with healthcare institutions including the Seton Healthcare Network, and gives back to the community through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and by providing free and reduced price treatments to people who cannot afford them.

The Academy of Chinese medicine at Austin is located at 2700 West Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas, 78757. AOMA also serves patients and retail customers at its south Austin location, 4701 WestGate Blvd.  For more information see www.aoma.edu or call 512-492-3051.

A biomedical view of Shang Han Lun

Date:

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - 19:00 - 20:00

Presenter:

Will Morris

Watch this Webinar:

Click here to enter webinar: it's Free & No registration required

In the biomedical view of Shan Han Lun, we will explore western physiological concepts related to the practice of Shang Han Lun. We discuss concepts such as the peripheral nervous system, the sympathetic-parasympathetic axis and the affects of the neuro-vascular-humeral loop. Western systems theory is woven into the Shang Han Lun Stages.

Acupuncture Improves Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients

Eleanor M. Walker, et al at Henry Ford Hospital (Michigan), determine that “Acupuncture appears to be equivalent to drug therapy in these patients. It is a safe, effective and durable treatment for vasomotor symptoms secondary to long-term antiestrogen hormone use in patients with breast cancer.” 


They studied 50 breast cancer patients, randomized to receive either acupuncture or drug (venlafaxine) treatment for 12 weeks. Both groups experienced a 50% decline in hot flashes and depressive symptoms.  Over time, the acupuncture group  experience minimal hot flashes, while the drug therapy group had a significant increase in hot flashes. The acupuncture group did not experience an increase in the frequency of their hot flashes until three months post-treatment. The group further sated that ”the acupuncture group experienced no negative adverse effects. Acupuncture had the additional benefit of increased sex drive in some women, and most reported an improvement in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being.”


While 50 is an insufficient number to create the power to generalize, this is a very promising study. It is one more piece of knowledge that demonstrates that acupuncture and Chinese medicine have a place in the American medical systems. 


Go here for a link to the study

AOMA Accreditation - Integrator Blog Top 10

Integrative Medicine and Integrated Healthcare Round-up: December 4, 2009-January 5, 2010

Two Integrator Top 10 lists for integrative care from 2009 ... LA Times article on licensed CAM practices and non-discrimination provision in Harkin's Senate health legislation ... George DeVries' transformation of American Specialty Health into a health and wellness firm ... Academy of Oriental Medicine of Austin becomes first AOM school to gain regional accreditation ...  Adam Perlman, MD, MPH and Ben Kligler, MD, MPH take over as chair, vice chair for CAHCIM ... AOM accrediting agency still seeks comments on "First Professional Doctorate" standard for the field ...  Frank Nicchi, DC, MS honored for strengthening chiropractic-public health ties ... Bravewell, the IOM and the AARP join to found Healthy Nation Partnership; inputs solicited ... American Association for Health Freedom becomes Alliance for Natural Health-USA ... New York Beth Israel creates no-cost, online Prepare for Surgery program ... Seattle-based Alternative Health Access Campaign seeks to meet growing demand among the homeless ... Oregon's largest natural health clinic opened by National College of Natural Medicine ... Chiropractors in campaign to regain recognition as providers by Boy Scouts of America ... Integrative Healthcare Symposium sponsors major conference in New York, February 25-27, 2010 ... North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine set for May 15-18, 2012 in Portland, Oregon ... New American Holistic Medicine Research Institute formed with led venerable Robert Anderson, MD in lead; sets sights on first multicenter project ... Massage accrediting agency seeks public member ...  H1N1 lifts dietary supplement sales ... Michael Cohen re-frames his legal services 

Pulse diagnosis from a 10,000 foot view: Time Space State

Dear All:

Thursday, January 14th 07:00 pm - 08:00 pm PST Pulse diagnosis from a 10,000 foot view: Time Space State. I provide the backbone for my dissertation on Chinese Pulse Diagnosis: Epistemology, Practice and Tradition. It's free, it's cool.

Click here to watch the webinar:

http://healthstream.tv/tv/pulse-diagnosis-10000-foot-view-time-form-and-state

Pulse diagnosis from a 10,000 foot view explores pulse from the perspective of how we build clinical knowledge from the pulse. It structures the information according to time, space and state. Useful methods are discussed, such as the use of the three burners for selecting back shu points. Warmly,


Will

Other topics this month on TCMTV - go to this link and click on the calendar option for access http://tcmtv.net/

Tuesday January 19th 7-8pm PST Biomedical View of Shang Han Lun

In the biomedical view of Shan Han Lun, we will explore western physiological concepts related to the practice of Shang Han Lun. We discuss concepts such as the peripheral nervous system, the sympathetic-parasympathetic axis and the affects of the neuro-vascular-humeral loop. Western systems theory is woven into the Shang Han Lun Stages.

Tuesday January 26th 7-8pm PST Politics of Evidence

Politics of evidence is a discussion that is vital to the evolution of Chinese medicine in the west. With the advent of Evidence Based Medicine, we are quickly defining what constitutes good knowledge. This presentation speaks about the risks, benefits and alternatives to the emerging Evidence Based Medicine standards.

Happy New Year...

Dear People of the AOMA community

Happy New Year...

Here is to wishing you great health, wealth, happiness and harmony. It is such a great privilege to serve where transforming lives and communities is the mission.

In reflection, 2009 was an amazing year for AOMA. We achieved membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools http://sacs.org/. This is a unique honor and it makes AOMA a representative of high quality education in the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Anne Province is who I will name as the prime mover on this extraordinary multi-year effort.

The facilities team timed and performed the build out of a new clinic for AOMA that is sparkly. Smart rooms were implemented, so that the LCD projectors are drop downs from the ceiling. The foot print of the campus was reconstructed around a “back quad” with the Coi pond and turtles in the center. All of the potential chaos was contained and the move happened in a way that people were comfortable, and change management can be a demanding set of efforts. Kudos to the facilities team – Stuart Bailey and Aaron Shafer. Linda Fontaine – the genius negotiator made it possible and Anne Provicnce the genious planner made the timelines spot on!

The Student Association leadership under Cynthia Clark has flourished with learning activities and participation in national professional association activities. AOMA is truly fortunate to have such a committed and active group of students. It is often times difficult to raise one’s head above the demands of building the knowledge, skills and abilities of a new profession. This group of people has a vision and I believe will make a difference in the field.

It is AOMA’s faculty who are the resource that these efforts are built to ensure

There are new developments in clinics, the Southwest Symposium and other updates regularly refreshed by the awesome Sarah Bentley - http://www.aoma.edu/.

Brenda Thompson is doing a spectacular job assisting us in getting our message out http://www.brendathompson.com/.

Thank you all - much love and happiness in the New Year!

Warmly - Will