Latest Acupuncture Research: Acupuncture and a Gluten-Free Diet Relieve Urticaria and Eczema in a Case of Undiagnosed Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of acupuncture and a gluten-free diet (GFD) for urticaria and severe eczema in a patient with undiagnosed dermatitis herpetiformis and atypical or extraintestinal celiac disease. 

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 48-year-old woman presented with intense urticaria, eczema, worsening heartburn, chronic constipation, headaches, and an intense feeling of heat for 4 months. Results of punch biopsies of the skin lesions and laboratory tests were inconclusive. After the acupuncture sessions reported here ended, human leukocyte antigen blood typing revealed celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis-associated human leukocyte antigen DQ-8. Results of an endoscopy and colonoscopy were negative. 

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient received 3 acupuncture treatments a week for 12 weeks. The patient’s symptoms began in March 2008. She began using topical and oral steroids and felt that her symptoms were not responding. Acupuncture began in July 2008. At the end of the first 12 treatments, during which she was using topical and oral steroids, the urticaria and constipation resolved completely; and she had temporary relief from the heartburn. It is thought that the urticaria and constipation resolved because of the acupuncture as that was the only change. At the end of the second 12 treatments, during which time she had started Optifast, a GFD, the heartburn, headache, and eczema resolved. At the end of the third 12 treatments, all her symptoms remained resolved. Steroid treatment was discontinued after the first 12 treatments.

 CONCLUSION:Acupuncture and diet changes appeared to provide relief from the urticaria and eczema of dermatitis herpetiformis beyond that obtained by traditional treatment of a GFD alone.

J Chiropr Med.2011 Dec;10(4):294-300.

Source: PubMed

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Finally Hope for Atopy Sufferers

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Acupuncture does work as it stimulates a natural pain killer, scientists find

Acupuncture works by stimulating a natural painkiller in the body that swells arteries and allows more blood to flow through, scientists have discovered.

The identification of the chemical adenosine as a central player could also make the ancient Chinese therapy even more effective at relieving pain.

Scientists were able to triple the beneficial effects of simply sticking needles in mice by adding a leukaemia medication that increased their amounts of the molecule.

Dr Maiken Nedergaard, a neuroscientist at the University of Rochester, New York, said: “Acupuncture has been a mainstay of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for 4,000 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained sceptical.

“In this work, we provide information about one physical mechanism through which acupuncture reduces pain in the body.

“What we found is that adenosine, a natural pain killer, is released during acupuncture and that adenosine may be the primary way acupuncture reduces pain.

Acupuncture's effect 'isn't just psychological'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8168134/Acupunctures-effect-isnt-just-psychological.html#

Quit Smoking with Acupuncture

If you really want to quit smoking Acupuncture can help break the physical addiction to Nicotine.  The treatment consists of one 30 minute treatment per week for two weeks, then a gap of two weeks followed by a third 30 minute treatment.  Right now we are offering a special offer of €130 for 3 treatment, was €150.