Male Fertility and Zoloft

If you and your partner are considering trying to conceive, it's important to be aware of any factors that may affect your fertility. One such factor is medication use. Quite often questions arise around the use of antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline) in particular. Here are a few things to consider about Zoloft and its potential effects on male fertility.

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft is a type of antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

While Zoloft can be an effective treatment for these conditions, it can also have side effects and may interact with other medications or substances. One potential concern for couples who are trying to conceive is the effect of Zoloft on male fertility.

What are the effects of Zoloft on male fertility?

Research on the effects of Zoloft on male fertility is limited, but some studies suggest that the medication may have an impact on sperm quality and fertility.

One study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that men who took Zoloft had lower sperm concentration, lower total sperm count, and lower sperm motility compared to men who did not take the medication. The study also found that Zoloft use was associated with a higher percentage of abnormal sperm morphology.

Another study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that men who took Zoloft had significantly higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation compared to men who did not take the medication. High levels of DNA fragmentation can be a sign of DNA damage in sperm cells, which can affect fertility.

What should you do if you're taking Zoloft and trying to conceive?

If you or your partner is taking Zoloft and you're trying to conceive, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about the potential effects of the medication on fertility. They may recommend switching to a different medication or adjusting your dosage to minimize any negative effects.

It's also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which can help to support overall fertility. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding substances that can harm sperm quality, such as tobacco and alcohol.

Ultimately, the decision to continue taking Zoloft while trying to conceive should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health history and medication needs.

While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Zoloft on male fertility, there is evidence to suggest that the medication may have a negative impact on sperm quality and DNA fragmentation. If you or your partner is taking Zoloft and trying to conceive, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options and develop a plan that supports both your mental health and your fertility goals.

ACUPUNCTURE | ROCHESTER, NY

 

Zinc For Male Fertility

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in male fertility and hormonal health. Like all nutrients, it is found in semen in trace amounts and is important for the proper formation and protection of sperm. Studies have shown that zinc levels in seminal plasma are correlated with sperm count and normal morphology in male test subjects. Fertile men generally have higher levels of zinc in seminal plasma compared to infertile men, and smokers tend to have a lower zinc status.

Oysters are hands down the #1 dietary source for zinc!

Zinc is crucial for sperm capacitation, which is the process that allows a sperm to fertilize an oocyte. Zinc supplementation has been shown to benefit those who are trying to conceive naturally as well as those who are undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART).

While zinc is found abundantly in many foods such as oysters, crab, organ meats, muscle meats, eggs, soy beans, pine nuts, cashews, yogurt, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and chickpeas, the absorption of zinc may be hindered by issues in the digestive tract. Moreover, plant sources of zinc are less bioavailable than animal proteins and eggs due to the phytate activity of plant foods. So it is always good practice to make sure sure your digestive health is optimized.

In some cases, supplemental zinc may be necessary to address suboptimal levels. Zinc picolinate is the preferred supplemental source of zinc for ease of absorption, with a daily dose of 25-50 mg recommended depending on the each person’s needs. If using high doses of zinc picolinate long-term, it is important to supplement with copper to prevent a copper deficiency. Zinc should always be taken with food to avoid nausea on an empty stomach.

It is wise for couples who are considering conceiving a child to be mindful of their zinc intake and consider testing for suboptimal levels. Adequate dietary or supplemental intake of zinc is necessary to ensure a constant supply to growing sperm cells and improve male fertility and hormonal health.

If you have more questions on zinc supplementation or any other male fertility support concerns, feel free to reach out to Dr. Shamus to set up an appointment.

Male Fertility Support | Rochester, NY

 

Male Fertility: What is a Varicocele?

Varicocele is a condition where blood pools in the veins of the scrotum, leading to an enlargement of the venous plexus. This condition is quite common, with up to 43% of adult males being affected. Interestingly, men with varicoceles are more likely to experience infertility, with up to 80% of men with secondary infertility having varicoceles.

There is no established cause for varicocele, but it is likely to be a combination of factors. Proposed mechanisms for this condition include hypoxia and stasis (impaired drainage or pooling of blood around the testicles), testicular venous hypertension, elevated testicular temperature, an increase in spermatic vein catecholamine leading to testicular under-perfusion and increased oxidative stress. These mechanisms can lead to germ cell apoptosis and subsequent oligospermia, which is a condition where there is a low sperm count. Additionally, varicocele can lead to hypoxia on the Leydig cells, which can result in reduced levels of androgens, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA integrity problems.

One of the main problems with varicoceles is that they cause a disruption of the blood-testicular barrier and can cause an autoimmune status. This can lead to damage to the seminiferous tubules and an increase in germ cell apoptosis. As a result, the quality and quantity of sperm produced may be negatively affected, leading to difficulties in conceiving.

If you are experiencing symptoms of varicocele, such as a visible or palpable lump in your scrotum or pain, it is important to seek medical attention. Treatment options are available and may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, acupuncture, engaging in regular physical activity, as well as surgical interventions such as open microsurgical inguinal or subinguinal techniques. These treatments may help to improve fertility outcomes and increase the chances of conceiving.

ACUPUNCTURE | ROCHESTER, NY

 

ILLNESS & Libido: The Effects of Cytokines on Testosterone

It’s not much of a surprise that we lose our interest in sex and physical intimacy when we’re ill. Our libido drops greatly, the questions is why? The answer lies in the release of cytokines, which are substances related to the immune system that help attack invader cells like bacteria and viruses. When one falls ill, they release a high amount of cytokines, some of which are anti-inflammatory, but others are pro-inflammatory.

One of the best-known pro-inflammatory cytokines is IL-6, and it has been found to decrease the desire for sex and to reduce levels of testosterone and estrogen in individuals. IL-6 does not only travel to the gonads and shut down their function, but it also interferes with the receptors that the sex steroid hormones (estrogen and testosterone) bind to, impacting their effect.

When it comes to modulating sex steroid hormones and optimizing them, it is essential to keep levels of IL-6 low. To do this, it is crucial to increase another cytokine called IL-10, which is anti-inflammatory and helps promote the effects of sex steroid hormones.

By understanding the relationship between illness, cytokines, and testosterone, we can better understand why people's sexual behavior and desire for physical intimacy can change during periods of illness.

Healthy diet, lifestyles, proper supplements and herbs, and incorporating techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, qi gong and acupuncture can be a powerful combination for keeping your body regulated and your immune system in optimal shape.

ACUPUNCTURE | ROCHESTER, NY

 

The HPG Axis and Male Fertility

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis is an essential part of the male reproductive system as it stimulates the production of both testosterone and spermatogenesis, which are crucial for male fertility. The HPG axis can be thought of as a company hierarchy with the hypothalamus being the boss, the pituitary being the supervisor, and the testes being the workers.

The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which signals the pituitary to produce and release LH and FSH hormones to stimulate the testes to produce sperm and testosterone. This creates a feedback control cycle, where the testes provide feedback to the pituitary and hypothalamus on their functioning. If the testes do not function properly, the pituitary will increase the release of LH and FSH to enhance stimulation.

GnRH is released in a pulsatile pattern every 1.5 hours, and LH and FSH release is influenced by inhibin, which is produced by the Sertoli cells. LH acts on the Leydig cells in the testes to stimulate testosterone production, while FSH is necessary for spermatogenesis and the conversion of testosterone into its more active form, 5-α dihydrotestosterone (5-α DHT). Intratesticular testosterone levels are much higher than in circulation.

FSH is necessary for spermatogenesis, especially at the onset of puberty, as it acts on the Sertoli cells promoting germ cell maturation. Spermatocytes do not have testosterone receptors, but they can access testosterone through the help of the Sertoli cells, which do have a testosterone receptor and can produce androgen-binding protein (ABP) for the spermatocytes.

The HPG axis is a complex system that regulates the production of hormones necessary for male fertility and reproduction. Proper functioning of this system is vital for successful conception.

The Science of Sound Therapy

Music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years and its impact on the human brain and emotions is profound. Over the years, scientists have been studying the effects of music and sound on the brain, and the results have been fascinating. They have shown that music can have a profound impact on our brain and can influence our mood, memory, cognitive abilities, and even our physical health. In this article, we will discuss the importance of sound and music for brain neurological health and how connecting the hemispheres via music can be valuable therapeutically.

The Human Brain and Sound

The human brain is an incredibly complex and sophisticated system that is constantly processing information from the environment. When we hear sounds, the auditory system in the brain processes the information and sends signals to different regions of the brain, which then processes and interprets the sound.

Sound can have a significant impact on the brain and can influence our mood, emotions, and behavior. For example, listening to music can evoke emotions such as joy, sadness, or excitement. Similarly, hearing certain sounds such as a baby's cry or the sound of an ambulance can trigger an emotional response.

Moreover, sound has been shown to have an impact on brain function, such as enhancing cognitive abilities and memory. This is because sound stimulates brain plasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to new experiences. This stimulation can improve the brain's processing speed, attention, and memory, and can even help in reducing stress and anxiety.

The Benefits of Music for the Brain

Music has a powerful impact on the brain and has been used for thousands of years for therapeutic purposes. Research has shown that music can have a positive impact on various aspects of brain health, including:

1. Mood Regulation: Music has been shown to have a significant impact on mood regulation and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to music can activate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness.

2. Cognitive Function: Music has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed. This is because music stimulates the brain, leading to increased plasticity and improved neural connections.

3. Physical Health: Music has been shown to have a positive impact on physical health, including reducing pain, improving sleep, and promoting physical recovery. This is because music can activate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers in the body.

Connecting the Hemispheres via Music

The human brain is divided into two hemispheres, the left and right. The left hemisphere is responsible for logical, analytical, and linguistic functions, while the right hemisphere is responsible for creative, musical, and intuitive functions. When the two hemispheres work together, the result is enhanced cognitive abilities and improved overall brain function.

Music has been shown to have a unique ability to connect the two hemispheres of the brain and improve inter-hemispheric communication. This is because music stimulates both the left and right hemispheres, leading to improved neural connections and enhanced cognitive abilities.

Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses music to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive health. This approach has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress.

One of the most effective ways to connect the hemispheres via music is through rhythm and melody. Rhythm is processed in the right hemisphere, while melody is processed in the left hemisphere. When we listen to music that has a complex rhythm and melody, both hemispheres are simultaneously stimulated, leading to improved inter-hemispheric communication. This can enhance cognitive abilities, improve memory, and regulate mood.

Music therapy is also effective for individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, and dementia. This is because music has been shown to stimulate neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to new experiences. This stimulation can help to improve brain function and enhance cognitive abilities, even in individuals with neurological conditions.

Music has been shown to have a positive impact on various aspects of brain health, including mood regulation, cognitive function, and physical health. Moreover, music has a unique ability to connect the hemispheres of the brain and improve inter-hemispheric communication. This can enhance cognitive abilities, improve memory, and regulate mood.

Whether you are looking to improve your overall brain health or are seeking therapeutic support for a neurological condition, music can be a valuable tool.

Sign up to our mailing list and keep in touch on social media to hear about upcoming sound therapy / sound bath events upcoming at the clinic!

Stoicism and Stress Management

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that has been around for over two thousand years. Despite its age, its teachings remain relevant and useful in modern day life, especially in managing stress. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of accepting life's circumstances and focusing on one's own thoughts and actions, rather than external events.

Stoicism encourages individuals to cultivate a strong sense of inner peace, even in the midst of chaos and adversity. This is achieved by recognizing that external events are often beyond one's control and instead, focusing on one's own thoughts, feelings, and actions. In this way, stress can be reduced, and individuals can cultivate a more positive outlook on life.

One of the central tenets of stoicism is the idea of stoic equanimity, or the practice of maintaining emotional stability in the face of life's challenges. This involves accepting life's ups and downs and not becoming overly attached to either the good or the bad. When faced with adversity, stoics strive to remain calm, rational, and unemotional. This helps to reduce the stress that can be associated with negative events, and allows individuals to respond to challenges in a more constructive way.

Another important aspect of stoicism is the idea of personal responsibility. Stoics believe that individuals are responsible for their own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and that they have the power to control their own lives. This means that instead of blaming external events for their stress, stoics take responsibility for their own reactions to those events.

For example, instead of blaming a spouce for a stressful home situation, a stoic would focus on their own thoughts and feelings and seek to find a solution to the problem. This shift in focus can help reduce stress, as individuals are able to take control of their own lives and find solutions to challenges instead of being a passive victim to their circumstances.

Stoicism also encourages individuals to focus on what is within their control and to let go of what is not. This means that instead of worrying about things that are beyond one's control, such as natural disasters or the actions of others, individuals can focus on what they can control, such as their own thoughts and actions. By doing so, they can reduce the stress that comes from worrying about things that are beyond their control, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm.

In addition, stoicism also encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciate what they have in life. This means taking the time to reflect on the things that they are thankful for and to focus on what they have, instead of what they lack. This can help reduce stress and cultivate a more positive outlook on life, as individuals focus on what they have and what is going well, instead of dwelling on what is wrong or what they lack.

Stoicism also encourages individuals to live in the present moment and to focus on what is happening now, instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. This is because stoics believe that life is happening now and that the present moment is all that truly exists. By focusing on the present, individuals can reduce the stress that comes from worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, and cultivate a sense of peace and calm in the present moment.

Stoicism offers a wealth of teachings and practices that can be useful in modern day stress management. Its focus on accepting life's circumstances, taking personal responsibility, focusing on what is within one's control, cultivating gratitude, living in the present moment, and cultivating emotional stability, can help individuals reduce stress and cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm. Whether you are looking to reduce stress in your personal life or at work, incorporating stoic principles and practices into your life can be a powerful addition to your stress toolbox.

Male Fertility Basics: Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Single vs. Double Strand

Male fertility plays a crucial role in the ability to conceive and bring a healthy child into the world. A key factor in male fertility is the integrity of sperm DNA. DNA fragmentation refers to breaks in the DNA strands that make up the genetic material in sperm. When sperm DNA is fragmented, it can have a significant impact on the health of the developing embryo and ultimately, the health of the child born as a result. It is important to measure not only single-strand breaks (SSB) but also double-strand breaks (DSB) of the DNA in order to understand the extent of damage and the potential consequences.

There are three potential outcomes of sperm DNA fragmentation, depending on the level of damage. In some cases, the oocyte repair machinery may not be sufficient to repair the DNA damage, leading to failure of the embryo to develop or implant in the uterus, or even a natural abortion at a later stage. In other cases, the oocyte may repair the DNA strand breaks before the first cleavage division, resulting in normal offspring. In the worst-case scenario, partial oocyte repair may lead to deletions or sequence errors, resulting in abnormal offspring.

It has been reported that 80% of structural chromosome aberrations in humans are of paternal origin. This highlights the importance of the capacity of the oocyte to fix the sperm DNA problem. DNA repair in the newly fertilized embryo is believed to rely entirely on the maternal mRNAs and proteins deposited and stored in the oocyte before ovulation. The extent of damage to sperm DNA is also a crucial factor in the ability of the oocyte to repair the damage. Experts estimate that when sperm DNA is damaged by less than 8%, the oocyte still has the capacity to repair the damage. An amazing feat of human evolution.

As we now know, sperm DNA fragmentation can be classified as single-stranded or double-stranded. Single-stranded DNA damage is generally easier to repair than double-stranded DNA damage, although there is evidence that polymerases can repair both types of damage. In order to understand the extent of damage and the potential consequences, it is important to measure both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA fragmentation. This will help determine the most appropriate course of action to improve fertility and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and child.

The integrity of sperm DNA is crucial to male fertility and the health of the resulting offspring. Measuring both single-strand and double-strand breaks in sperm DNA is essential in understanding the extent of damage and the potential consequences. This information can then be used to determine the most appropriate course of action to improve fertility and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and child. You can learn more about types of DNA tests in our ‘Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test: 101’ blog.

In the majority of cases, there is much that can be done to improve DNA fragmentation and sperm health naturally. Please reach out to set up and appointment with Dr. Shamus to discuss how acupuncture, Eastern Medicine and simple dietary and lifestyle shifts can maximize your fertility profile.

Male Fertility Basics: Sperm DNA Fragmentation Tests: 101

DNA fragmentation in male sperm is a rising and increasingly missed cause of male factor infertility. The accuracy of sperm DNA fragmentation tests is critical to identifying the underlying cause of infertility in couples.

There are four main procedures used to test for DNA fragmentation in male sperm, each of which measures different aspects of sperm health. In this blog, we will discuss the various forms of procedures that test for DNA fragmentation in male sperm, including Sperm Chromatin Structure Analysis (SCSA), TUNEL assay, SCD (sperm chromatin dispersion test), and the COMET test.

1. Sperm Chromatin Structure Analysis (SCSA) The SCSA test is performed using fresh ejaculate and examines around 5000 spermatozoa. The sperm is stained with a special technique, allowing sperm with intact double-strand DNA to be visible as green, while sperm with broken (fragmented, single-strand) DNA appear as red. The relation between green and red spermatozoa is calculated, and a fragmentation index (DFI) is determined. The DFI is classified as follows: a) Excellent to good (less than or equal to 15% DFI) b) Good to fair (greater than 15% to less than 25% DFI) c) Fair to poor (greater than or equal to 25% to less than 50% DFI) d) Very poor (greater than or equal to 50% DFI) There is research that suggests that this type of DNA fragmentation test can be used as a predictor for IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) outcomes.

2. TUNEL assay (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling) The TUNEL assay measures broken DNA by detecting the presence of certain hydroxygroups (3’-OH-groups) at the free ends of the DNA fragments. The enzyme TdT is used to attach nucleotides to the hydroxygroups, which can be made visible using fluorescence in a microscope.

3. SCD (sperm chromatin dispersion test) or ‘halo’ test The SCD or ‘halo’ test measures sperm with intact DNA. Sperm with intact DNA have ‘halos’, which represent dispersed chromatin without strand breaks. Sperm with fragmented DNA do not have halos, so haloless sperm cells represent those with DNA damage. A normal result would show less than 20% of cells with fragmented DNA.

4. COMET test The COMET test is the only procedure that measures double-strand breaks separately. The test is based on the ability of negatively charged loops/fragments of DNA to be pulled through an agarose gel in response to an electric field, appearing like a ‘comet’. The undamaged DNA nucleoid part is referred to as the ‘head’, and the trailing damaged DNA streak is referred to as the ‘tail’. The percentage of DNA in the tail is directly proportional to the percentage of DNA damage that has occurred in a particular cell. There are two types of COMET test, the alkaline COMET test and the neutral COMET test.

There is disagreement between experts about which DNA fragmentation test is the best and what the standard results of the tests should be. Some tests don't even have a clear definition of a "normal" result. Different DNA fragmentation tests can give different results and have different levels of accuracy in predicting male infertility. A study in 2019 compared the ability of five different tests to predict infertility and found that the alkaline comet test was the best, followed by the TUNEL assay, SCD test, and SCSA. Experts in the field of andrology recommend carefully considering the results of the tests and always noting which test was used.

Understanding the different procedures and the results they provide can help couples identify the underlying cause of infertility and find the right treatment path.

In the majority of cases, there is much that can be done to improve DNA fragmentation and sperm health naturally. Please reach out to set up and appointment with Dr. Shamus to discuss how acupuncture, Eastern Medicine and simple dietary and lifestyle shifts can maximize your fertility profile.

Cupping / Myofascial Decompression Therapy: 101

Cupping therapy, also known as myofascial decompression therapy, is an ancient healing practice that has been used for thousands of years in cultures around the world. The therapy involves using suction to apply pressure to the skin, which is used to promote circulation and relieve pain.

History of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy has been used in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and the Middle East. The ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches, joint pain, and digestive problems. In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping therapy is used to improve the flow of qi, or energy, in the body. Over time, the materials used for cupping therapy have evolved, and today glass and plastic cups are most commonly used.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is shown to provide a variety of benefits, including reducing pain, improving circulation, and helping with respiratory problems. The suction created by the cups is thought to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can relieve pain and promote healing. According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, cupping therapy can also help improve flexibility and range of motion in people with musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain.

Modern Uses of Cupping Therapy

In modern times, cupping therapy is often used to treat musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain and neck pain, and to improve athletic performance. Some athletes, such as swimmer Michael Phelps, have used cupping therapy to help with muscle soreness and improve recovery after exercise.

Cupping therapy is also used to treat a variety of other medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, migraines, and anxiety.

Safety and Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a very safe therapy when done by a trained and experienced practitioner. Though rare, when done incorrectly, cupping may cause skin irritation, so people with certain medical conditions, such as skin conditions or bleeding disorders may not be good candidates for cupping therapy. If you are considering cupping therapy, it is important to discuss it with your practitioner to determine if it is appropriate for you.

If you’d like to learn more or set up an appointment at our Rochester, NY office, please feel free to do so by following the link below.

Male Fertility and The Endocrine System

The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, including fertility in men. Endocrine disruptors, found in many everyday products such as plastics, can interfere with the delicate balance of hormones that are responsible for male fertility.

The endocrine system works by producing hormones that communicate with different parts of the body to control processes such as growth and development, metabolism, and reproductive function. In men, hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone are essential for sperm production and healthy sexual function.

When endocrine disruptors are introduced into the body, they can mimic or block the action of hormones, leading to an imbalance. For example, the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which is commonly found in plastics, has been shown to reduce sperm count and quality. Other endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates, have been linked to a decrease in testosterone levels, which can affect sperm production and overall fertility.

In recent years, studies have shown that there has been a significant decline in male sperm count and quality. In a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of samples collected globally in the 20th and 21st centuries, researchers found a 59.3% decrease in sperm concentration and a 52.4% decrease in total sperm count. This decline in sperm count has been linked to a number of environmental factors, including exposure to endocrine disruptors found in plastics and other household products.

Dr. Shanna Swan, a leading researcher in the field of environmental endocrine disruption and male infertility, has published several studies that demonstrate the negative effects of endocrine disruptors on sperm count and quality. In one of her studies, she found that men who had higher levels of phthalates in their bodies were more likely to have lower sperm count and lower sperm quality.

The role of the endocrine system plays in male fertility can’t be understated, nor can the introduction of endocrine disruptors through exposure to plastics and other products that can lead to an imbalance of hormones, resulting in decreased sperm count and quality. By reducing exposure to these chemicals and promoting a healthy lifestyle, men can take steps to protect their reproductive health and increase their chances of fathering a child.

Please reach out to set up an appointment or consult to learn more how acupuncture, Eastern medicine, diet and lifestyle modifications can help greatly in your journey to conception.

5 Elements of Eastern Medicine

In Eastern medicine, the concept of the five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - is a fundamental principle of understanding the natural world and how we relate to it, as part of it. These elements are not just physical entities, but also represent the essence of our being.

The element of wood represents growth and expansion. It is the force that drives us to push beyond our limits and reach for new heights. Fire represents transformation and change, the passion and drive that fuels our ambition. Earth represents stability and grounding, the foundation upon which we build our lives. Metal represents clarity and focus, the sharpness of our thoughts and the strength of our will. And water represents fluidity and adaptability, the ability to flow with the ebb and flow of life.

By understanding the balance of these elements within ourselves, the positive aspects as well as the negative, we can gain insight into our own patterns of behavior and thought. We can learn to bring them into balance and tap into the natural flow of energy within ourselves and the world around us. The Tao as it’s called, is the flow of things; and by going with that flow, you bring yourself into balance and harmony with the natural order of things.

By becoming mindful of these elements, we can also gain a deeper understanding of interdependent relationship to the natural world and even the greater universe. We can see how the elements interact and influence one another, and learn to live more in harmony. As Alan Watts once said, "The natural order of the universe is a balance of all things, and by understanding this balance, we can find our own place within it."

By understanding the balance of these elements within ourselves, we can gain insight into our own patterns of behavior and thought, and learn to bring them into balance. Through this, we can learn to live in harmony as our most complete, full, natural expression of life.

Mindfulness and Eastern Medicine

In Eastern medicine, the concept of mindfulness is closely tied to the balance of the five elements and the principles of yin and yang. By practicing mindfulness, we can tap into the natural flow of energy within ourselves and the world around us, bringing a sense of harmony and balance to our lives.

The five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - represent the fundamental building blocks of all natural phenomena. Each element corresponds to a specific aspect of our being, from our physical body to our emotions and thoughts. By becoming mindful of the elements within ourselves and the world, we can gain insight into our own patterns of behavior and thought, and learn to bring them into balance.

Yin and yang, the complementary forces of nature, also play an important role in mindfulness. Yin represents the passive, receptive, and cooling aspects of nature, while yang represents the active, expressive, and warming aspects. In order to achieve balance in our lives, we must learn to cultivate and balance both yin and yang within ourselves.

By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to tune into the natural flow of energy within ourselves and the world. We can become more aware of the elements within us, and learn to bring them into balance. And by understanding the principles of yin and yang, we can learn to cultivate both the passive and active aspects of our nature.

In this way, mindfulness is not just a spiritual practice, but a path to physical and emotional well-being. By becoming mindful, we can learn to live in harmony with the natural flow of life, and discover true peace and grounded-ness within ourselves.

As the great Alan Watts once said, "The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing. The great thing is to get a balance and keep it." By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to find that balance and live in harmony with the world around us.

Vibrating on Om + Interoception

Likely there aren’t any rigorous studies regarding vibrating at the frequency of OM, but there might be more to it than you think.

Interoception is fascinating. The perception of gentle, novel inputs into your physical awareness can be incredibly valuable. We spend a lot of time in our heads. A LOT OF TIME in our heads. Therapies like this, acupuncture, qi gong, yoga, etc. can be remarkable for helping you “tune” back in to your inner physical landscape. We often get so caught up in the relentless inner dialogue and dominance of the *thinking* mind that we end up not tuned into the *feeling* mind and miss so much that’s happening inside.

Before you know it, your shoulders are permanently lodged at your ears and you have golf ball sized knots in your traps and all varieties of other chronic problems (headaches, IBS, GERD, the list goes on and on). It happens so stealthily and insidiously over time that if we’re not intentionally and consciously tuning in, we don’t realize it until it’s become a proper problem. So a practice of inner awareness can not only anchor and ground us, but also provide a lot of valuable information that lies just underneath the threshold of normal perception.

If you need a cosmic tune *up* so you can better tune IN, reach out.!

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#rochesterny #interoception #acupuncture #om #tuning #frequency #ACU585 #flourcityacupuncture #qigong

ACUPUNCTURE IN ROCHESTER | ACU 585

Male Fertility PERSPECTIVE on The November ABSTINENCE Trend

I wish there was a less NSFW name for this thing, but it is what it is. If you know you know, if you don't, hashtags below.

Anecdotally, the benefits of NNN are well documented across the internet so I won't get into them all here - boosting testosterone and regulating dopamine, supercharging motivation, focus and energy, improved sleep, mood, etc. - all powerful things.

That said, if you're planning to conceive after your month of abstinence, it's worth keeping in mind: after 4 days of abstinence, the vigor and quality of sperm starts to decline quickly. As you might imagine, overall sperm count goes up, however many of those sperm will begin to die off, morphology begins to decrease, motility begins to decrease dramatically and DNA fragmentation begins to rise.

So while it might *feel* like the perfect time to open the flood gates and try to conceive, it might be worth cycling some of those little fellas through. In general, any period of abstinence over 5 days isn't optimal for conception.

If you want to be super safe, go 74+ days for the full sperm regeneration cycle to complete (we're very lucky we can do this by the way), setting the little guys free every 3-5 days.

If you are going to pass a full 74+ day cycle there are a LOT of things you can do to optimize (I strongly recommend this anyway if you're trying to conceive). Too much to get into here, but if this is you or your partner reach out and we can dig in a bit. I'll be posting a lot about this upcoming.

Imho, in general, NNN can be a great thing and a real eye opener to the powerful role T and dopamine play in our life - but it can also fall into the same pitfalls of fad diets. You feel great for a month, then bounce back into old habits and patterns.

If you want to increase testosterone and regulate dopamine long-term, it might be worth considering implementing steady, intentional diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that are long-lasting and sustainable.

SO - if you're partaking - enjoy your month of monk life, my man!

#nonutnovember #nnn #nonutnovembermemes #abstinence #testosterone #dopamine #malefactorinfertility #fertility

ACUPUNCTURE IN ROCHESTER, NY | ACU 585

How to prepare for your first acupuncture session at ACU 585.

Your first acupuncture experience should be smooth and pleasant! It can vary by practitioner and what you’re having treated, but there are some general things to keep in mind leading up to your session. 

PRE-TREATMENT:

acupuncture | rochester, ny | acu 585

Don’t worry about looking good, just dress in your most comfortable threads 👍

What to wear:

We recommend that you wear your loosest, baggiest, most comfortable clothes. If you want to come in your favorite pajamas, be our guest (no joke). In almost every case, we’ll be accessing points on your legs, ankles, arms, hands, abdomen (or back) and head. So while tight fitting yoga pants can be comfy, they’re actually not the best choice for an acupuncture session. 
General rule of thumb: the looser, the better.

In the majority of cases when treating neck, back, hip, shoulder (etc.) pain, we’ll naturally need to have access to those local areas. In these situations we’ll typically follow standard massage therapy protocols wherein the patient will de-robe as far as necessary and comfortable to effectively conduct the treatment. In all cases, you will be fully draped on areas not receiving treatment. Gowns are also available.

If you’re coming in for upper-back, head or neck pain, it can be helpful to remove necklaces and large earrings. Generally speaking, it’s best to remove jewelry from any area close to where you’ll be having treatment.

What to eat and drink: 

When you get an acupuncture session, your body tends to go into the parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode. This is a good thing! This is one of the reasons many people use acupuncture as part of their stress management strategy. 

Naturally, when your body goes into ‘rest and digest’ mode, it’s helpful to have something to digest. There are very few side effects from acupuncture, however one of the most common is occasional nausea stemming from having treatment on an empty stomach The surefire way to avoid this is having a light snack before your session, ideally a snack that is low in refined sugar and carbs with a decent amount of protein. 

Water is good. You don’t want to have so much that you’ll need to use the restroom after your session begins, but you’ll want to have enough to make sure you’re reasonably hydrated. 

We recommend starting early. When you wake up have a glass or two, even before your coffee (we recommend this everyday, actually! … the “inner bath” as it’s known), then before your session have a small cup, even just a few hearty sips will do.

DURING TX:

ACU 585 | ROCHESTER’S ACUPUNCTURE

NEEDLE PHOBIA? NO WORRIES, WE’VE BEEN THERE TOO. ACUPUNCTURE IS MUCH DIFFERENT THAN TRADITIONAL NEEDLES

Needle Phobia -  If you have a needle phobia, it’s ok. Believe it or not, our two main practitioners Dr. Shamus and Dr. Jacki both have needle phobias! (Odd career choice right?) That’s all to say, we get it. We’re very sensitive to it. 

We use very gentle needle insertion techniques. Many times, you don’t even feel the needle go in, just a gentle “tap”. That said, if you’ve had a few insertions and have had enough acupuncture, it’s 100% ok. If you are getting your treatment and need a break, it’s ok. We’ll stay at your pace and comfort. Don’t be afraid to let us know, please feel free to communicate.

Wandering Mind — 
Some people love the opportunity to lay silently and do nothing for 30+ minutes whereas some people get anxious even at the thought of it. We’re all built differently, and that’s ok. 

We strive to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. 

Feel free to request any arrangement of sound or light for your session. Each room is equipped with immersive stereo sound, white noise sound machines, and adjustable lighting, so we’re happy to cater the experience to whatever settings makes you the most comfortable. Feel free to request any type of music (or no music), podcast, lighting (dim, bright, even colored) — what ever puts your mind most at ease. 

We’re also happy to provide great mindfulness tips to practice during the session. Many people  who worry about being quiet for a session are often surprised to find that they get deeper into a mindful state each time they get acupuncture, and the sessions become a mindfulness practice in and of themselves. Whatever it is for you — we’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. Please keep us in the loop as to what you need to have a peaceful, enjoyable experience. 

Physical Comfort — 

As for your mind, so for your body. We have a wide array of bolsters, tables, chairs, pillows, blankets, etc. So if you have particular way you feel most comfortable just let us know, if we can accommodate we most certainly will. 

POST TREATMENT:

Acupuncture | Rochester, NY | acU 585

HYDRATE! As with any wellness therapy, it’s always good to make sure your cells are hydrated and happy

If it’s your first acupuncture session, we recommend leaving yourself some time to re-adjust before you jump back into your routine. While acupuncture is gentle, it can be very powerful in ways that you might not expect. 

Some people feel they like to take it easy after a session and continue to enjoy the relaxation while some are energized and ready to jump back into their day. You might be either type, either way, it’s worth giving yourself a little time after your first session to see where on the spectrum you land. You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like after your session, we have a few nice spots you can relax, sip some tea and be quiet and mindful, or even catch up on some emails. 

Can you workout after your session? This may vary from session to session, so the answer is not once size fits all. Best bet is to check in with your practitioner before or during your session, we’re happy to advise. 

Can you drink alcohol after your first session? This may also vary from session to session. The short answer is, moderation. Again, best bet is to check in with your practitioner for guidance.

Lastly, as always with any type of body/wellness treatment, it’s a good idea to hydrate afterwards! 

THE TAKE HOME: 

• Dress *super* comfortably
• Feel free to ask any questions you may have before, during or after your session
• Feel free to make any requests to make you as comfortable as possible 
• Drink plenty of water! 

 

Best Acupuncture in Rochester?

Here’s a quick and helpful guide to finding the right acupuncture for you in Rochester!

We’re lucky to have so many excellent acupuncture practitioners in one city. So answering the question, “what is the best acupuncture in Rochester?” is truly next to impossible! With good reason, the answer is going to depend on each situation.

It often comes as a surprise to many folks, especially those new to acupuncture, to find out that there are many different styles of acupuncture - much like Western allopathic medicine, there are also many very specific specialties within the full scope of acupuncture and Eastern medicine.

So how do you find the right fit for you?

You’ll want to consider what you’re looking to have treated and find a practitioner that matches well with your condition.

You may have had good results, or even bad results from an acupuncture practitioner in the past; in almost every case, it’s a simple matter of lining up with the right fit. For instance, an acupuncturist who may be excellent at treating psycho-emotional conditions may have no interest in or experience with the treatment of musculoskeletal or orthopedic conditions, and vice versa. More often than not, in this way, it’s not so a much a matter of a practitioner being superior or inferior to another, it’s just a matter or syncing with the right person at the right time.

Things to consider:

• A good first step can be to find an acupuncturist that is your go-to, similar to how you might interface with a General Practitioner in Western medicine. One who is well rounded, perhaps with a handful of specialties that line up with your individual constitution and condition.

• It’s 100% O.K. to go to different practitioners for different conditions! A good acupuncturist will be more than willing to help you find complimentary care when they run into situations they’re not well suited to treat. This could be another acupuncturist that specializes in the tough condition that may arise, another modality all together, or possibly a combination of both.

• Personalty is important! It’s not everything, but having a healthy resonance with your acupuncturist can go a long way and be a huge part of your journey to better health; especially if it’s your go-to “general practitioner” acupuncturist. It’s not a terrible thing if you need to be referred out to a specialist occasionally that you don’t totally click with - just as long as you feel safe, comfortable and are receiving proper care.

• Does your acupuncturist practice ‘clean needle technique’? The answer should be yes. This is the highest standard and certification for an acupuncture practitioner.

• Credentials are important to an extent, but they don’t mean everything.

L.ac — Generally speaking, the most important credential is that of a licensed acupuncturist (L.ac), there are some practitioners that are grandfathered into acupuncture practice standards in the U.S. without modern acupuncture training, however the number is becoming increasingly few. While acupuncture is a very safe procedure, there are some situations that can be dangerous, getting care from an L.ac will ensure you are in good hands and are being treated by a practitioner who is throughly trained to avoid such situations. Licensed acupuncturists will also have a good baseline knowledge of Eastern medicine and related theories.

M.D. — Many medical doctors have seen the power of acupuncture in their clinical careers fist hand, so much so that some have taken the step to practice acupuncture themselves. Some of these practitioners might consider themselves to be ‘medical acupuncturists’. This can be a great choice for you if you feel more comfortable with a Western approach or you have a complex presentation and would prefer a practitioner who is well versed in Western medical practice. Many of the acupuncture training programs for Western medical professionals are unfortunately and necessarily somewhat abbreviated when it comes to Eastern medical theory, techniques and diagnosis (typically 150-300 credit hours vs. 2,500+ credit hours of an L.ac). So if you’d like a practitioner that has a strong Western medical lens balanced with a deep Eastern lens, it’s worth seeking out an M.D. who is also a board certified L.ac, has completed an accredited acupuncture program, or has otherwise immersed themselves in a path of continued education that is well suited to your needs.

Phd — Education! Lots of it. Medical education is indisputably a great thing. Like anything else, it’s incredibly important but not everything. If your acupuncturist holds a Phd in acupuncture and Eastern medicine, it’s likely they’ve chosen a specific path that they’re passionate about and have taken a deep dive into. Here like everything else, the key is balance: the balance of deep academic knowledge of a subject with real world clinical expertise and experience is a powerful combination.

DACM — Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine — this is quickly becoming the standard for most board certified licensed acupuncturists. While all L.acs will have graduated with a Master of Science in Acupuncture and are well qualified to practice acupuncture, many are choosing to pursue acupuncture at the doctorate level. While there is perhaps less academic focus than a Phd, many DACMs are practitioners who are seeking to take their clinical practice to the next professional level. Like a Phd, and M.D., “Doctor” is a title that signifies a deeper commitment and exploration of the medicine, however a balance with clinical experience and clinical focus is always paramount.

• Clinic Feel — While perhaps not a ‘be all, end all’ when choosing an acupuncturist, this is important too! You want to feel comfortable where you’re receiving acupuncture. You may be one who feels more comfortable in a traditional “doctor’s office” setting; brightly lit, white lab coats, etc. or you might feel more comfortable in a clinic that is as far as possible from a doctor’s office; relaxed atmosphere, warm lighting, soft music — one is not objectively better than another! The one that you feel most comfortable in is the one that has a better chance of being a good fit for you. In many cases the style of a clinic will reflect the style of the practitioner, it’s worth spending a little time on a practitioner/clinic’s website and social media feeds to get a good sense of what you’d be experiencing and line up a with a clinic that you feel most drawn to.

• What modalities are offered?

In East Asian countries, it’s rare that a practitioner will practice all modalities of Eastern medicine — acupuncture, herbal medicine, qi gong, bodywork and lifestyle/dietary therapy. Typically a student will choose one path and stay solely dedicated to that modality.

Here in the United States, Licensed acupuncturists are typically trained in all aspects of Chinese medicine, to varying extents. While you can find practitioners who excel at all modalities, typically you’ll find acupuncturists who focus on only one or a combination of a few. In any case, best practice is to find the practitioner who focuses on the modalities and application of said modalities that will be most helpful for your situation. If you’re unsure, you can always reach out to a practitioner and kindly ask if your situation will be a good fit for the way they practice.

There are certainly more things worth considering, and perhaps we can dig into more detail in future blog posts, but hopefully this will give you a good place to start in your acupuncture journey.

I’m a big believer that a rising tide floats all ships, helping people find the right fit for their acupuncture needs is a net win for the practice of acupuncture as a whole. Feel free to reach out with any questions on this topic, would be happy to help you pointed in the direction of the best care possible.

Best,
Dr. Shamus

 

Journey into Treating Male Factor Infertility

Over the last few years I've taken a deep dive into how acupuncture and Eastern medicine can help with male factor infertility.

Thanks largely to the work of folks like @drshannaswan and others - my interest sparked as I became aware of the massive drop in fertility rates that we're facing in Western industrialized nations. It's not particularly great, we're not too far from a point of no return (more on that to come).

ACUPUNCTURE IN ROCHESTER, NY | ACU 585

INFERTILITY BREAKDOWN — approximately 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown

Despite our problems and complexities, I think humans are unique, beautiful beings, capable of incredibly amazing things. I truly believe, as a species, we've barely begun to plumb the depths of our greatest potential. So, I can't personally imagine a better thing than to help make more of them. Especially to aid those suffering from the ability to do so without a bit of extra help.

While much of the onus is placed on women in the fertility process when things aren't working out, males are a hugely overlooked factor. It was astonishing to me that in many infertility situations, the male factor is something of an afterthought. In fact, when it comes to fertility problems, the general breakdown is somewhere around: 1/3 female factor, 1/3 male factor, 1/3 both and 10% unknown.

So, why such a lack of focus and/or support for males? Very good question. There are likely many reasons and I intend to explore all of them.

So, if you're finding yourself in a situation where you or your partner is having difficulty, or would just like to optimize sperm health throughout your fertility journey please feel free to reach out. Acupuncture and Eastern medicine is a great complimentary therapy for male factor infertility issues.

A typical session will consist of a semen analysis review (if an analysis is available), a look at diet and lifestyle, some recommendations for supplementation and herbs (if needed), acupuncture and likely some infrared light therapy.

All very easy, comfortable and painless.

If you’d like to learn more, I highly recommend checking out the work of Dr. Shanna Swan. In this interview from Mt. Sinai Hospital, Dr. Swan discusses how endocrine-disrupting chemicals are contributing to decreasing sperm counts and more.

 

Why are American College Students so Stressed? - Facing Invisible Tigers and Surviving the Stress Epidemic

We’re very smart, clever animals. With our intelligence, we’ve created a world with unparalleled amenities like running water, solar panels, electric cars, even pocket-sized supercomputers that give us access to unprecedented information, allow us to explore the solar system, and connect us to nearly every human being at the farthest reaches of our own planet. These are things our ancestors couldn’t have even dreamt of - so why are we so stressed and anxious?  

The simple answer is survival. In many ways, we still respond to our modern stressors as though we’re facing famine, or there is a sabertooth tiger pouncing at us, and we are the main course. For all our modern luxuries, our body processes stressful inputs in much the same way it would have tens of thousands of years ago; the key difference is that we don’t do it acutely for 5 minutes at a time during a tiger attack, we do it chronically over the course of our lifetimes. This is where the danger lies. 

ACU 585 | Acupuncture in Rochester, NY

more than 60 percent of college students said they had experienced “overwhelming anxiety” at some point in the past year

The “parasympathetic” and “sympathetic” nervous systems may not be household concepts, however the symptoms associated with an overactive sympathetic stress response are well known to almost all of us. We’re all familiar with ‘fight or flight’, this is the sympathetic nervous system in action, when we’re in this mode briefly it’s healthy, it helps us survive. When we’re in it chronically, it can have massively damaging effects on our wellbeing. This is the overwhelmed physiological state many college students are finding themselves in on a daily basis. In fact, According to a 2018 report from the American College Health Association, more than 60 percent of college students said they had experienced “overwhelming anxiety” at some point in the past year.

American college students are living in a very interesting time. Most can’t recall a day when they didn’t have ubiquitous access to the internet, and thus, constant flows of bite-sized information, and floods of social media. In nature, our brains are hardwired to be rewarded with a dopamine flush when we discover food, a water source, find a mate, etc., this process creates neural pathways which are beneficial to our survival. In our modern lives, this process is happening at an alarming, unnatural rate with instant gratifications being sought in the digital world, and is proving to have deleterious effects on our brain’s neurochemistry.

This combination of living chronically in the ‘fight or flight’ stress response, and the rewiring of our neural pathways creates a perfect storm for a physiological imbalance that may lead to a myriad of mental and physical problems:

• Loss of sleep, memory and concentration impairment
• Digestive and immune disorders
• Musculoskeletal pain, migraines, etc.
• High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes
• Depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and more.

Ironically, one of the sneakiest symptoms of an overactive sympathetic nervous system is a marked decrease in one’s ability to cope with, you guessed it, stress. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to a dangerous spiral if left unchecked. Luckily for most, there are very effective coping skills and simple steps that can be taken to change the course of one’s wellness path:

Meditation and Breathing: These could be the single most important tools for mitigating stress. There are many types of meditation and breathing that fit different personality types and situations.
Movement and Diet: Taking care of our physical health and discharging stress through movement is an important and often overlooked aspect of stress management.
Connecting, and disconnecting: Simply keeping a healthy balance between social activity and solitude (including digital detoxing).
Recalibrating: Mindset training is gaining traction as a powerful technique, backed by a significant and fast growing body of research.
Exploring Complimentary Wellness Modalities: Evidence based activities such as acupuncture, yoga, qi gong, etc. are gentle, safe, efficacious ways to mitigate stress and anxiety, help the body release it’s own ‘feel good’ chemicals, and engage the parasympathetic nervous system.

While the epidemic of stress and anxiety on our campuses may feel daunting, there is much that can be done to help students find balance. Many of these techniques are easily integrated into daily routines and feel remarkably natural to most; as it is simply a return to their healthy, harmonious physiological state. After all, we are humans in a modern world coming to terms with modern stressors - and if all goes as planned - not finding ourselves in life or death, fight or flight standoffs with sabertooth tigers. Our student’s stresses are bouts with paper tigers, and while still very real to them, that’s a match they stand a fighting chance of surviving.

If you’d like to learn more about the physiology of stress, I highly recommend you look into the work of Dr. Robert Sapolsky and Dr. Andrew Huberman. Both incredible, highly intellegent researchers in their own right and also remarkably good at distilling their knowledge into a language that’s easy to understand. Here are a few videos to get you started!

"Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: Stress and Health" by Dr. Robert Sapolsky

Science writer, biologist, neuroscientist, and stress expert Dr. Robert Sapolsky presents the inaugural Fenton-Rhodes Lecture on Proactve Wellness. Sapolsky states that our bodies' stress response evolved to help us get out of short-term physical emergencies - if a lion is chasing you, you run. But such reactions, he points out, compromise long-term physical health in favor of immediate self-preservation. Unfortunately, when confronted with purely psychological stressors, such as troubleshooting the fax machine, modern humans turn on the same stress response. "If you turn it on for too long," notes Sapolsky, "you get sick." Sapolsky regards this sobering news with characteristic good humor, finding hope in "our own capacity to prevent some of these problems... in the small steps with which we live our everyday lives." This lecture was recorded on September 22, 2016 at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts' Colwell Playhouse as part of the Pygmalion TechFest

Tools for Managing Stress & Anxiety | Huberman Lab Podcast #10

This episode explains what stress is, and how it recruits our brain and body to react in specific ways. (Dr. Huberman) describes the three main types of stress, and how two of them actually enhance the function of our immune system making us less vulnerable to infections. (He) reviews tools that allow us to control our stress in real-time, as well as tools to prevent long-term stress, burnout and stress-induced illness and anxiety. As always, (he) covers behavioral tools and supplements that can assist or hinder stress control.

 

Acupuncture: A Natural Evidence-Based Alternative to Opioids for Chronic Pain Management

By:  Dr. Shamus Clancey DACM, L.Ac 

Far too many people live with chronic pain. It is estimated that over 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain worldwide (NCHS, 2006). In many cases, individuals have exhausted all options available to mitigate their conditions and are left with the possibility of invasive surgery, or turning to opioid based pain medication to mask the root causes of their conditions. Acupuncture, as part of the larger system of Chinese Medicine, exists as a promising evidence-based, complimentary, or alternative option for mitigating this suffering; in many cases by treating branch symptoms, as well as the root causes.

Opioid based pain medication is an option that often arises when a medical professional is out of solutions in a given treatment plan, and must make the decision to ‘treat the branch’ in order to provide a patient with immediate relief. Unfortunately however, it is becoming all too common that these medications are used as a first line of treatment, when other options are not yet exhausted or incorporated. Pain medication can be something of a modern medical miracle to provide temporary relief, however there are no guarantees of efficacy. A study by the American Pain Foundation found that only 23% of patients with chronic pain found pain medication to be effective (APF, 2006), while another meta-analysis and systemic review in 2016, appearing the the JAMA Internal Medicine, found that opioid pain medication was not effective for chronic back pain at guideline recommended dosages (Saheed, Maher, Williams, et al ., 2016). Furthermore, opioid based pain medication carries its own array of side-effects such as constipation, respiratory depression, dizziness, mental fog, and more; not the least of which being the well documented risk of addiction, which has now reached epidemic levels in the United States. Currently, it is estimated that nearly 2 million Americans are addicted to opioid based pain medications (Schuchat, Houry, Guy, 2017), and more overdose deaths occur from these medications than from heroin (Rudd, Seth, David et al., 2016).

While still in relative infancy in Western culture and consciousness, acupuncture exists as part of a complete medical system that offers natural evidence-based relief from pain. Growing in acceptance among Western biomedical professionals, acupuncture is becoming integrated into treatment plans as an option to not only treat the ‘branch’ - the resulting symptoms of a condition - but to be leaned upon to treat the ‘root’ causes of painful conditions as well. For these reasons amid the current opioid epidemic in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration is now recommending that physicians learn more about the role that acupuncture and other complementary therapies can play in the mitigation of pain, as an alternative to opioid based prescription pain medication. 

While still not fully understood through a Western scientific lens, the evidence base of acupuncture’s efficacy is growing and it’s biomedical mechanisms are beginning to be discovered. Recently research has been conducted that maps the neural pathways from acupuncture points, to the spinal cord, to pain deactivation centers in the brain (Yin, Brucheit, Park, 2017), for this reason many posit that acupuncture has the unique effect of re-mapping the brain’s response to pain by re-routing the pathways via the act of needle insertion and stimulation at acupuncture points. This can be particularly useful in cases involving musculoskeletal systems such as chronic back, neck and shoulder pain. 

In contrast to using prescription synthetic opioids to mitigate pain, acupuncture has been shown to engage the body’s self-healing mechanisms by encouraging the body to activate its own innate natural opioids, as well as to increase the brain’s sensitivity to these opioids (Harris, Zubieta, Scott, et al. 2009). Not limited to naturally occurring opioids, acupuncture has also been shown to encourage the release of other ‘built-in’ biochemical pain reducers such as ATP, adonsinine, GABA and substance P (Zhao, 2009). When faced with potentially very dangerous procedures, or the risky and unwanted side effects of pain medication, acupuncture represents a very safe complimentary or alternative treatment that is worth exploring. 

Many patients of acupuncture will attest to the lasting relief they have gained, in some cases after only one treatment. While these accounts are common and plentiful, they are understandably not enough to satisfy those equipped with healthy skepticisms. In the largest open pragmatic study of its kind, 454,920 patients with chronic headache, back pain and osteoarthritis were treated with acupuncture, of 8727 treating physicians it was found that a “marked or moderate” decrease in pain occurred in 76% of participants (Weidenhammer, Streng, Linde, et al., 2007). In a 2 year retroactive survey published in 2016, 93% of 89,000 participating patients declared success in the reduction of chronic pain (ASHIHSD, 2016). While a strong case for acupuncture is becoming well established, more studies are warranted and are currently underway to examine its effectiveness, as well as determine the underlying mechanisms through a Western biomedical lens. 

With an opioid epidemic currently in full bloom in the United States, and a growing evidence base of efficacy, there has never been a more appropriate time to consider acupuncture as a complimentary or alternative therapy to pain medications when treating chronic pain. With a proper treatment plan that may include Chinese bodywork, Chinese herbal medicine, exercise/diet/lifestyle modifications, and acupuncture; much work can be done naturally to mitigate chronic pain via a ‘root and branch’ approach, and avoid the adverse and potentially dangerous side-effects that may arise from the use of opioid-based pain medications.

Dr. Shamus has been practicing various aspects of Chinese medicine for over a decade. He is a graduate of Pacific College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's Acupuncture and Chinese medicine doctoral program. He received his Master of Science in Acupuncture from the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture of New York State Chiropractic College, and completed his herbal studies at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies in Philadelphia, PA. His interest in Chinese medicine was sparked at an early age when an acupuncture clinic opened up next to his house. Thereafter, he began studying and practicing medical Qi Gong with 5th generation acupuncturist and medical qi gong practitioner, Grandmaster Tzu Kuo Shih, OMD, L.Ac. His circuital route from qi gong to acupuncture brought him through masonry, music production and performance, geography studies at SUNY Geneseo, and nearly a decade of organic farming; this path forged a life-long dedication to the importance that natural medicine plays in mental and physical well-being, which he currently cultivates with his patients as a licensed and board certified acupuncturist in Rochester, NY.

References:

Abdel Shaheed, C., Maher, C. G., Williams, K. A., Day, R., & McLachlan, A. J. (2016). Efficacy, Tolerability, and Dose-Dependent Effects of Opioid Analgesics for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(7), 958–968. http://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1251

American Specialty Health Incorporated Health Services Department. (2016). Acupuncture: Does Acupuncture Provided Within a Managed Care Setting Meet Patient Expectations and Quality Outcomes?, 1–12.

Harris, R. E., Zubieta, J.-K., Scott, D. J., Napadow, V., Gracely, R. H., & Clauw, D. J. (2009). Traditional Chinese acupuncture and placebo (sham) acupuncture are differentiated by their effects on μ-opioid receptors (MORs). NeuroImage, 47(3), 1077–1085. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.05.083

National Center for Health Statistics (2006) Health, United States, 2006 [Online] Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus06.pdf [Accessed 25 October, 2017]

Rudd RA, Seth P, David F, Scholl L. Increases in Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths — United States, 2010–2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1445–1452. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm655051e1

Schuchat, A., Houry, D., & Guy, G. P. (2017). New Data on Opioid Use and Prescribing in the United States. Jama, 318(5), 425–426. http://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.8913

Weidenhammer W, Streng A, Linde K, Hoppe A, Melchart D. Acupuncture for chronic pain within the research program of 10 German Health Insurance Funds–basic results from an observational study. Complementary therapies in medicine. 2007;15(4):238-46.

Yin, C., Buchheit, T. E., & Park, J. J. (2017). Acupuncture for chronic pain: an update and critical overview. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology, 1. http://doi.org/10.1097/ACO.0000000000000501

Zhao, Z.-Q. (2008). Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology, 85(4), 355–375. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2008.05.004