To Your Health

Acupuncture Increases Melatonin Levels, Promotes Quality Sleep

Up to 40 percent of the adult American population suffers from insomnia. Research suggests that while insomnia and anxiety are not related, they share several characteristics. Anxious people usually have difficulty sleeping an entire night, spend less time in "deep" sleep, and often have fragmented sleep patterns. Conversely, people who suffer from sleep deprivation often produce symptoms similar to those seen in people with high anxiety levels.

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To Your Health

Fibromyalgia Studies Show Positive Outcomes for Acupuncture Treatment

Recent research suggests acupuncture may provide relief to people afflicted with fibromyalgia. In a pair of studies by two separate research groups, similar results showed a significant improvement for participants in terms of pain and other symptoms. The positive results could lead to a greater acceptance of acupuncture from primary care physicians and specialists in musculoskeletal disorders who treat this common condition.

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News of Interest

The Unmedicated Mind - Backlash against antidepressants is fueling new interest in alternative treatments. From lobotomies with ice picks to early antidepressants that caused brain hemorrhaging, Americans have a complicated and ever-changing approach to treating mental illness. Now, spurred by the growing disenchantment with antidepressants, an increasing number of people are seeking treatment for depression, anxiety and eating disorders from naturopaths, acupuncturists and even chiropractors. At the same time, more traditional psychiatrists are incorporating massage and meditation in their practice.

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To Your Health

Electroacupuncture Better Than Drugs in the Treatment of Depression

Depression is a complicated psychological condition characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, decreased interest in sex and difficulty sleeping. It affects not only the quality of life of the person who is depressed, but of that person's friends and family members. Fortunately, a variety of methods are available to help treat people afflicted with depression. In a recently published study, scientists at the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine compared the efficacy of electroacupuncture in the treatment of mental depression with a well-known antidepressant, and found that electroacupuncture was more effective, while producing fewer side-effects.

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