New mobile site for www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz (You should see this when looking at the site from a mobile phone or tablet). It's much easier now to book an appointment for Osteopathy or Acupuncture when using your phone.

Just to let everybody know that there is now a mobile site for www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz    .  When you look at the website on your mobile phone (or tablet) you will be viewing the mobile site.  This makes it much easier, especially when using a mobile phone with a relatively small screen, to click on links to different pages, and move around the site.

When using a desktop computer, you will still get the main website.  The main site, of course, has a lot more pages and text.  For example, on the main site there are pages on Naturopathy and Pain-Management, and there is also a lot more text on the Osteopathy and Acupuncture pages.  You will be able to view all the video links from the main site, for example.  If, for example, you wanted to read about the Mindfulness-based courses on Pain-Management, then you would need to view the main site to do this, as this page is not available on the mobile site  (http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/painManagement/courses.html).

However, if you were out and about, and wanted to book an Osteopathy or Acupuncture appointment from your mobile phone screen, then you would automatically be redirected to the mobile site, and you should find it much easier to do this.  And, of course, if you find it much easier to use (as it should be) you will also find 'Like' and 'Share' buttons also on the mobile site, so you can 'like' the site, or even share it.

Hope you enjoy using the new mobile site.

Best wishes for Christmas and 2015
with kind regards,
Mike

Osteopathy and Acupuncture, clinic still open, until 24th December

Just to let everyone know that the clinic is open to (and including) Christmas Eve (24th December).
There is good availability, including evening appointments, should you need any Osteopathy or Acupuncture treatment before the holiday.   You can either book online:  www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz  or phone 03 980 2425

Season's Greetings and Holiday times for Osteopathy and Acupuncture

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, if you would like any Osteopathy and Acupuncture treatment before the break, there is still time to book, and also After-Hours appointment times available.

Christchurch Osteopathy and Acupuncture clinic is open until 24th December, and again from 29th December to 31st December.  The clinic then re-opens on Monday 5th January (but will be closed from January 12 - 24th) opening again on Monday 26th January.

You can either phone 03 980 2425, 021 043 6282, or book online at:  www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

wishing you and your families a peaceful and relaxing holiday break, and a healthy and prosperous new year.

Mike

Osteopathy and Acupuncture treatments, now available. Clinic is fully open. After-hours appointments are also available

Having just returned from travels to Europe, the clinic here at 88 Linwood Avenue is now fully open again, and both Osteopathy and Acupuncture treatments are again available.  To book, either book your own appointment online at:  www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz,

or phone 03 980 2425.  After-hours appointments are also available, but it is best to book these a few days ahead.

Recently CT scans show the anatomical structures of acupuncture points. Research demonstrates the physical existence of acupuncture points.

Scientific Basis of Acupuncture

The scientific basis of acupuncture in the treatment of injuries and to promote soft-tissue healing may involve platelets secreting growth factors (e.g. cytokines) and metabolites promoting a healing cascade, and stimulation of collagen regeneration.

Modern research shows the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving pain, particularly muscle and joint pain. This analgesic effect of acupuncture is partly explained by the gate control theory of pain (Melzac and Wall). Changes in neurotransmitter function, endorphins, and serotonin are also thought to be involved.

Recently CT scans have shown the actual anatomical structures of acupuncture points.  This new research actually demonstrates the physical existence of acupuncture points.  In a recent study

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1230-new-ct-scansreveal-acupuncture-points

published in the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, researchers used in-line phase contrast CT imaging with synchrotron radiation on both non-acupuncture points and acupuncture points.  The CT scans revealed clear distinctions between the non-acupuncture point and acupuncture point anatomical structures. Acupuncture points have a higher density of micro-vessels and contain a large amount of involuted microvascular structures.

For more see:

www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

For my acupuncture (and medical acupuncture trained osteopath) colleagues here in Christchurch

For my acupuncture (and medical acupuncture trained osteopath) colleagues here in Christchurch

Hopefully Xanthe Ashton is confirmed to give a presentation on Cranio-sacral therapy for our NZ register of Acupuncture study group meeting on 16th September.  I want this to be Xanthe's presentation (not a joint one) as she is a very good presenter.  I would also be happy to give another Cranio-sacral presentation (a practical session) sometime next year, if people would like a greater practical understanding of cranial osteopathy.

Here, however, I have a presentation I would be happy to share with everyone at another meeting (preferably 21/10, or in February 2015 after the holidays) on: 

Hygiene, Dangerous Points, Informed Consent, Note-keeping, and medico-legal implications .

Admittedly this is a spin-off from my present project for my western medical acupuncture registration (with my osteopath colleagues) and  learning portfolio and learning needs analysis. 

One insight from this training is I've realised that perhaps a few of us that trained many years ago might possibly have got a bit negligent in very basic stuff over the years.  It is quite possible that highly experienced practitioners (whether they be GPs, osteopaths or acupuncturists) are at greater risk here that relatively new graduates.

I would would be happy to review what we need to put in our notes especially for complex patients (e.g. the elderly, chronic pain patients, infection, lymphodema, cancer, immuno-compromised patients, etc)  just in case anything ever goes wrong at any point, and legal or regulatory action is ever considered against us.  

Yes, I realise that acupuncturists as all medical professionals do, carry insurance and that in NZ,  ACC  treatment providers cannot ever be sued for 'medical misadventure', but this is no reason, ethically, for incompetence or poor practice, or standards.  

Even if any medical misadventure (e.g causing a pneumothorax) did not result in legal action from medical misadventure  - it might severely damage the livelihood and reputation of that practitioner, as well as bringing the entire profession into disrepute.   

Not a bad subject for a refresher presentation  - wouldn't you think.

Hopefully helpful,

Mike

acupuncture traditional versus modern trigger point therapy - communication and dialogue is far better than division

More on this  - because it illustrates that principle that the way forward on this is communication and dialogue.  It's very sad when acupuncture is only deemed to be legitimate medicine only with great reservation.

It is also equally sad and unhelpful when traditionally trained acupuncturists (e.g New Zealand Register of Acupuncture members) do not participate in such discussions, or cannot integrate into mainstream healthcare, or cannot speak the language of biomedical science or communicate (or want to communicate!) with GPs and other health specialists.


For those of you who may be following this discussion - I did receive a reply from a friend colleague osteopath, who is conscientious and although initially training in Western Medical Acupuncture, is certainly developing his acupuncture to a high level:


Mike I suggest contacting the authors,especially Dr Cummings. Having previous brought this up with him in conversation you might be surprised if you do have a chat


My response was:

Thanks for your suggestion. As I'm unlikely to be in the UK to do any British Medical Acupuncture Society training, it's unlikely I'll get to meet Dr Cummings as you have. I could try contacting him through the publisher of his book - but if you could find an email address for him, from your own British Medical Acupuncture Society log-in, I would be most grateful. 

You are most welcome to copy and paste the text of my own comments above, on my behalf - into the Blog / Forum / members-area of the British Medical Acupuncture Society or British Osteopathy Association or General Osteopathic Council sites - where I'm sure I'll eventually communicate with the right people - and I would welcome any dialogue that ensued. my email is: mike@ osteopathy-acupuncture.com. Yes - I could join the British Medical Acupuncture Society to paste this - but a bit of a waste of 79 UK pounds! Thanks for your help. Hope all is going well in your own acupuncture practice. regards, M

updated - 'Western Medical Acupuncture' - a horrible hybrid concoction - I guess they want to distance themselves as much as possible from TCM acupuncture.

'Western Medical Acupuncture' - a horrible hybrid concoction - I guess they want to distance themselves as much as possible from TCM acupuncture.

Recently, I was buying a book from Amazon (actually a very good book called) 'An Introduction to Western Medical Acupuncture' when I came across this scathing and highly offensive review (to an otherwise good book)

(you can find this book, and the TCM hostile review on : http://www.amazon.co.uk/...3071772/ref=rdr_ext_tmb)

The review is from a person who is hiding behind the title name "not buying into metaphor medicine' (afraid it seems to give their own name, or say who they are): 

''At a time when all too many are willing to follow a guru into a belief-system based approach, i.e., TCM, and abandon their scientific education, this book antidotes the prevailing fascination with myths and metaphors by providing fact-based, straightforward instruction. I applaud Drs. White, Cummings, and Filshie in their publication of a clinically meaningful text packed with legitimate information that medical professionals should be expected to understand if they are going to advertise themselves as acupuncturists.''

My response to this rather bigoted and offensive put down of TCM was as follows:


''I find your review a little inaccurate - as TCM is not based on `myths and metaphors' as you seem to imply - but a highly coherent rational paradigm based on generations of empirical clinical observation. It does beg the question of whether you have studied TCM or not? Or is this only your personal prejudice - you are then exhibiting the very behaviour and belief-systems you appear to be condemning!

I agree with you that Drs. White, Cummings, and Filshie in their publication of their Introduction to Western Medical Acupuncture text do present a `clinically meaningful text packed with legitimate information that medical professionals should be expected to understand if they are going to advertise themselves as acupuncturists', but then so do many TCM texts - if you have read any, that is.''



It is very very sad when educated doctors or medical professionals (as I assume this person is) are so narrow-minded (or possibly this person is just a dim-wit journalist or book reviewer). I can only assume that this person is a rather arrogant and blinked medic - who cannot understand (more likely doesn't want to understand) a paradigm different to his or her own.

Is the dominant medical culture of biomedical science so threatened by TCM that it arouses such passionate hatred and bigotry. Fortunately we no longer get burned at the stake as witches by the inquisition, yet I detect the same level of intolerance alive and well in our 21st century.

Personally I find the term 'Western Medical Acupuncture' something of a horrible hybrid concoction. What it really implies is a cut down, rudimentary 'trigger-point' impoverished kind of acupuncture, without any of the rich and highly sophisticated conceptual framework that underpins TCM.

I would also like to post this text onto any blog page of the websites of the BAcC, British Medical Acupuncture Society, or General Medical Council (UK, AUS, or NZ) but sadly I do not have a member log-in for these sites. I would be happy if anyone want to post this text to the World Acupuncture, or Australian Acupuncture Societies. 

This text is also on my own blog - if you have any comments (you'll probably have to copy and paste these links into your browser) :

go to blog, signature line - bottom of page on:

www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz - 

For more on this please also see (you might have to copy and paste these links into your browser:

http://www.christchurch-...re/scientificBasis.html 

and the excellent cartoon (video) - highly recommended - on:

http://www.christchurch-...ture/traditionalDry.html

'Western Medical Acupuncture' registration: diplomacy in the enemy camp

Why I'm considering Western Medical Acupuncture registration:

under ACC regulations I cannot do a 'combined' treatment - i.e. 'mix and match'.  

At the moment I am in an ethical dilemma, as I have to bill either (and exclusively) for either Osteopathy or Acupuncture, and therefore cannot perhaps (if ACC were to really fussy) mix and match - which is usually in the patient's best interests, for the best possible treatment for them. 

If I were also registered under a Western Medical Acupuncture scope of practice - then no one could find fault with this.

Also, I intend to promote Traditional Chinese Medicine 'behind enemy lines' as it were - as many osteopaths are interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine, beyond and in addition to the Western Medical Acupuncture approach.

So rather that 'dancing with the devil'  I see this more as 'diplomacy in the enemy camp'.  And even such abrasive personalities as S, do have some redeeming graces.  Better communication and contact (speak their language) than division and 'tribalism'.

So despite my earlier blog  - perhaps involvement, debate and communication is the best way forward.  It usually always is.

'Western Medical Acupuncture' - a pseudoscientific hybrid concoction

Looking at what is actually a very good book called

An Introduction to Western Medical Acupuncture,

Adrian White PhD MA BM BCh (Author), Mike Cummings MB ChB Dip Med Ac (Author), Jacqueline Filshie MBBS FRCA(Author)
''I find your review a little inaccurate - as TCM is not based on `myths and metaphors' as you seem to imply - but a highly coherent rational paradigm based on generations of empirical clinical observation. It does beg the question of whether you have studied TCM or not? Or is this only your personal prejudice - you are then exhibiting the very behaviour and belief-systems you appear to be condemning!

(you can find this book on : http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0443071772/ref=rdr_ext_tmb)

I came across this rather offensive review   - not to the book which is quite excellent - but to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from a person who is hiding behind the title name "not buying into metaphor medicine' (afraid it seems to give their own name, or say who they are): 

''At a time when all too many are willing to follow a guru into a belief-system based approach, i.e., TCM, and abandon their scientific education, this book antidotes the prevailing fascination with myths and metaphors by providing fact-based, straightforward instruction.
I applaud Drs. White, Cummings, and Filshie in their publication of a clinically meaningful text packed with legitimate information that medical professionals should be expected to understand if they are going to advertise themselves as acupuncturists.''

My response to this rather bigoted and offensive put down of TCM was as follows:

''I find your review a little inaccurate - as TCM is not based on `myths and metaphors' as you seem to imply - but a highly coherent rational paradigm based on generations of empirical clinical observation. It does beg the question of whether you have studied TCM or not? Or is this only your personal prejudice - you are then exhibiting the very behaviour and belief-systems you appear to be condemning!

I agree with you that Drs. White, Cummings, and Filshie in their publication of their Introduction to Western Medical Acupuncture text do present a `clinically meaningful text packed with legitimate information that medical professionals should be expected to understand if they are going to advertise themselves as acupuncturists', but then so do many TCM texts - if you have read any, that is.''

It is sad when educated doctors or medical professionals (as I assume this person is) are so narrow-minded.  I can only assume that this person is a rather arrogant and blinked medic - who cannot understand (more likely doesn't wan to understand) a paradigm different to his or her own.''

Personally I find the term 'Western Medical Acupuncture' something of a pseudoscientific hybrid concoction.  What it really implies is a cut down, rudimentary 'trigger-point' impoverished kind of acupuncture, without any of the sophisticated conceptual framework that underpins TCM.

For more on this please see:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/scientificBasis.html

and the excellent cartoon  (video) on:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/traditionalDry.html

After-hours Osteopathy and Acupuncture appointments still available, but best to book several days in advance. Generally free appointment times (mornings and afternoons) are always available if you need to see an Osteopath immedately.

Just a reminder to everyone that the evenings appointments seem to be very popular - and if you do require an after-hours evening Osteopathy or Acupuncture appointment, then I would suggest booking several days ahead (even a week or more).

Generally I can still see you for an Osteopathy appointment - on the day.  Mornings and mid-day appointments are usually available, and I try to keep some free times every day, for emergencies and acute patients, where you need to see an Osteopath immediately.  (It is only the late afternoons, after 4.30pm, and evenings that tend to fill up).

I'm still working most Saturdays, and these are becoming increasingly busy  - but there are generally still always some free Osteopathy and Acupuncture appointments available on Saturdays, if you are flexible.

You can, of course, easily book your own appointments online, from the website:

www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

And yes, you can still phone on 03 980 2425

If you haven't been before, or would like more information, please see:
http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/firstVisit.html

(sorry -  you may need to copy and paste these links into your browser)

heat or ice ?

Reflecting on the recent (30/05/2014) article and discussion 'Ice may no longer be the treatment of choice for injuries'  ( please see last blog) which suggests that ice - certainly excessive or prolonged icing - may actually slow down the healing process:
''Applying ice causes blood vessels around the injury to constrict and shut off the blood flow that brings in the inflammatory cells needed for healing.''

So the question becomes - should we use heat then?

Immediately after injury  (and several hours following) ice (an ice pack wrapped in a towel - not directly onto the skin) or at least cooling, can be applied, especially if there is any swelling.  The ice (or cooling) will reduce, or slow down, the inflammatory response - by local vasoconstriction in the tissues

After two or three days following an injury, it is unlikely that ice will have much benefit - and even if there were swelling, there would be other treatments available, including acupuncture and perhaps lymphatic drainage.
(see:  http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/scientificBasis.html)

According to the recent article, it is even possible that ice (certainly excessive or prolonged) may even be harmful.

So when do we use heat?
Heat is most useful for sub-acute (several days) or chronic conditions.  In chronic conditions it may be helpful to promote blood flow, which will happen from the vasodilatation in the tissues resulting from heat.

However, remember that the blood also needs to get out again, and circulate, so even heat perhaps should not be applied for to long or excessively.  Perhaps a heat pack for 10 - 20 minutes, rather than falling asleep with a hot water bottle over the area!

In clinic I consider carefully if to use heat, and in what form.  Traditionally in Acupuncture, Moxibustion is used, and there are varying forms of Moxibustion, either heating over the area where the needles are (with a moxa roll) or perhaps using moxa on the needle (warm needle technique).  Another method (one I don't use here in clinic) is burning small amounts (cones) of moxa, perhaps on ginger, on the skin, and removing it before it becomes to hot!

There are also magnetic heat lamps which provide infra-red heat to the area. These have the advantage of being easy to use, and not creating any smoke or smell like burning moxa does.  However, the heating affect is over a fairly large area.  This is maybe OK for the upper or lower back or shoulder area. On the other hand moxa can be more specific, giving heat to a relatively small, specific area, without heating the surrounding tissues.

Interestingly even though Western physical therapy and Sport's medicine seem favor ice more than heat, there is one commonly used treatment in physical therapy which does have some heating affect, and this is ultrasound treatment.  Ultrasound treatment appears to speed up the healing process and increase the blood flow to the treated area.  Some of this is probably from it's heating affect, and it is likely that heat has similar effects.

For more on Osteopathy and Acupuncture you might want to look at:
http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/principles.html
http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/acupuncture.html

www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

ice may no longer be the treatment of choice for injuries. www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

This recent article ( see link below - although you may have to copy and paste this into your browser)

http://guardianlv.com/2014/04/ice-age-melting-rice-may-no-longer-be-the-treatment-of-choice-for-injuries/

suggests that ice - certainly excessive or prolonged icing - may actually slow down the healing process:

''Applying ice causes blood vessels around the injury to constrict and shut off the blood flow that brings in the inflammatory cells needed for healing. The vessels do not open again for hours after the ice is applied. Decreased blood flow can cause tissue to die and even result in permanent nerve damage. In addition, the ice reduces pain, which is an alert to avoid motion that may be harmful.''



The study was published in the Journal of Strength and conditioning research.  I've always suspected that icing may not always be helpful.  By all means use ice for ACUTE injuries (first several hours only), but certainly not for sub-acute, or chronic injuries - where cooling will retard tissue perfusion and therefore tissue healing.  Interestingly traditional medicine (traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda) has always favoured heat over ice.  Maybe its just the obsession of western physical therapy with sports injuries, who knows?

I've always found that Acupuncture is very helpful, not just for pain relief, but to actually promote soft-tissue healing, and faster recovery.  For more on this see:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/scientificBasis.html

(sorry - again you may have to copy and paste these links into your borwser)

Of course, also making a very accurate musculoskeletal and/ or osteopathic diagnosis in any injury is also essential.

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/principles.html

www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

Why Mindfulness is better than chocolate

You might want to check out this interesting new book by David Mitchie called 'Why Mindfulness is better than chocolate'. (The first chapter is available free online - from this link).  Sorry - you'll probably have to copy and paste the link into your browser.

http://davidmichie.com/blog/2014/05/27/why-mindfulness-is-better-than-chocolate-read-the-first-chapter-here/

Of course, this has nothing to do with Osteopathy and Acupuncture - but as someone asked me yesterday in a Mindfulness class if I did Acupuncture -  then the answer is of course 'yes' (as I'm sure you all know).

The conversation also revolved around the benefit of mindfulness for depression, and prevention of relapse into depression.  And also that Acupuncture can also be used to help with depression.

If you want to book for Osteopathy and Acupuncture, either phone 03 980 2425, or book online:

www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

(again you might have to copy and paste this into your browser)

Mindfulness course: places still available for 30 July. Early booking advised. For Osteopathy and Acupuncture treatment - phone 03 980 2425, or book online: www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

Just to let everyone know that the Mindfulness courses I run at the Risingholme Community Center in Opawa seem to be filling up this year.  There are still spaces available for the 8 week course starting on Wednesday 30th July, but early booking would be a good idea.

If you want to see me for Osteopathy or Acupuncture treatment,  then either phone 03 980 2425, or book online at www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

I AM (a poem)

I AM

I am birth and new life

I am the laughter of a child

I am the face of the beloved

I am that love which has no name

I am also the wind and rain

I am the clouds in the summer sky

I am the oceans and the tides,

the seasons and the sunrise.

I am the stars and silver moon

I am the Earth and all her children

I am the tender kiss and the lover’s touch

I am also the torture and the pain

I am also that which is ignorant and vain

I am also that greatest ignorance – unaware of all that I am

I am the illusion of a separate self and name.

I am also healing and love to make whole again.

I am also all the suffering of the world and all its pain

I am also the last breath, and the re-becoming again.

2014 as the year of mindful living, and the things mindful people do differently everyday

If you are interested in mindfulness . . . and it appears that mindfulness is now mainstream.

2014 it seems has been called the year of Mindful living:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/02/will-2014-be-the-year-of-_0_n_4523975.html

You might also want to read this article on the things mindful people do differently everyday:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/30/habits-mindful-people_n_5186510.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

For more on mindfulness in Christchurch:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/selfcare/mindfulnessForHealth.html

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/painManagement/courses.html

Sorry - if these links do not work - you might need to copy and paste them into your browser.

Healing, Spirit, and Acupuncture

Healing is not just a property of the physical body . . . we
are all mind-bodies, so that healing, like health and illness,
must also be psychosomatic.''

Andrew Weil



In our physical life, the spirit needs physical reality in
order to express itself, and that physical reality needs to
be controlled and inspired by the spirit.


When blood and qi are harmoniously composed,
nutrition and defence circulating and communicating
freely, the five zang are perfectly achieved so that the qi
is able to support the spirits to dwell in the heart, hun and po
and possess all their capacities - this perfect achievement is
a human being.

Qi Bo to the Yellow Emperor


www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

after hours Osteopathy and Acupuncture appointments

Just to remind you that After Hours evening Osteopathy and Acupuncture appointments are still available.

As late afternoon and evening Osteopathy and Acupuncture appointments (from 4.30pm onwards) continue to be popular - it is often a good idea to book several days ahead, to ensure that you get the time and day that suits you best.

To book, either phone 03 980 2425, or book online at www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

Clinic open here on Saturdays for Osteopathy and Acupuncture. After hours Osteopathy and Acupuncture appointments are also available - to book: www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

Just to remind everyone that the clinic here is open on Saturdays, so if you would like Osteopathy and/or Acupuncture and find it difficult to get in during the week - then you might find that a Saturday appointment will work well for you.

Also if you (or a friend or family member) live outside Christchurch and would like Osteopathy or Acupuncture treatment (and find there are no osteopaths or acupuncturists where you live) then a Saturday could work well for you.

Of course, the after hours appointments continue to be popular for Osteopathy and Acupuncture - for people to come in the evenings.  If you would like an Osteopathy / Acupuncture After hours appointment then it is a good idea to book a week (or at least several days) ahead.

You can easily book online from the 'real time' internet diary, and see all the available Osteopathy and Acupuncture appointments across the whole week (including Saturdays and evenings)
at:  www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

or phone 03 980 2425

Hippocrates: 'In therapy, first do no harm'

As Hippocrates - often considered to be the father of Western Medicine - wrote (circa 400 BC):

In therapy, first do no harm.
Life is short, art is long, the occasion fleeting.
Experience decietful and judgement difficult.

Thinking about this - seems very appropriate for describing good Osteopathy, and good Acupuncture.

In physcial therapy, our technique must be gentle, considered and measured, and never harsh or invasive (do no harm) and our approach and treatment refined, gentle, and conservative (no harm) rather than radical or excessive.  This is the hallmark of good technique, and a good osteopath, or acupuncturist.  Even in manipulation - if called for and appropriate - we only 'tweak' the joints, when they are ready, and only after appropriate and proper articulation, prepartion, and work on relevant surrounding' soft-tissues' (muscles).  Never 'bashing' or 'crunching' joints in the attempt to get the release at any cost (harsh technique). This is uncalled for and unnecessary - as John Littlejohn (the 2nd father of Osteopathy, who studied with Still, and took Ostoepathy to Europe) replied when questioned about manipulation.

I also like the second part of Hipprocrates comment:

Life is short, art is long, the occasion fleeting.
Experience decietful and judgement difficult.

A very good description of the attitude I take when approaching diagnosis, Osteopathic and Orthopaedic evaluation, physical therapy and manipulation.

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/principles.html

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/acupuncture.html

Of course, Physical Therapy (perhaps together with Herbalism) is perhaps the oldest form of medicine and Health care, and I'm certain that Hippocrates was familiar with massage and manipualtion.  We know this was practiced even before his time - and that the Egyptians and Mesopotaneans used massage and manipulation.  After all, Osteopathy is a fairly recent word (coined by Andrew Still in the 1860s).  The tradition of Physical Therapy goes back much further, to the very beginnings of civilization.

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/history.html

The effectiveness of both Acupuncture together with Osteopathy - in the same treatment

Further to yesterdays post about Acupuncture & Massage Therapy for lumbar disc herniation, a new study:  http://mikeinmanosteopath.blogspot.co.nz/2014/04/acupuncture-massage-therapy-for-lumbar.html

This study found that Acupuncture combined with Massage therapy was more effective for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH) than coenzyme B12 injections combined with physiotherapy.

For more on this study please see:
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1291-acupuncture-massage-for-lumbar-disc-herniation-new-study#sthash.uUlyMHp5.dpuf
One wonders what the effectiveness of both Acupuncture combined with Osteopathy and/ or manipulation - in the same treatment - would be. Pretty good I would imagine. And of course, one cannot help but wonder if any such studies have been conducted.

There are no doubt many studies on the effects manipulation (e.g. numerous research into the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulative medicine for low back pain, e.g. http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/spinal-manipulation-and-chiropractic-research), and the effects of Acupuncture (e.g. http://umm.edu/news-and-events/news-releases/2005/study-analysis-shows-acupuncture-effective-for-treating-chronic-low-back-pain as single interventions, both for low back pain, and also for disc injuries ( disc prolapse or herniatons). E.g. please see: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.1997.3.55

But so far I have not heard of any studies on the combined effects of Acupuncture given with, later in the same treatment Osteopathy and manipulation.

Such a treatment protocol would be fairly standard practice here at Christchurch Osteopathy Acupuncture - certainly for low back pain. And the results from this approach are generally very good.
For more on this please see:
http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/whatAcupunctureTreats.html


and
http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/backPainPosture.html

Acupuncture & Massage Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation - results from a new study

Acupuncture & Massage For Lumbar Disc Herniation


A new study - found that Acupuncture combined with Massage therapy is more effective for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH) than coenzyme B12 injections combined with physiotherapy.

The acupuncture group achieved an overall effective rate of 96.7% and the injection therapy group had an 80.0% effective rate.


The injection group received intramuscular injections of 1.5 mg cobamamide (coenzyme B12) and oral administration of 840 mg Pagosid (Devil’s Claw) once per day.

For physiotherapy, the group received lower back traction three times per day and heat physiotherapy of low to medium intensity on the lumbosacral region for 20 minutes per day.

After the treatment, 20 patients in the acupuncture group fully recovered, seven showed marked improvement, two showed moderate improvement and one showed no improvement.

The overall effective rate of the Acupuncture group was much higher than that of the injection group.

According to the JOA scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the acupuncture group also significantly outperformed the injection group.


See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1291-acupuncture-massage-for-lumbar-disc-herniation-new-study#sthash.uUlyMHp5.dpuf


Also:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/acupuncture/whatAcupunctureTreats.html

How Wolves Change Rivers

To see this  fascinating You Tube Video of 'How Wolves Change Rivers'  (submitted by Osteopath Bernard Schmitt)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q


for more, from this interesting site -  also see

http://sustainableman.org/


e.g. this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q

and many others.

Enjoy

Mike
www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

Osteopathy awareness week here in NZ

This week is Osteopathy awareness week here in NZ.

For more on this please see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFQyPvZv3UI

Also:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/osteopathy.html

recently updated Christchurch Osteopathy Acupuncture facebook page

Please see the recently updated Christchurch Osteopathy Acupuncture Facebook page for recently added photos.  There are also some new links about both acupuncture, and mindfulness-meditation, and its benefits for health and reducing stress.  If you like the page - please click the like button.


https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Christchurch-Osteopathy-Acupuncture-Ltd/138554599651599

osteopathy - whole body- whole person

Remember that Osteopathy treats the whole body, the whole person - not just isolated symptoms.
As Andrew Still (the founder of Osteopathy) would have put it - Osteopathy sees the body as a unit, the unity of mind, body and spirit

Osteopathy - for neck, shoulder, knee, back pain and headaches. The front as well as the back.

Osteopathy can treat a range of health conditions, from sports injuries to back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, migraines and chronic fatigue.  Osteopathy views the body as a whole and osteopathic biomechanics will often evaluate and treat the whole body, from head to feet, looking at symmetry (or asymmetry) in the pelvis, and the alignment of the spine, neck and head.  Even if treating a local condition (e.g. a tennis elbow, knee, shoulder, back problem, or headache) it is good to see the 'whole picture' and interconnections between tissues, mechanical loading, and muscle balance.  E.g. headaches can often originate from the neck; or a back or knee problem can sometimes involve a pelvic torsion, or leg length inequality.

 

The advantage of this (osteopathic whole body) approach is often better  treatment results, and less reoccurrence of both pain and injury.  The function and load bearing of the body can be improved, and this results in less pain and faster tissue-healing from injury.  Additionally osteopathic treatment (and rehabilitation) can help with enhanced performance, through greater resilience and better overall alignment, symmetry and muscle balance, (hopefully) resulting in less occurrence of future injury.

 

Most Osteopaths work with ACC, and an Osteopath can lodge a new ACC claim for you.  (There is no need to visit your GP for a sports or muscle injury, unless you want to, and there is no need for a GP referral)  The ACC surcharge for Osteopathy can be a little higher than Physiotherapy, typically the Osteopathic surcharge for an ACC treatment being around $40 (although this varies according to location).  However, an Osteopathic treatment is longer (typically 30 to 40 minutes) than either Physiotherapy or Chiropractic.  And one may find an Osteopathic treatment more thorough, with detailed attention paid to the whole body and alignment, and any altered global biomechanics, that may be underpinning or predisposing you to any issue.

 

Osteopaths also treat front as well as the back, and there are gentle organ specific fascial mobilisations to viscera (liver, duodenum, stomach, intestines, etc) where restrictions and issues can sometimes cause a range of problems from pain to fatigue, irritable bowel and so on. 

 

For more on this please see:

 

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/visceralOsteopathy.html

 

There are many good Osteopaths in NZ.  To find your nearest Osteopath contact the Osteopathic Council NZ

 

http://www.osteopathiccouncil.org.nz/component/com_ocnzregister/Itemid,43/view,search/

 

If you are in Christchurch or the South Island, you might want to look at

 

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/osteopathy.html

 

or

 

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/

 

Mike Inman

BSc (hons) Osteopathy (UK)

 

updated discussion- mindfulness exercise-rehabilitation, osteopathy and acupuncture. www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz

There may be moments where we lose perspective - and our pain, or suffering, or distress becomes 'blurred' with little or no distinction between primary physical sensations, and our emotional and mental reactions (and complications) to them.

We may have to work with clients who cannot easily make this distinction, and they often appear 'stressed' and to lack 'body-awareness'. So an understanding of this - from our own personal practice and experience - becomes important to help others as well as ourselves. Ongoing mindfulness practice can be the best strategy for continual learning.

As Vidymala Burch (the founder of Breathworks) writes:

The first thing is to learn to distinguish between primary and secondary suffering.

Primary suffering is any unpleasant physical sensations you may experience as a consequence of illness, injury, fatigue etc. You may not be able to do anything about this level of suffering and the task is to accept it and make peace with it as best you can. Breath awareness will help you do this by learning how to relax into the breath and your body as much as possible.

Secondary suffering is the human anguish we all experience as a reaction to primary suffering: feelings like anger, fear, depression, anxiety and despair that we instinctively pile on top of any unpleasant sensation or event in a dense web of reactivity. With mindfulness, or awareness, you can learn to modify and reduce these experiences of secondary suffering. This can vastly improve your quality of life, even if the primary suffering remains unchanged, or even worsens if you have a degenerative condition.

I would only add the proviso here, as we also discussed - that we must also ensure our physical- physiological (and emotional) needs are met, with adequate self-care, rest, nutrition, sleep and work-life balance, and so on. This may seem like stating the obvious, yet it is also worth mentioning, and many people struggle with this, and may need to give some priority also to their own self-care and wellbeing.

Adequate and appropriate medical and health care are also important. Beyond conventional (pharmaceutical) medicine, there is great benefit from complementary medicine: osteopathy, acupuncture, massage, naturopathy, and so on. If suffering and recovering from an injury - then appropriate active rehabilitation and exercise may be required.

Although mindfulness can be immensely transformative - even Vidymala Burch mentioned that she found great relief from her back-pain from cranial osteopathy (cranio-sacral therapy). She also mentioned her own exercise programme of swimming and pilates.

Osteopathy is a wonderful hands-on healing, and I would recommend this to anyone suffering from chronic (as well as acute) pain, fatigue, stress, etc - or recovering from an injury.

For more information please see:
http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/relatedConditions.html

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/osteopathy.html

There are many excellent Osteopaths in Australia and NZ

To find an osteopath contact the Osteopathic Council in NZ or Australia

If you are here in Christchurch, or South Island:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/default.html

Hope this helps.

M

further (updated) discussion of mindfulness, exercise-rehabilitation, osteopathy and acupuncture

observation and awareness of our moment by moment mental (and emotional) states helps us do this. However, there may be moments where we lose this perspective - and our pain, or suffering, or distress becomes 'blurred' with little or no distinction between primary physical sensations, and our emotional and mental reactions (and complications) to them.

If we are Health-care providers we may have to work with clients who cannot easily make this distinction, and they often appear 'stressed' and to lack 'body-awareness'. So an understanding of this - from our own personal practice and experience - becomes important to help others as well as ourselves. Ongoing mindfulness practice can be the best strategy for continual learning.

As Vidymala Burch (the founder of Breathworks) puts it:

The first thing is to learn to distinguish between primary and secondary suffering.

Primary suffering is any unpleasant physical sensations you may experience as a consequence of illness, injury, fatigue etc. You may not be able to do anything about this level of suffering and the task is to accept it and make peace with it as best you can. Breath awareness will help you do this by learning how to relax into the breath and your body as much as possible.

Secondary suffering is the human anguish we all experience as a reaction to primary suffering: feelings like anger, fear, depression, anxiety and despair that we instinctively pile on top of any unpleasant sensation or event in a dense web of reactivity. With mindfulness, or awareness, you can learn to modify and reduce these experiences of secondary suffering. This can vastly improve your quality of life, even if the primary suffering remains unchanged, or even worsens if you have a degenerative condition.

I would only add the proviso here, as we also discussed - that we must also ensure our physical- physiological (and emotional) needs are met, with adequate self-care, rest, nutrition, sleep and work-life balance, and so on. This may seem like stating the obvious, yet it is also worth mentioning, and many people struggle with this, and may need to give some priority also to their own self-care and wellbeing.

Adequate and appropriate medical and health care are also important. Beyond conventional (pharmaceutical) medicine, there is great benefit from complementary medicine: osteopathy, acupuncture, massage, naturopathy, and so on. If suffering and recovering from an injury - then appropriate active rehabilitation and exercise may be required.

Although mindfulness can be immensely transformative - even Vidymala Burch mentioned that she found great relief from her back-pain from cranial osteopathy (cranio-sacral therapy). She also mentioned her own exercise programme of swimming and pilates.

Osteopathy is a wonderful hands-on healing, and I would recommend this to anyone suffering from chronic (as well as acute) pain, fatigue, stress, etc - or recovering from an injury.

For more information please see:
http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/relatedConditions.html

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/osteopathy.html

Also remember that Osteopathy can treat the 'front' as well as the back, for digestive issues, abdominal pain, and so on. Please see:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/osteopathy/visceralOsteopathy.html

There are many excellent Osteopaths in Australia and NZ

To find an osteopath contact the Osteopathic Council in NZ or Australia

If you are here in Christchurch, or South Island:

http://www.christchurch-osteopathy-acupuncture.co.nz/default.html

Hope this helps.

M