Acupuncture Studies
Sound Healing Research Support
Scientific research and medical use of sound healing
Various forms of sound frequencies have been used in Western medical settings for years. Sound for medical healing is continually researched.
What makes vibrational tuning forks and Tibetan Bowels unique is that they are acoustic, not plugged in. You can use them in your own home. The frequencies are harmonious, and the vibration produced feels good, and the sound can be calming or energizing.
Take a look at the following references for the medical use of sound and light.
- For tumor reduction:
Wan GY, Liu Y, Chen BW, Liu YY, Wang YS, Zhang N. Recent advances of sonodynamic therapy in cancer treatment. Cancer Biol Med. 2016;13(3):325‐338. doi:10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2016.0068
Abstract
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging approach that involves a combination of low-intensity ultrasound and specialized chemical agents known as sonosensitizers. Ultrasound can penetrate deeply into tissues and can be focused into a small region of a tumor to activate a sonosensitizer which offers the possibility of non-invasively eradicating solid tumors in a site-directed manner. In this article, we critically reviewed the currently accepted mechanisms of sonodynamic action and summarized the classification of sonosensitizers. At the same time, the breath of evidence from SDT-based studies suggests that SDT is promising for cancer treatment.
McHale AP, Callan JF, Nomikou N, Fowley C, Callan B. Sonodynamic Therapy: Concept, Mechanism and Application to Cancer Treatment. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;880:429‐450. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-22536-4_22
Abstract
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) represents an emerging approach that offers the possibility of non-invasively eradicating solid tumors in a site-directed manner. It involves the sensitization of target tissues with a non-toxic sensitizing chemical agent and subsequent exposure of the sensitized tissues to relatively low-intensity ultrasound. Essentially, both aspects (the sensitization and ultrasound exposure) are harmless, and cytotoxic events occur when both are combined. Due to the significant depth that ultrasound penetrates tissue, the approach provides an advantage over similar alternative approaches, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), in which less penetrating light is employed to provide the cytotoxic effect in sensitized tissues. This suggests that sonodynamic therapy may find wider clinical application, particularly for the non-invasive treatment of less accessible lesions. Early SDT-based approaches employed many of the sensitizers used in PDT, although the manner in which ultrasound activates the sensitizer differs from activation events in PDT. Here we will review the currently accepted mechanisms by which ultrasound activates sensitizers to elicit cytotoxic effects. In addition, we will explore the breath of evidence from in-vitro and in-vivo SDT-based studies, providing the reader with an insight into the therapeutic potential offered by SDT in the treatment of cancer.
Yang Y, Tu J, Yang D, Raymond JL, Roy RA, Zhang D. Photo- and Sono-Dynamic Therapy: A Review of Mechanisms and Considerations for Pharmacological Agents Used in Therapy Incorporating Light and Sound. Curr Pharm Des. 2019;25(4):401‐412. doi:10.2174/1381612825666190123114107
Abstract
As irreplaceable energy sources of minimally invasive treatment, light and sound have, separately, laid solid foundations in their clinic applications. Constrained by the relatively shallow penetration depth of light, photodynamic therapy (PDT) typically involves involves superficial targets such as shallow seated skin conditions, head and neck cancers, eye disorders, early-stage cancer of esophagus, etc. For ultrasound-driven sonodynamic therapy (SDT), however, to various organs is facilitated by the superior… transmission and focusing ability of ultrasound in biological tissues, enabling multiple therapeutic applications including treating glioma, breast cancer, hematologic tumor and opening blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Considering the emergence of theranostics and precision therapy, these two classic energy sources and corresponding sensitizers are worth reevaluating. In this review, three typical therapies using light and sound as a trigger, PDT, SDT, and combined PDT and SDT are introduced. The therapeutic dynamics and current designs of pharmacological sensitizers involved in these therapies are presented. By introducing both the history of the field and the most up-to-date design strategies, this review provides a systemic summary on the development of PDT and SDT and fosters inspiration for researchers working on ‘multi-modal’ therapies involving light and sound.
2. For mood, anxiety, and mind.
Goldsby TL, Goldsby ME, McWalters M, Mills PJ. Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(3):401‐406. doi:10.1177/2156587216668109
Abstract
Poor mood and elevated anxiety are linked to increased incidence of disease. This study examined the effects of sound meditation, specifically Tibetan singing bowl meditation, on mood, anxiety, pain, and spiritual well-being. Sixty-two women and men (mean age 49.7 years) participated. As compared with pre-meditation, following the sound meditation participants reported significantly less tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood (all Ps <.001). Additionally, participants who were previously naïve to this type of meditation experienced a significantly greater reduction in tension compared with participants experienced in this meditation ( P < .001). Feeling of spiritual well-being significantly increased across all participants ( P < .001). Tibetan singing bowl meditation may be a feasible low-cost low technology intervention for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression, and increasing spiritual well-being. This meditation type may be especially useful in decreasing tension in individuals who have not previously practiced this form of meditation.
3. For pain relief.
Lim E, Lim R, Suhaimi A, Chan BT, Wahab AKA. Treatment of chronic back pain using indirect vibroacoustic therapy: A pilot study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(6):1041‐1047. doi:10.3233/BMR-171042
Objective: This 12-week pilot study examines the efficacy of applying low frequency sound wave stimulation (between 16-160 Hz) through both hands and feet on relieving pain and improving functional ability in patients with chronic back pain.
Results: At week 12, significant reductions in pain sensation and pain-related disability were observed, with mean reductions of 3.5 points in P-VAS and 13.5 points in the PDI scores. Sixty-five percent of the participants had a reduction of at least 3 points on the P-VAS score, while 52% participants showed a decrease of at least 10 points in the PDI score. Significant improvement was observed in the SF-12 physical composite score but not the mental composite score.
Conclusions: The preliminary findings showed that passive application of low frequency sound wave stimulation therapy through both hands and feet was effective in alleviating pain and improving functional ability in patients with chronic back pain.
4. For determining fractures. Useful for physical trainers!
uning forks in determining fractures. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5076288/
5. Other references from the pioneers in the field of sound therapy.
Angel, Barbra (Romanowska, Barbara). (2014). Tune & Heal: In-depth cellular music therapy, Simple techniques for healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit with Sound. Translation Polish to English: Blaszczak (Sendi), A. and Choi, C. Ed. Johnston, D. and Larson, D. Published on Create Space.
Beaulieu, John (2010). Human Tuning: Sound Healing With Tuning Forks. Biosonic Enterprises, Ltd. New York.
Maman, Fabian. The Role of music in the twenty-first century. Redondo Beach, CA.: Tama-Dõ Press, 1997.
Three Naturally Probiotic Foods that You May Not Know About
Three Probiotic Foods
Eating or drinking probiotic food as soon as possible after having diarrhea can help prevent future cases of diarrhea by introducing healthy bacteria back into the digestive system. It can also help prevent adverse reactions to antibiotics should you need to take them.
Probiotics will help with IBD, IBS, GERD, leaky gut, and other digestive disorders.
The root cause of many digestive problems is a lack of healthy gut bacteria, enzymes, or stomach acid.
The initial cause could be antibiotic use, poor diet, infection from a virus, bacteria, fungi, yeast, or candida. If you are beginning the intake of probiotics or probiotic foods begin slowly. You may feel adverse healing reactions from the die-off of bacteria, virus, yeast, and fungi, and other toxins released into your blood stream. These toxins must be expelled via sweat, breathing, urine, or the stool.
That is why rice congees, and green veggie smoothies are so helpful. They help promote toxin release as well as probiotic growth.
There are five foods you may not know about that are naturally probiotic. You may want to integrate them into your diet.
- Kefir. This is a milk-based food. However, like real butter, it does not have lactose. Studies indicate that it even helps people improve their digestion of lactose because kefir contains at least 3 times more live bacteria than yogurt. It is the bacteria, and digestive enzymes that help your body break down lactose sugars. Everyone reacts differently to kefir, so play around with your serving amounts to see what works for you. Begin slowly with 5-10 oz. Slowly increasing daily amount to include 1-2 8 oz. servings. Of course, if you have a milk allergy you would avoid drinking kefir and all milk products.
- Parmesan cheese. Yes, I said that right! Hard-aged cheeses are naturally rich in healthy gut bacteria. So sprinkle some on your food, and enjoy.
- Sauerkraut. Eat only the raw, organic kind. You can make your own, or purchase from your local health foods store. I believe Trader Joe’s, and Costco have good quality sauerkraut. It should be crunchy, and fresh tasting. You should drink the juice as well. Don’t let any of it go to waste. Like kefir, begin slowly with small amounts until your body gets used to digesting it. If you don’t eat a particular type of food group, you won’t have the enzymes necessary to break it down. That is why traveling, and eating new foods can sometimes cause stomach upset. Sauerkraut makes a great appetizer, or side-dish.
Here is one recipe you can try. If you do, please tell me what you think?
Probiotic Raspberry Drink
- 1 Cups plain kefir or sauerkraut juice
- 1 mangos, skin and pit removed
- 1/2 Cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1.5 Cups kale, stems removed and chopped roughly
- Add all ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth about 2 minutes.
- Drink and enjoy!
This post is an excerpt from Dr. Michele Arnold-Pirtle’s book, It’s All About Your Gut!
Buy your copy from www.lulu.com/shop enter in the title and purchase.
I appreciate comments, questions, and testimonials! Please like and share this post.
Dr. Michele Arnold, Doctor of Acupuncture Medicine.
Acupuncture reduces frequency and severity of migraine headaches
Do you suffer from migraine headaches? Did you know that acupuncture can help?
Yes, that’s right! Researchers conclude that acupuncture can help reduce severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
The usual care involves pharmaceuticals, and these have unwanted side-effects. Acupuncture on the other hand stimulates your own body to heal itself without side-effects.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies provide data supporting a direct link between acupuncture points and specific brain activity.
Currently, acupuncture is considered to be a safe, helpful, and available alternative option for patients.
You can read the research review, “Acupuncture and Its Role in the Treatment of Migraine Headaches“, by Urits, I., Patel, M., et. Al, October 10, 2020. One study they say, “The authors concluded that acupuncture is more effective than no treatment, sham treatment, or medication in treating and preventing migraines and that it is also associated with a greater enhancement in quality of life compared to medication.”
Interestingly, they cite a comparison between acupuncture and Botox injections. “A 2017 RCT compared the efficacy of botulinum toxin-A, another treatment modality approved for the treatment of migraines, with acupuncture and sodium valproate (as a control) in treating chronic migraines. The authors found that the visual analog scale (VAS) score was significantly reduced from baseline to 3-months post-treatment in all of the groups studied (p = 0.0001). Of the three groups, the acupuncture group reported the greatest reduction in pain severity at the end of the 3-month study (p = 0.0001). Additionally, the trial showed that the number of days per month with migraine, absence from work, and the need for medication significantly decreased from pre-treatment to post-treatment at all of the time intervals in all of the three groups. Furthermore, the acupuncture group experienced fewer side effects than the group that received botulinum toxin-A (p = 0.021). The authors therefore concluded that while botulinum toxin-A, acupuncture, and pharmacological methods demonstrate some efficacy in treating chronic migraines, acupuncture demonstrates more effectiveness and is associated with fewer adverse events”.
In my practice I have often found the root cause to be from the jaw, the neck, hormonal, or emotional. Addressing the root causative factors along with the migraine can greatly enhance results. Sticking with the treatment plan makes a difference as well. If you read studies about acupuncture and successful treatment of migraines it generally takes 16-24 weeks of care. For many this is a short amount of time considering a life-time of suffering.
Schedule your appointment to begin your life free from migraine headaches.
Urits, I., Patel, M., Putz, M.E. et al. Acupuncture and Its Role in the Treatment of Migraine Headaches. Neurol Ther 9, 375–394 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-020-00216-1
shoulder pain relieved by acupuncture
Shoulder pain and acupuncture Blog Banner by Michele Arnold
“Acupuncture relieves shoulder pain, inflammation, and range of motion impingement. Researchers from the Yuxi Hospital of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) investigated the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of acute shoulder periarthritis. Commonly known as frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, this condition is an inflammatory disorder of the rotator cuff and surrounding tissues that leads to pain and immobility of the shoulder. The investigation reveals that acupuncture has a total effective rate exceeding 90%.”
It is of no surprise to me to read about positive findings in studies of acupuncture and shoulder pain. The following was posted from Health CMI, where I frequently receive some news and updates.
Acupuncture for TMJ
Acupuncture for tmj by Michele Arnold
