A US researcher has pinpointed a molecule that may control how acupuncture relieves pain.

Experiments with mice have shown that levels of Adenosine (a natural painkiller we have in our bodies) increased at the acupuncture sites. Adenosine is known to play many roles within the body including regulating sleep and reducing inflammation in damaged areas. Other research has shown that it becomes active in the skin after an injury, like a natural pain killer.

In the latest research, a team performed a thirty-minute acupuncture session at a pressure point in the knee of mice that had discomfort in one paw. The results showed that the levels of Adenosine in the tissue near the needlepoint were twenty-four times greater than before. Then using a drug that extends the effects of Adenosine, it was discovered that the benefits of the acupuncture session lasted three times longer.

Dr Maiken Nedergarad, a neurologist at the University of Rochester Medical Centre commented: Acupuncture has been a minister of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for 4,00 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained sceptical”.

Acupuncture is used for a wide array of treatments though the NHS limits its use to lower back pain only. Experts agree that acupuncture can mediate its effects in a number of different ways. A spokesperson from The British Pain Society commented; We have known for a long time that acupuncture alters the response to pain by modulation of some of the pain pathways in the spinal cord, and also by the release of endorphins.

He goes on to say that it is interesting that scientists have found an alteration in the tissue levels of Adenosine, which helps to explain some of the modulatory effects of acupuncture on pain perception.

Source: bbcnews

An allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance.

Allergies are very common and affect more than one in four people in the UK. Young children tend to have some form of allergy though many simply go away as they grow older. Adults can develop allergies

to things that previously caused no harm/ill effect. Having an allergy can be a nuisance but are manageable. Severe reactions occur but are rare.

 

Common allergens include

• Pollen (Hay fever)
• Dust mites
• Animal dander (Tiny flakes of skin or hair)
• Medication
• Latex (Used in making gloves)
• Mould (Small air particles)
• Food (Particularly nuts, shellfish and cows milk)
• Household chemicals

Symptoms to look out for

• Sneezing
• Itchy, red, runny eyes
• Runny or blocked nose
• Wheeze or cough
• Red, itchy rash
• Worsening of Asthma or Eczema

Most reactions are mild though occasionally a severe reaction or anaphylaxis can occur. If an anaphylactic shock does occur, it is a medical emergency and appropriate steps need to be taken to seek treatment.

Here at The Devon Clinic, we offer Allergy Testing.

Stress-busting over the Easter holidays

Most stress in our lives is self-inflicted. We can’t change the weather (though sometimes we’d like to!), we still have to go to work and those pesky bills still require paying, by making a few small changes can improve our outlook and combined with some practical tweaks, stress can be vastly reduced.

 

 

• Get up an hour early

A bit of self-love and reflection early in the day can aid in stress-busting. Instead of your usual morning rush ease yourself into the day with a slow shower and sit down to breakfast.

• Prioritise your time

Write a list of all the activities you need to complete today and number each one in priority/urgency. There will be days when the list is impossibly long so halve it and move less pressing items to tomorrow.

• Learn to say NO

Be realistic, you can be everywhere doing everything at the same time. Saying no to someone isn’t going to hurt them and may even get your time more valued. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Acceptance

Perfection doesn’t exist so we should all stop trying to attain something that isn’t even real. Understanding that the need to be perfect is a losing battle that will inevitably leave you drained and at a loss.

• Be active

Take some regular exercise, it is a powerful de-stressor. A stroll in the park or even down the street during your break not only wakes your body up but also releases positive hormones.

• Take time to relax

Find time in your day, even a quick five minutes, to step back and evaluate how the day is progressing. Think about the number of tasks you can realistically perform at one time.

• Put the day to rest

Spend a few minutes evaluating your day at the end of the day. It is important to focus on the positives, even the very small ones, and not dwell on the negatives. Give yourself a metaphorical pat on the back.

 

Reiki is a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

The word Reiki is formed from two Japanese words‚ Rei meaning‚ God, Wisdom or Higher Power‚ and Ki a Life force energy. So, Reiki means a spiritually guided life force energy.

A Japanese technique is used to aid in the reduction of stress and promote relaxation and healing. The laying on of hands is based upon the idea that the unseen life force energy flows through our bodies keeping us alive. If your life force is low, then we are more than likely to feel the effects of stress and illness whereas when it is high, we are more capable of being both happy and healthy.

During a Reiki session, the Reiki practitioner will use both a laying on of hands and a hands-off approach to ensure the correct flow of Reiki energy. Throughout the treatment, you will feel both relaxed, energised and calm. After the session, both you and your practitioner will discuss any findings and what is advised as a result.

The secret art of inviting happiness

The miraculous medicine of all diseases

Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind

The founder, Usui Mikao

Try Reiki here at The Devon Clinic

How can Acupuncture help you?

It has been said that there are around 350 acupuncture points in the body. When the tiny needles are inserted into the appropriate points of the body it brings the energy flow back into balance. So how can acupuncture help you?

Here are some suggestions:

Head

Monthly Migraines are reduced within 4 weeks with 20 sessions of Electroacupunture (a small electrical current that is applied to the needle).

Mood

Acupuncture regulates the happy-making neurotransmitters in the brain which aids in treating depression within three months.

Throat

After ten sessions over a month problems such as Acid Reflux and Heart Burn can be regulated speeding the duration of digestion.

Nose

Seasonal allergens will benefit from 12 acupuncture sessions leading to less use/reliability of antihistamines.

Heart

Regular acupuncture sessions can reduce the markers of stress and lower blood pressure.

Sleep

Aid sleep and insomnia by revving up the productions of neurotransmitters which are related to relaxation and restful sleep.

Menopause

Reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes for up to three months as acupuncture can help regulate body temperature.

Weight

Combined with a good diet and exercise routine, four months of acupuncture treatment can lead to up to nine pounds of weight loss (measured on an obese adult).

Back

Five, twice-weekly sessions of needling have proven to relieve lower back discomfort for up to six months.

Immune system

Boost immune cells that seek and destroy infections. Studies have proven that it may be beneficial for Chemotherapy penitents to strengthen their immune system.

 

If you want to know more about Acupuncture please fill out the form below:

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A case study in healthy skin by Sue Francis

In the daily fight against infection and pollution our skin is our front-line defence. Therefore we need to protect and reinforce it with particular care. When our skins defences are breached, whether by allergy, bite, burn or the extremes of weather, our skin needs tender loving care to encourage the natural healing process whilst avoiding infection.

Having researched all kinds of products So I can have healthy skin I found that lots of chemicals are used under complicated names that are time consuming to look up and for the most part many of us have not got the time, it is confusing to say the least! After years of not knowing and finally deciding to become a beauty therapist I had to explore this further and have found Aloe Vera to be a most helpful ingredient in restoring and promoting healthy skin. It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal qualities which aid our skins defence perfectly. It is able to penetrate down to the deeper dermis layer of the skin, nourishing and protecting all the time, even influencing the rate at which our skin ages, thus creating healthy skin.

Moisture is lost through our skin which causes dry, flaky, cracked, scaly skin. Dehydration causes damage in the lower layers of the epidermis. The health of the cell is affected causing the immune system of the skin to become weak, risk of infection and skin disease which cause gaps in the lipid barrier and show up as acne, eczema and rosacea.

Environmental damage

Seasons have harm on healthy skin. Winter/cold can take out the moisture causing itchy cracked and scaly skin which can cause it to be very inflamed and itchy.

High humidity can cause you to sweat more and heat up faster. Once this happens the skin can become blotchy red and irritated.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help keep the moisture in and out of the air the seasons change and too much sun will cause dryness, irritation and sunburn.