02/08/2024
Acupuncture for Angina
In the West, diseases of the circulatory system are not commonly treated with acupuncture, but in China it is a common and acceptable form of treatment for these problems. A variety of animal experiments carried out in the West give clear support to the idea that acupuncture and herbs do have an effect on the circulatory system.
What is Angina?
Angina is a type of 'cramp' in the heart muscles, precipitated by a poor blood supply to the heart, and it usually exhibits itself as chest pain on exercise. Using sophisticated measuring equipment the Chinese have completed a variety of trials to assess the effects of acupuncture on the heart, and they have shown a marked increase in the functional ability and efficiency of the heart muscles after acupuncture. The acupuncture point Neiguan on the wrist is a commonly used and empirical point in the treatment of angina. In my own clinics I treat this problem quite often, but people are just not used to coming to an acupuncture clinic for these types of problems, but seeing as heart problems can be life threatening they should maybe first have as many medical tests from their doctor in order to give a clear picture and then use acupuncture as a form of treatment even along with heart medication. In China Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine are used together to treat many conditions.
A Positive Outcome
After a proper diagnosis from their doctor people should then consider acupuncture and herbal treatment. Just taking drugs continuously over a long period without addressing the underlying cause of the angina will not cure it but will only control it, with the result that the doctor may have to continuously up the dosage or change the medication and because of this the long term damage from the side effects could start to emerge resulting in other diseases or disorders manifesting themselves in the person. But because of the seriousness of this condition people should consult their doctors regarding making any changes to the taking of their medication. Western doctors and Chinese doctors should also educate their patients to the benefits that exercise and correct diet has on all heart conditions, something like Tai Chi, Yoga or some form of light aerobic exercise would be ideal.
Studies supported by clinical work, have shown that some 80 per cent of patients with angina have improved after acupuncture. When acupuncture is used to treat angina a course of treatment for 6 months or more is given, and then followed by booster treatments every month. The Chinese herb Dan Shen is very useful in helping to treat angina and also in treating acquired arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) Dan Shen invigorates the blood, removes stagnant blood, opens up the blood vessels which improves the circulation and stops pain. Dan Shen is a very powerful herb, Heart diseases can frequently cause an abnormal rhythm to the heart beat; this may manifest itself as palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, or dropped beats. Acupuncture can correct these arrhythmias. In recently acquired arrhythmias, acupuncture can be effective in up to 70 per cent of cases
I once gave Dan Shen to a patient of mine for a few weeks along with acupuncture and it corrected an abnormal heart beat (a long pause betweeen the beats), Dan Shen has no side effects.
Prevention
Eat a varied and healthy diet; leafy vegetables, fruits, unprocessed cereals, low-fat, high-fibre products. Avoid saturated fats and junk sugars Stop smoking. Lose weight, if you are overweight.
Exercise more (a half-hour each day on a treadmill or exercise bike) is much better than nothing at all; you don’t need to join a gym.
Studies
In one study at the Human College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, forty patients with stable type of angina pectoris were assessed during and after acupuncture treatments and compared to a control group. After only one acupuncture treatment, 15 (37.5%) of the patients were already noticing a marked improvement in degree and area of pain, but after 7 treatments 25 (63%) of the patients recorded significant reductions both in extent and area of pain, and they also experienced a reduction in the number and the duration of attacks. Furthermore the patients in the acupuncture group who did get angina attacks recovered much faster than the patients in the control group.
Kim- Dip.Ac. Lic.Ac. C.Ac. China MQP is a registered licensed practitioner of Chinese Medicine. Treatments are VHi, LAYA healthcare, Irish Life, St Pauls Garda Medical Aid Society, and HSF Healthplan approved.
E mail contact@naturalhealthireland.ie or write to the Natural Health Centre, Millfield, Buncrana, Tel. 074/9362606, From North 00353749362606 or to the The Traditional Chinese Medical Practice, 5 Academy Court, Oliver Plunkett Rd., Letterkenny, Tel. 0863981882, from North 00353863981882. Visit the Website https://www.naturalhealthireland.ie/
