James W Bothwell, D.C. DABCA Diplomat in Chiropractic Acupuncture

06/03/2025

Hello everyone it's June and that means season change. Summer is here around the corner and the temperature is going to go up. Today I have an article from the Mayo Clinic Health Letter talking about acupuncture that I quite enjoyed. It gives a basic rundown of acupuncture and some history behind it.

There have been 13000 studies that have been conducted in 60 countries to see acupuncture as a therapy for pain, stroke, mood disorders, sleep disorders, inflammation and many other conditions. “Acupuncture used to be a last resort now people are seeing us as an early course of action.” says Sara Bublitz acupuncturist at Mayo Clinic.

Evidence shows that acupuncture can help treat different types of pain:

· Chronic neck pain

· Chronic and acute low back pain

· Knee pain

· Dental pain

· Osteoarthritis

· Labor pain

· Sciatica

· Menstrual cramps

· Headaches, including migraine

It is shown that acupuncture increases endogenous opioids that help treat pain. It is also shown that acupuncture also produces anti-inflammatory effects by balancing immune system functions. Studies have also shown that acupuncture has helped with joint pain headaches, osteoarthritis and back and neck pain and that the benefits of acupuncture lasted even after the sessions were stopped in many cases up to a year.

Acupuncture also points to improvements in over health; anecdotal evidence shows that it can improve sleep and an increase in both mood and energy. A few guidelines come into play when trying to get the best results. Try to relax for 20 to 30 minutes with the needles inserted “use it as your nap or meditative time to help your nervous system relax.” Says Bublitz.

If something hurts, speak up; your acupuncturist can adjust your body to accommodate any pain concerns.

Starting with weekly sessions after 4 to 6 weeks starting coming in less often. Some patients only come in for season change 4 times a year. In general, most conditions can be treated with 6 to 12 sessions.

Lastly, make sure to take it easy after your session. That means skipping the gym or not doing any strenuous task for the rest of the day.

I hope everyone has a great summer and if you wanted to try acupuncture or you never had before there is never a bad time to start.

03/05/2025

Hello everyone even though it might not feel like it the spring season is just around the corner. Here is a guide line on how the spring season change works on your body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Spring Season Change and Acupuncture: A Time of Renewal and Rebalancing

As winter melts into spring, nature comes alive with vibrant energy and new growth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this seasonal transition holds significant meaning, especially in the context of acupuncture. Spring, which is associated with the Wood element in TCM, represents renewal, growth, and the awakening of the natural world after the dormancy of winter. This time of year invites individuals to align with the changing energy and to restore balance within their bodies, mind, and spirit.

The Concept of Seasons in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, the cycles of nature are deeply interconnected with the human body. Each season is linked to a specific element, organ system, and set of energetic qualities. Spring is the season of Wood, and it is associated with the liver and gallbladder systems. The liver, which governs the smooth flow of energy (Qi) and blood in the body, is seen as the "general" of the body’s energy, promoting growth and renewal.

As the energy of spring pushes outward and upward, it represents a time of expansion, creativity, and rejuvenation. The liver is particularly important during this time because it helps to ensure that energy flows freely, supporting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When the liver’s Qi is balanced, it enhances vitality and ensures the body’s systems function harmoniously.

How Acupuncture Supports the Spring Season Change
Acupuncture is a powerful tool for helping the body adapt to the changes that accompany the shifting seasons. As the energy of spring begins to stir, acupuncture can help to regulate the flow of Qi, ensuring it moves smoothly and without obstruction. In TCM, stagnation of Qi is a common cause of physical discomfort and emotional imbalance. During spring, people may experience the effects of Qi stagnation more acutely, particularly in the liver system. This can manifest as irritability, mood swings, digestive issues, headaches, or muscular tension.

Acupuncture treatments during the spring season focus on boosting the liver Qi and ensuring that it flows freely throughout the body. Points on the liver meridian, such as LV3 (Taichong) and LV14 (Qimen), are commonly used to promote the smooth movement of Qi. These points help to release tension, alleviate stress, and improve overall vitality. In addition, acupuncture can address common springtime issues like allergies or respiratory conditions, which may be exacerbated by seasonal changes.

Spring and Emotional Health
The liver is also strongly associated with emotions in TCM, particularly anger and frustration. During spring, when the energy of the liver is most active, individuals may find that they feel more easily irritated, stressed, or unsettled. Acupuncture can help to calm and balance the liver energy, allowing for a smoother emotional experience.

By addressing Qi stagnation in the liver, acupuncture promotes emotional stability, reduces irritability, and encourages a sense of calm and well-being. The season of spring offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to work on emotional renewal, letting go of pent-up frustrations and embracing a more positive outlook.

Spring Cleansing and Detoxification
Spring is also seen as a time for physical cleansing and detoxification in many cultures, and this concept is mirrored in TCM. The liver plays a key role in detoxifying the body, as it filters toxins from the bloodstream and ensures that waste products are efficiently processed. Acupuncture can support this natural detoxification process by stimulating the liver to function optimally.

To aid in the body’s detox, acupuncture may focus on points that strengthen and support the liver, as well as the gallbladder. Certain treatments can also help to encourage the elimination of waste and fluids from the body, supporting the body’s natural ability to cleanse itself. Acupuncture can be paired with dietary adjustments and lifestyle practices that promote detoxification, such as eating fresh, light foods, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in gentle exercise to promote circulation and eliminate toxins.

Conclusion
The arrival of spring marks a powerful time for renewal, both in nature and within ourselves. Through acupuncture, individuals can harness the vibrant energy of the season, balancing the liver Qi, clearing emotional blockages, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. By aligning with the energies of spring, acupuncture can help cultivate a sense of vitality, emotional balance, and overall well-being, making this season the perfect opportunity to embrace growth and transformation.

So remember book your season change appointment today and I hope to see you soon.

12/13/2024

The Winter season, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a time of rest and inward reflection. As nature slows down, it is important for individuals to nurture their body, mind, and spirit by slowing down and conserving energy. Acupuncture can help support this by balancing the body's internal energy, especially during the transition to colder weather. Treatments focus on strengthening the kidneys and the immune system, enhancing vitality, and helping manage seasonal conditions like dryness, cold, and fatigue.

So come and schedule your appointment today, and if I don't see you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

https://www.orientalartofhealing.com/the-winter-season-tcm/ #:~:text=Winter%3A%20Time%20for%20Inward%20Reflection&text=This%20resting%20time%20allows%20nature,ones%20mind%2C%20body%20and%20spirit.

09/27/2024

Hello everyone today I have two articles here detailing how Acupuncture can help with Arthritis pain.

The main points in these articles show that Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM for short ) reduces the pain and inflammation that is associated with Arthritis; and improves the quality of life in the patient.

Along with Western medicine it has been shown significant reductions in the following:

inflammatory markers in the blood
disease activity
swollen and tender joints
self-reported pain

Along with this a study conducted in 2019 with people who have RA ( Rheumatoid Arthritis ) were shown improvements in the following.

less pain
improved hand and arm strength
better overall health
improved quality of life

The above findings suggest that traditional acupuncture may be a beneficial treatment option for RA of the hands.

Arthritis for now is an incurable autoimmune disease but with Acupuncture it can help improve your health and quality of life with little to no side effects.

Just as a reminder it is season change even though it might not feel like it. Fall is now in swing call today if you need to make a season change appointment.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-acupuncture-help-arthritis-pain-5105273
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-arthritis

This article explores acupuncture to help with arthritis symptoms, along with its benefits, risks, side effects, and other treatments.

06/12/2024

Hello everyone no article this time, just wanted to let you know that its Summer and that means season change. Summer in traditional chinese medicine (TCM) is associated with the element of fire. They also divide time into 24 different segments. Right now we are in Mangzhong or Grain in Ear. In TCM, Mangzhong is time to focus on nourishing the heart and calming the mind. People may consume foods that are light and easy to digest, such as vegetables and fruits, to support their bodies during this period.

So enjoy this time period come in for an appointment; and remember to enjoy your summer.

06/01/2024

Hello everyone, today we will be talking about fibromyalgia, a common chronic pain disease that affects millions of people today, and how acupuncture can help.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

Symptoms often begin after an event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Fibromyalgia can affect every part of your body and affect your daily life not just with physical pain but mental pain as well. Acupuncture presents a potential avenue for relief for many who live with fibromyalgia. Recent studies show that it improved people's pain by 44%. While it may not be a standalone cure, it is a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment strategy. An additional treatment along with your regular care.

Hope this finds everyone well and I hope that you enjoy the summer season that just around the corner.

https://acupuncture.org.uk/fact-sheets/fibromyalgia-factsheet/
https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/blog/acupuncture-for-fibromyalgia
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780

This complicated disorder amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Medications, therapy and exercise can help.

04/22/2024

Hello everyone hope all are having a great April and hopefully in good health. Today we will be talking about a not so well known disease called Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

Often confused with Fibromyalgia but not as well known; Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a chronic condition that affects your muscles and the fascia (thin connective tissue) around them. “Myo” meaning muscle and “fascial” means fascia; MPS is a chronic condition that arises from inflammation in your muscles and fascia. Usually located in one specific part of your body ( but in some cases there can be more than one location), The pain is typically associated with trigger points in muscles. These trigger points radiate pain to the affected area when pressure is applied to them — and sometimes spontaneously with no pressure. Sometimes this pain can be in what seems to be an unrelated part of the body. There are four types of trigger points according to the Cleveland Clinic:

An active trigger point typically lies within a muscle. Applied pressure results in pain at the site of the trigger point or along that same muscle.
A latent trigger point is inactive (dormant) but could become active.
A secondary trigger point is a knot in a muscle other than the one with the active trigger point. An active trigger point and secondary trigger point can become irritated at the same time.
A satellite trigger point is one that becomes inactive because it overlaps with the region of another trigger point.

According to the Cleveland clinic MPS is quite common. Experts estimate that up to 85% of the population develop the condition. Muscle knots can feel aching, throbbing, tight or stiff. You might also feel small bumps or knots in your muscles that cause pain when you touch them, rub them or press on them. It sometimes feels like a small pea or nodule or tissue underneath the skin, your muscles may be tender or sore in general and consistently sore over time.

Acupuncture is one of the treatments that can treat MPS by calming the trigger points and bringing the body back into the correct body function. MPS is a very painful condition but with acupuncture you can get back your health and restore function to the musculoskeletal system.

https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/myofascial-pain-syndrome/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12054-myofascial-pain-syndrome

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-muscle-knots-and-how-do-i-get-rid-of-them

A sports medicine specialist explains how massage therapy, heating pads and hydration can all help with muscle knots and myofascial trigger point pain.

03/17/2024

Hello everyone it's now March and you know what that means. The season change old man winter is gone and Spring is finally here. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Today we will be talking about Degenerative Disk Disease or DDD for short. DDD is the wear and tear of cartilage and disk in your spine. The pain comes from when your bones grinding against each other.

One of the conditions that acupuncture has been traditionally used to treat is lumbar radiculopathy, which is a condition that affects the nerves in the lower back. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for lumbar radiculopathy. A number of studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce pain and improve function in people with this condition.

Remember surgery for DDD is usually only recommended if pain is severe and nonsurgical treatments, such as pain medications and physical therapy, are ineffective.

I hope this helps, those of you with DDD and spinal problems. Remember to enjoy the great weather outside and I'll see you next month.

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/surgical-treatments-degenerative-disc-disease
https://www.brandonorthopedics.com/acupuncture-for-degenerative-disc-disease-an-effective-treatment-for-pain-inflammation-and-mobility/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5129088/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16912-degenerative-disk-disease

Degenerative disk disease occurs when your spinal disks wear down. Many people with the condition experience neck pain and back pain.

01/27/2024

Hope everyone is staying warm and had a great holiday season. Today we have an article about Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition where the underside of your foot tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops without a specific, identifiable reason.

There are, however, many factors that can make you more prone to the condition:
*New or increased activity
*Repetitive high impact activity (running/dancing/sports)
*Prolonged standing on hard surfaces (especially among nurses, factory workers, and teachers)
*Anatomy (flat feet or a high arch)
*Tight calf muscles
*Obesity

Age (plantar fasciitis is most common among people aged 40 to 60)

Acupuncture can help alleviate the pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis and has helped alleviate heel pain and improve daily function.

On average 4 to 8 sessions have helped relieve pain and shown improvement.

Remember if you have pain and need an appointment call me at
1 620-200-1049

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine are trained to stimulate foot acupuncture points. Learn how this could help plantar fasciitis foot pain.

11/11/2023

Acupuncture is known to help both structural & functional problems. Today I have an article for you that really gets into the structural part. This pub med article will talk about how acupuncture works on Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes chronic, diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, and cognitive impairment, along with numerous other problems that can significantly affect the quality of life of those involved.

The study shows that acupuncture help decreased pain in the short term with 80% of patients and in the long term it helps 40% of patients. With long term diseases like Fibromyalgia, you need to be in the mindset of how to treat it and make it more tolerable. With a TENS unit and acupuncture the study shows it has helped decreased pain and helps improved quality of sleep.

Fibromyalgia is a highly prevalent chronic pain syndrome that affects up to 4% of the population and causes significant morbidity and disability, with an increasing associated cost. Though many approaches for treatment have been tested, therapy regimens ...

09/08/2023

The year of 2023 is rapidly closing as we enter the month of September. As we all know September is a season change although the temperatures have not back down. Being a Kansas Physician i want you to receive the most benefits from your treatments. Many of you are aware after an acupuncture treatment I recommend avoiding from coffee, pop, alcohol and chocolate as this has always been my advice. These four products have carboxylic acid which I feel causes our small intestine to work poorly resulting in an imbalance of energy in that meridian. Enclosed are more helpful suggestion.

https://solis.care/blog/what-to-expect-after-acupuncture/
https://www.thelist.com/198641/things-you-should-and-shouldnt-do-after-an-acupuncture-treatment/

Enjoy the State Fair this week and remember to stay hydrated.

No matter how amazing you feel after an acupuncture treatment, remember there are things you should and shouldn't do after a session.

08/09/2023

Summer is still in full swing, here an article to cool you down😎. From the European Journal of Integrative Medicine this scholarly article talks about how a young Norwegian soldier saved her fingers from frostbite. During outdoor military training in February 2015 she started losing feeling in her finger tips, she had 2nd degree frostbite on her fingertips. She was discharged from the Norwegian Military because of it. In January 2016 eleven months after her injury she started a twelve week session where she got acupuncture treatment once a week. In April 2016 after the sessions her fingers showed an improvement.

I wanted to show this article that acupuncture can help bring out the body natural healing process even for severe cases like 2nd degree frost bite.

The spectrum of cold injuries is very broad, and treatment is often difficult. This case report describes for the first time the successful treatment …