Acupuncture, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia - an alternative medicine approach that works!

Acupuncture, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia Several scientific studies reviewing the use of Acupuncture in treating Osteopenia and Osteoporosis have been published since 2002.

Many readers ask about non-prescription drug methods for increasing bone density, I offer this information from the practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Here is a summary of those findings.

In 2008, researchers at Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine published a study that showed the positive "Effects of acupuncture on bone metabolism and serum estradiol level in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats".

Another study published in February 2006, concluded: " Acupuncture plus acupoint sticking of Migudan has definite therapeutic effect on primary osteoporosis".

A study from 2004 indicated that such treatment for Osteoporosis worked like a number of well known prescription drugs. This treatment focuses on inhibiting Osteoclasts, the cells that remove bone. The study concluded that it "decreases the number of myelogenic osteoclasts " and it inhibits the bone removal phase of bone resorption.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Increasing bone density.

I was fascinated by what I have read about Acupuncture and Osteoporosis Osteopenia and I think you will be too. Even if you do not plan to use this treatments yourself, you will find it interesting to learn what the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Practitioners do.

As you may know Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on a notion of balanced energy (Chi). The aim of TCM is the keeping and restoring the balance of energy in each human being. Restoring a human being's Ying - Yang energy balance is achieved through diet and movement. In the case of illness herbs are often used also.

You have probably seen TV or videos of people in China, Taiwan or Hong Kong practicing stylized movements of Tai Chi Exercises outdoors in a park. Tai chi movements have a long history. Their purpose is to keep energy flowing through the body without obstruction. To learn more about Tai Chi, go to Tai Chi Exercises

In TCM the body is seen as having lines (meridians) of energy that go from the toes to the crown of the head. Along these lines are 'points' or 'centers' of energy. If energy gets blocked at any of these points the points are treated with acupuncture or sometimes by acupressure (no needles) so that energy can again flow easily and the body can repair itself.

In acupuncture sterilized needles are inserted into certain points along the meridians. Interestingly I found in my own treatments, the insertion of needles does not hurt. Sometimes it may itch or tickle.

If you want to experiment a bit, you can probably locate some of these points right now. Just apply moderate pressure. If there is pain, TCM would say that your energy is blocked.

Here are some acupuncture points:
• There is a point on the indentation at the top of your breast bone.
• There are others down the center of your body every few inches.
• Your ears also contain many points. You can start at the top and press/squeeze you ear along the edges right down toyour ear lobe.

If putting pressure on any of the points results in pain, you may find that doing a circular motion with moderate pressure for about 8 turns on the point for several days will 'unblock' the energy and the point will no longer be painful.

(This is a really simplistic explanation. I do suggest that you read more about this if it interests you. Just go to the Products page and type Acupuncture in the Amazon or B&N search box.

So how does it increase bone density?

Shealy has found that stimulating these points with a SheLiTENS unit, "increases calcitonin levels within one hour" of treatment.

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and it inhibits bone resorption [removal of bone] AND it enhances or produces recalcification of osteopenic bone. It also has a beneficial effect of lowering bone pain. Some of you may be taking Calcitonin as a prescription drug. It is prescribed for bone loss or bone pain! Stimulating these special energy points can do the same thing.

The stimulation of the 13 RING of EARTH acupuncture points "can raise Calcitonin to 80 percent" as long as the person does not have low thyroid function. I find it so interesting that TCM offers a effective non-drug treatment for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.

To read more Natural Treatments for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis go to: Natural Treatments Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Page revised: December 2009