News
This page consolidates the news items from the original 13-page News section.
New MRI imaging reveals acupuncture point specificity
New MRI research concludes that needling acupuncture points causes specific brain patterns associated with the treatment of specific diseases. Investigators compared using two acupuncture points with a nearby sham point. They discovered that the true acupuncture points consistently elicited specific brain responses in regions associated with their Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) medical indications and functions for therapeutic effects.
Gisela in Gaza
Gisela went again to the Gaza Strip last October to work voluntarily in the Occupied Territories with World Medicine. The group, mostly acupuncturists, successfully treated hundreds of citizens and refugees who had suffered from the physical and emotional effects of trauma and war. Gisela also trained the medical teams in ear acupuncture so that they could treat patients with Post Traumatic Stress and continue their work.
Teaching Reiki 1
Gisela is teaching Reiki courses, the original Dr Usui Reiki, at a lovely central location in Chippenham and at the Marlborough School of Reiki. The courses start with Reiki 1, which is one of the most important courses you will take. It introduces you to the universal life force energy and you will feel a connection to this energy.
Some people need stepping stones to cross a river, some need a bridge and some need a boat! Whichever way you need you will be guided and will connect with this vital energy. You will be attuned to Reiki on a simple, powerful and enjoyable course and you will be able to begin to discover who you really are!
Tutor in Mental Health
Gisela is the tutor and postgraduate lecturer in mental health and Chinese medicine at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, based in Reading.
This is an ideal opportunity for acupuncturists to expand their practice and to receive theoretical, practical tools and information in the field of mental health within their locality. We will explore the context, delivery and development of acupuncture in mental health services in the UK, translate Chinese medicine into practice in the current healthcare field and gain clinical insights to enhance your general acupuncture practice.
Acupuncture increases chances of success in IVF by 65%
During February Gisela has had numerous success stories, amongst those she has helped five couples achieve a positive pregnancy using acupuncture and Chinese herbal prescriptions.
She is extremely pleased to hear of the publication of this evidenced based research to back up her consistent successes in this area of her work. Acupuncture stimulates the neurotransmitters that release hormones, which control the menstrual cycle and ovulation, treatment also increases blood flow to the uterus. Acupuncture treatments have been used in China for centuries to regulate fertility. (Source: British Medical Journal, doi:10.1136, 2008)
World Mental Health Day
Free 15 minute consultations leading up to 10th October. The British Acupuncture Council’s (BAC) own survey found very high numbers of people sought acupuncture treatment for depression, anxiety and insomnia with stress followed closely behind. Phone any clinic or drop in for discussions with Gisela.
BBC Radio Wiltshire, 10th October: Gisela Norman, live, talking about her experience of the benefits of acupuncture treatment for a range of mental health complaints.
Acupuncture boosts IVF success
Women undergoing fertility treatment could have their chances of success boosted by acupuncture. German researchers said they have increased success rates by almost 50% in women having in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The theory is that acupuncture can affect the autonomic nervous system, which is involved in the control of muscles and glands, and could therefore make the lining of the uterus more receptive to receiving an embryo. A report published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found the pregnancy rate in the group receiving acupuncture was 42.5%, compared to 26.3% of the group which did not receive the therapy.
The study was of 160 women undergoing IVF; half received standard IVF, while half were given acupuncture treatments before and after.
Elephant gets acupuncture
A two and half tonne elephant in Singapore Zoo has been receiving acupuncture for a long standing leg injury. After a few treatments she is reported to be more mobile and able to bend her leg better. The Vet treating her has previously used acupuncture to awaken an orang-utan from a coma, heal the broken leg of a cheetah and revitalise a python.
Acupuncture for Chronic Back Pain
An analysis of 33 randomised control trials of acupuncture concluded that it can effectively relieve chronic back pain. It was found to be more effective than using fake acupuncture points and no additional treatment. (Annals of Internal Med, Vol. 142)
Essential oils treat super bugs
Three essential oils have been found to destroy the MRSA ‘super bug’ and E.coli bacteria within two minutes, two of them acting almost immediately. The researchers believe the oils could be blended into hygiene products such as soaps, shampoos and hand-washes to help eradicate the super bugs from hospitals.
The Department of Health has indicated it plans to fund further research into the possible benefits of essential oils. Although the oils in the test were not revealed because of commercial sensitivities, tea tree is likely to be one of them. Other possibilities include eucalyptus, geranium and lavender oils. Around 1,000 people a year die from MRSA infection.
Garlic and Common Cold
In a randomised, double-blind study, 146 healthy volunteers were given either a garlic supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. The number of colds was significantly lower in the garlic group and the duration of colds was reduced. (Adv Therapy 2001)
Green Tea
An ingredient of green tea (EGCG) has been found to significantly reduce production of an Alzheimer’s related protein, which can accumulate abnormally in the brain and lead to nerve damage and memory loss. The reduction in the protein was found in both cell cultures and mouse brains. (J. Neurosci 2005) Twenty smokers who drank green tea for four weeks showed improvement in markers of atherosclerosis, fatty deposits in the arteries. (Clin Biochem 2005)
Children’s Health
Mould & Asthma Exposure to mould and dampness in homes doubles the risk of asthma development in children according to a study of 1,984 Finnish children aged 1 to 7 years over a six year period. The study focused on four indicators of moisture or mould in the home, including mould odour, visible mould, visible moisture and history of water damage. (Environ Health Perspectives 2005)
Acupuncture in School
A school in Somerset is offering acupuncture to pupils identified as suffering from anxiety and stress, ADHD and problems controlling anger. The project, at a 900 pupil Stanchester Community Comprehensive School, is entirely voluntary. The pupils who are offered treatment almost always go for the needle option.
Sex & Chocolate
Women who eat chocolate frequently report greater sexual function and sexual desire than women who eat it rarely, according to an Italian study presented at a December meeting of the European Society of Sexual Medicine.
More proof that acupuncture works
It has been proven that real acupuncture directly stimulates the area of the brain that manages pain and the nervous system in a way that just applying pressure to the skin does not. Although many clinical studies have clearly shown the value of acupuncture in treating various diseases and relieving many different symptoms, this is one of the few studies showing how the brain responds to acupuncture needling.
This study specifically demonstrates the effect of true acupuncture and is independent of whether the person does or does not believe it to be effective.
Articles by Gisela Norman
The original site also links downloadable articles covering: Gisela in Gaza, Depression, Detoxing, Colds and Flu, Hayfever, Stopping Smoking, Springtime, Mental Health, Autumn and Stress at work.