Laser acupuncture for depression: A randomised double blind controlled trial using low intensity laser intervention

Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Trials of acupuncture for the treatment of depression have produced mixed results. We examined the effectiveness of laser acupuncture compared with placebo acupuncture for the treatment of major depression.

METHODS:
A randomised, double blinded, placebo controlled trial was conducted in Sydney, Australia. Participants aged 18-50 years with DSM-IV major depressive disorder were eligible to join the study. Forty-seven participants were randomised to receive laser acupuncture or placebo laser at acupoints LR14, CV14, LR8, HT7 and KI3. The intervention was administered twice a week for 4 weeks and once a week for another four weeks, for a total of 12 sessions. The primary outcome assessed the change in severity of depression using the Hamilton-Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and secondary outcomes assessed the change in severity of depression using the Quick Inventory for Depression-Self Reporting (QID-SR), the Quick Inventory for Depression-Clinician (QIDS-CL), with outcomes assessed at eight weeks. The treatment response (greater than 50% improvement in HAM-D) and remission (HAM-D<8) were analysed.

RESULTS:
At eight weeks participants showed greater improvement in the active laser group on the primary and clinician-rated secondary outcome measures (HAM-D (mean 9.28 (SD 6.55) vs. mean 14.14 (SD 4.78 p<0.001); QIDS-CL (mean 8.12 (SD 6.61 versus 12.68 (mean SD 3.77)) p<0.001). The self-report QIDS-SR scores improved in both groups but did not differ significantly between the groups. In the active laser group, QIDS-SR scores remained significantly lower than baseline at 3 months follow-up. Response rates (active laser, placebo laser) on ITT (intention to treat) analyses were 72.0% and 18.2% (p<0.001), respectively. Remission rates on ITT analyses (active laser, placebo laser) were 56.0% and 4.5% (p<0.001). Transient fatigue was the only adverse effect reported.

LIMITATIONS:
There was no follow-up for the placebo group at one and 3 months.

CONCLUSION:
Laser acupuncture showed a clinically and statistically significant benefit with reducing symptoms of depression on objective measures.

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Acupuncture in ancient China: How important was it really?

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23464646
Abstract

Although acupuncture theory is a fundamental part of the Huangdi Neijing, the clinical application of the needle therapy in ancient China was always a limited one. From early times there have been warnings that acupuncture might do harm. In books like Zhang Zhongjing's Shanghanlun it plays only a marginal role. Among the 400 emperors in Chinese history, acupuncture was hardly ever applied. After Xu Dachun called acupuncture a "lost tradition" in 1757, the abolition of acupuncture and moxibustion from the Imperial Medical Academy in 1822 was a radical, but consequent act. When traditional Chinese medicine was revived after 1954, the "New Acupuncture" was completely different from what it had been in ancient China. The conclusion, however, is a positive one: The best time acupuncture ever had was not the Song dynasty or Yuan dynasty, but is now - and the future of acupuncture does not lie in old scripts, but in ourselves.

YiFang Rotary Twist Top Magnetic Body 8 Cups Cupping Set

Massage Suction Cupping is a modernized form of Cupping therapy. It adopts a suction gun to produce a negative air pressure vacuum inside cups which have been placed on the skin. The suction works to release rigid soft tissues and muscles. The skin may redden after the cup is left in place for a few minutes. The purpose of using cups in this way is to apply pressure for relaxation of muscles and overall promotion of wellbeing. In addition to this method, we offer some cups which are activated by squeeze-bulbs, and also a number of traditional-method cupping supplies.

CUPPING THROUGHOUT HISTORY

The technique known as Fire Cupping, Body Vacuuming, or Cupping was an ancient Chinese healing practice. The ancient way was to create a vacuum inside a cup made of horn, bamboo, glass, or metal, by burning a combustible (like moxa, or alcohol) inside it, then quickly applying the cup to the skin, allowing the force of the vacuum to draw up the underlying tissue. The body surface extends into the cup, and there is usually a reddening of the area under pressure. Sometimes massage oils or aromatherapy essences were also used. Applied to significant acupuncture points, cupping was respected as a way to stimulate the flow of Chi, similarly to massage, and acupressure.

THE ACTION OF SUCTION CUPS

Suction Cups produce vacuums on the body's surface by manually withdrawing the air through the suction gun, rather than the traditional way of burning up oxygen. If you think of massage in terms of positive pressure (pressing in on body tissues), then you can think of Massage Suction Cupping as a negative pressure, drawing body tissues outward from the body, to stimulate them with a reverse massage.
The skin is pressed up against the magnetic "needles" or points, when they are used. These are supplied in the "Biomagnetic" sets.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CUPPING TECHNIQUE?

Cupping technique relaxes muscles while exerting negative (suction) pressure on the surface of the body. The effects are similar to those of massage: increased bloodflow to local areas and pressure to relax muscle tissues.
For people who wish to use magnets, the acupressure "points" which may be installed are magnetic. Magnetism is then applied at the same point as the cupping therapy is applied. Combined Actions Altogether, then, Massage Suction Cup Sets make possible:

• Pressure application for muscle relaxation
• Cupping Techniques
• Magnetic Field
• Complements Acupressure processes

CUPPING'S EFFECTS ON HEALTH

Whatever Traditional Chinese Medicine had to say about balancing the Chi in the body, there is an undoubted massage effect which can be felt by the person undergoing Cupping. Beyond that, cupping has produced testimonials to more immediate gains in well-being. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow's endorsement of cupping is only one example. Practitioners and patients in most of Asia, and increasingly in the West, attribute their feelings of improvement and relaxation to cupping, joining the chorus of those who have sung its praises for thousands of years. Relaxation, Wellbeing 
Our customers often feel a deep relaxing warmth during a Cupping session and a tingling sensation that lasts long after the treatment has ended.
Massage Cupping is an effective addition to any spa or healing session. The cups are inexpensive, fun and result oriented. You will be amazed at the effective sessions produced by these Suction Cupping devices.

THIS SET INCLUDE

• 60mm(inner)  X 2 cups
• 40mm(inner)  X 2 cups
• 33mm(inner)  X 2 cups
• 26mm(inner)  X 2 cups

What is TENS unit

TENS is the abbreviation for "Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation". The electrical microcurrents of TENS are adjusted to send stimulating pulses over the surface of the skin and into nerve endings. Those pulses help to decrease pain by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. They also help stimulate production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Common uses for TENS: back and neck syndromes, RSD (or "complex regional pain syndrome"), arthritis, shoulder syndromes, neuropathies, and other acute and chronic pain.
Electrical stimulation for the treatment of muscle aches and pains has long been used by physiotherapists. Now, you are able to treat yourself at home using the latest in digital TENS units that are completely safe, with the approval of the FDA and CE.
Note: EMS stands for "Electrical Muscle Stimulation", a related technology but designed to cause muscle contractions. For more on EMS, TENS, or other stimulation such as Galvanic or Interferential, see our Electrotherapy section in the left menu.

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MORE BENEFITS OF CHI MACHINE HEALTH

Back & Neck Pain Relief
RIGHTBEST Chi Series machines apply gentle flexing motion all the way up the spine, affecting not just the legs, but also hips, back, and neck. Stiff joints and muscles are deeply loosened, result­ing in relieved tension.

Stimulation of Circulation During Use
Just as with exercise, the motion from our Chi Health Machines stimulates circulation during use, and works in a similar way to Lymphatic Drainage Massage therapy.

Passive Exercise
RIGHTBEST Chi Machines maintain joint mobility, without  reducing energy levels or impacting joints, which is of  enormous benefit to the elderly or those for whom traditional exercise is a problem.

Other Holistic Benefits
The undulating motion has a holistic impact on the health. As nerves and muscles relax, so does the mind. The body's systems, including internal organs, all undergo deep, restoring massage. A great many users say they can feel the strengthening of the Chi and a general sense of well-being. Afterwards, many experience a tingling, rushing sensation and a deep relaxation—not unlike a "natural" or "runner's high".

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