“Acupuncture in an earthquake emergency. An observational study of 42 patients who received acupuncture treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and musculoskeletal pain in the aftermath of the Amatrice earthquake” by Paola Poli MD & Carlo Moiraghi MD
Background : The article presents the experiences of the missions that were conducted in the wake of the earthquakes in Central Italy in 2016.
Objective : The first objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and pain in situations of secondary emergency.
The absence of side effects and the chance to effect medical treatment with just needles creates the ideal rationale for the application of acupuncture in situations of secondary emergency, in which the main objective is the overcoming of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and pain, and the rapid resumption of good quality of life.
Materials : Disposable needles 20×15, 25×25, 25×40, Moxa cigars made with mugwort.
Methods : The acupuncture treatments were done in consecutive daily sessiones of 20 minutes. Every patients received four acupuncture treatment. The treatments were effected according to the dictates of traditional Chinese medicine: diagnosis through an interview, observation of the tongue, palpation of the wrists and the shu mu points. Every patient received an holistic treatment based on the treatment of ben, the energetic cause of the pain, to provide benefit for biao, to the evident symptoms. The statistical analysis was conducted according to Pearson’s chi-squared test.
Results and Discussion: The study shows, in statistically significant terms, that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of both PTSD and musculoskeletal pain. The therapeutic effectiveness of acupuncture proved to be statistically significant in three treatments for both emotional and painful symptoms. Having shown the therapeutic effectiveness of acupuncture in three treatments, we thought it would be useful to carry out a fourth acupuncture treatment in order to implement and stabilise the results obtained. Acupuncture is safe complementarty medicine, nor was any interference noted with the assumption of western medicines in the patient who did acupuncture treatment. None of the patients who were treated suffered from mild or transitory side effects. In the condition of second emergency, acupuncture is a usuefull and safe medicine.
“Reduction of pain and improvement of the quality of life in acupuncture-treated neoplastic patients, observational study” by Carlo Moiraghi MD & Paola Poli MD
“We should not move the body without the soul or the soul without the body, and thus they will aid one another, and be healthy and well balanced.” – Plato
The ALMA AGOM acupuncture oncology study enrolled patients with cancer at any stage, with or without metastases, and involved no changes in the treatment protocol – chemo- or radiotherapy – prescribed by Western allopathic physicians. Acupuncture treatment at our oncology outpatient clinic is added to the patients’ ongoing treatment, integrating it, not replacing it. Preliminary results of integrative medicine treatment – chemo- and radiotherapy plus acupuncture – in patients with neoplastic diseases.
STUDY DESIGN : Twenty cancer patients were treated, 12 females and 8 males, average age 58 (41-76), for the following conditions:
- 6 primary cancers
- 1 recurrency
- 13 metastatic cancers.
The Western medicine therapy – chemo- or radiotherapy protocol – was not changed.
- Each patient received 12 weekly acupuncture sessions
- Each patient filled 4 VAS pain scales, one every month
- Each patient filled 4 SF-36 standard questionnaires on quality of life, one every month
- Each patient signed an informed consent form
- Each patient signed a consent to personal data processing
- Because of the beneficial effect of treatment, all patients continued to receive weekly acupuncture sessions for as long as 2 years.
- Oncology acupuncture in metastatic cancer patients needs to be administered once a week, sometimes for years: it is a long-term treatment that should be provided by the national health system free-of-charge.
- Acupuncture treatments in cancer patients are standardized: the embryonic energy body is stimulated and rebalanced; embryonic energy channels, embryonic vessels, lakes, scaffoldings, basins and viscera, as well as Spleen, Stomach and Urinary Bladder main energy vessels were used in all the acupuncture formulas.
MATERIALS
- Disposable needles 20×15, 25×25, 25×40
- Moxa cigars made from mugwort
METHODS
- The AGOM ALMA method for the acupuncture treatment of the advanced cancer patient:
- Treating the cancer patient according to the dictates of traditional Chinese medicine.
- Treating the neoplasm as a consequence of a pathological highlighting and dyscrasia of the embryonic energetic body.
- ALMA AGOM oncological acupuncture method and its diagnostic and clinical approach based on rebalancing embryonic energy. Most in-depth studies of energy embryology and relevant alterations in oncological diseases view tumours as the consequence of serious embryonic disorders, an organic abnormality that is both subtle and material.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION : The preliminary results of the observational studies carried out by the ALMA AGOM free oncological acupuncture clinic, that the authors have been running in Milan for almost three years, confirm the importance of acupuncture as a complement to chemo-and radiotherapy and, after four weekly acupuncture sessions, show a statistically significant improvement of pain relief and quality of life in cancer patients. The improvement is consolidated and keeps increasing in the following months. Rapidity of action and efficacy make acupuncture a valuable complementary treatment to be offered to cancer patients at any stage, even metastatic. Despite the difference in language, expression and meaning, there is a similarity – not just an analogy – between the embryonic approach of oncological acupuncture – the ALMA AGOM method – and the stem-cell-like nature of cancer cell lines suggested by contemporary oncology. This common embryonic focus clearly shows the complementary and deeply synergistic relationship between the two medical approaches, one ancient and one modern – acupuncture and chemo- and radiotherapy – which can cooperate in the interest of the quality of life of cancer patients.
“Acupuncture meridians as evidenced by infrared thermoimaging” by Dr. Antonio C. Sant’Ana MD, Bauru Estadual Hospital, Brazil
“Strain: the path from stress to burn-out”
The evolution of any living system involves its many adaptative resources to face the challenges of the surroundings, and its ability to either make the better use of its present arsenal or to be able to develop new abilities. The interaction of the many elements involving the environmental obstacles, the resiliance of the individual, and the role of time in shaping this multisystemic interplay, are the matter of interest in understanding the balance between well being and ill health.
“Stress, Everyday Life and Aging” by Professor G. Chrousos , Athens, Greece
From the beginning of my career, I defined “stress” as the disturbance in the “dynamic balance” or “homeostasis” of a complex system, such as the human organism or society, “stressor” as the force that produces this disturbance, and “adaptive response” as the force from within the complex system that strives to return homeostasis to normal. In the case of the human organism, the adaptive response is subserved by a specialized system in our brain and body, the “Stress System”, which is activated to help us deal with stress when a stressor of any kind exceeds a certain threshold.
In itself, stress that is dealt with efficiently by the adaptive response of a system is neutral or even potentially beneficial to that system, be that an organism or a society. In contrast, the dynamic state in which the adaptive response fails to fully reestablish homeostasis during stress, which I call “dyshomeostasis” or more correctly “cacostasis” may have detrimental effects on the system. In human beings, the crucial beneficial hormones that are activated to reestablish homeostasis, the “homeostatic or stress mediators”, including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol and the inflammatory mediator interleukin-6, are also, paradoxically, responsible to a great extent for the damage the organism sustains when in cacostasis. These mediators may impair the physiology of our cells, disturb their metabolic activity, increase their inflammatory response and stimulate their oxidative functions, all potentially detrimental changes, ultimately accelerating aging, causing psychosomatic problems, anxiety, depression, obesity, metabolic problems and osteoporosis, promoting atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease and increasing the chance of the organism to be infected or get cancer.
At this time, and despite the stupendous advances in hygiene and medicine, we believe that over 50 percent of the human disease burden is due to chronic socioeconomic distress, a result -to a great extent- of the ever increasing complexity and alienation in the modern world. We should note that the effects of prolonged distress go well beyond the causation of the chronic noncommunicable diseases mentioned above. Prolonged human cacostasis disturbs normal growth and development, causes emotional deprivation, upsets sleep, destroys family and social life, increases criminal behavior, multiplies violent accidents, and stimulates the abuse of and dependence on substances. Chronic distress also accelerates aging, reflected in decreasing chromosomal telomere length, increases frailty, and curtails healthy life expectancy.
Today, the presence of stress and cacostasis in an individual can be evaluated and graded. There are rational and proven methods to prevent and ameliorate distress that start from changes in lifestyle and using appropriate stress management methods, to cognitive and behavioral therapies, even to the use of appropriate medications. These medications function primarily by blocking stress and inflammatory mediators. The key issue is that nature is not destiny and psychological and somatic resilience to stress (hyperstasis) is attainable if we really strive for it.
“Stress as a path to cure and evolution. Interdisciplinary composition of novel findings and experiences shedding light on truth about human balance” by Dr. I. Anastasiou, Physicist, Ph.D, Volos, Greece
Although stress has been studied so much, it is usually dealt like a vaguely generalized condition. If we look closer into the stress components, meaning the essence of emotional disharmony, we will find plenty of information. Instead we limit our understanding and literally avoid the real issues hiding underneath. Breakthrough scientific studies like Dr. Hammer’s (1978-1982) about the theory behind the mechanisms that creates disease and healing processes, are based exactly on the interlinked relationship that exists between every particular disease and its resembling emotional imbalance acting as counterparts. Biology has proved that a charted, detailed counterpart co exists simultaneously, forming a psyche-body-brain axis, making recognition of the exact source of disease steaming from emotional imbalance. The quality of our life experiences is a product of our own interpretation. Our beliefs, our thoughts, our values, constitute our own alternative realities that can rule our lives without even realizing. However, we do know that our belief system is forged during our childhood and a process of automatic programming takes place that restricts our liberties. The realization of the interpretation – programming sequencing combined with a particular stress attack triggering the disease process, and the conscious reconsideration can lead us not only to healing but also to a better life quality and enhanced consciousness.
“Stress and Breath: Judges of Life and Death” by Dr. A. Sakellaropοulos MD, Pulmonologist, PCCM
Stress is the mental, spiritual and physical response of the human organism when it is in disharmony with the environment or itself.The harmonious relationship between the body’s systems and the psycho-mental state of human is constantly being attacked by destabilization causing stress.The consequence of these conflicts is precarious human health.
The human reaction to stress requires effort and energy consumption, always produced by respiration.
Good body breathing and cellular respiration is necessary not only for survival under stress but also for well being.
The mechanisms of above, the prevention and treatment will be explained in simple words and from different points of view.
“General introduction of stress systems” by Dr. Konstantina Theodoratou MD, Med Psych. MSc Guangzhou University, President of Icmart, President of Samag, Athens, Greece “Workshop : Lifestyle medicine: stress, health and acupuncture- Treatment protocols”
We will learn:
- The principles of Lifestyle Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture
2. Common aspects – Integration of the two systems
3. Therapeutic protocols
“Acupuncture and Emotional Distress ” by Dr. Michael Tarabe MD, MSc, PhD, Dipl. BSBRM, FEBOPRAS, Plastic Surgeon, Athens, Greece
Our mental state can significantly affect not only the way we work in our everyday lives within society but also our body. In this case, the body is at constant overdose, cortisol levels are increased and the function of the immune system is reduced. Over time, the condition gets worse and can develop into anxiety, depression, but also lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, digestive problems and headaches. According to the philosophy of acupuncture in our body circulates vital energy, yin and yang, which in normal conditions is in balance and flows smoothly. When this energy is blocked, i.e. by stress, problems arise such as muscle contraction that causes pain. Acupuncture, restores problematic points, allows the smooth flow of energy and addresses not only the symptoms but also the cause itself. In terms of Western medicine, acupuncture relieves by releasing into the brain endorphins and other neurotransmitters, acting as natural painkillers and improving blood circulation. Applications, techniques and acupuncture Microsystems on the body and the ear will be presented in details
“Mental Stress as a contibutor of pathophysiology of metabolic diseases and the place of nedical acupuncture in an attempt of therapeutic management ” by Dr.GEORGE BELLOS MD, PhD, MRCGP, MEPMA, Dip.ACU, Athens, Greece
The globalization of the economy and climate change (biotic and abiotic stress) contribute to 75% to 90% of all visits to primary care physicians in some way related to the adverse effects of psychosocial stress. Also, the toxic childhood nurture in adverse direct family-community environment, the unemployment and frequent changes in labor patterns in social classes especially in women, and workers in high demanding, low-payment jobs such as doctors of public sector are psychological stress factors that contribute very high in the phenotype of chronic metabolic diseases (over 50%). The stress axis is now concerned from brain to regional whole organism with the participation of ANS, ENS, IMMYNITY and MICROBIOME. Psychosomatic medicine connection is considered now no longer only through this axis’ neurotransmitters-hormones but also by direct connection of brain and neural network circuits to adrenals and muscles. There is a hypothalamic initiation of inflammation due to toxic stress towards metabolic syndrome, secretion of neuro-hormones to the pituitary gland, the NPGL-NPGM factor, stimulation of the hypothalamus’ subfornical organ to the formation of hepatic steatosis, and finally to the creation of dysbiosis-permeable intestinal epithelium-inflammation in the intestinal microbiome with the participation of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve consists of 80% of afferent fibers and 20% of efferent. But in the last few years of research, mainly in Feinstein Institute New York, it has been shown that stimulation of both vagus nerves either directly (biolectronic medicine) or indirectly through electroacupuncture due to neuroimmunomodulatory arc it is a new breakthrough! It has a place in the treatment of metabolic diseases, as it is shown by the review of the recent research literature and accepted initiative by great scientific bodies (ADA)
“Anxiety and teeth problems” by Dr Aggeliki Tsirigoti, Dental Surgeon, Athens, Greece
Anxiety causes a lot of physical problems. While it is characterized as a mental health disorder, there are so many physical symptoms that it almost feels like a physical disorder.Teeth problems may not seem like they are related to anxiety , but they can be. There are many diferent tooth problems related to anxiety : tooth grinding – usually at night after you go to sleep.these persons start to wear down the enamel of the teeth, having problems with the periodontal tissues and waking up with headaches, ear pain, neck aches. Acid reflux stress and anxiety have a relationship with acid reflux which also is a serious danger for oral health. Dry mouth, Canker sores , Lichen planus ,Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Getting treatment for any anxiety problems can improve all these dental and maxillofacial disorders
“Stress related disorders in veterinary medicine. How acupuncture can alleviate or even decrease the pathology induced by stress in animal health ” by Evdokia Tsalkama, DVM Equine Practitioner, Athens, Greece
By definition stress is a perplexed phenomenon having an immediate effect with short or long term consequences for the organism under “attack”. Arising from a usually threatening stimulus, it can induce a wide range of bodily reactions consequently altering equilibrium and homeostasis. Especially in chronic stress many functional systems like immune, endocrine, neuronal, behavioral and even psychology of animals are compromised more or less and usually the end result is pathology and disease. Stress related diseases are evident in all aspects of animal life and “use” for any reason. Whether it is a companion small or large animal, a farm food producing animal, an aquatic, avian or lab animal, they all experience stressful situations and become susceptible to stress related diseases.
Since stress is a common ground and as an end result a shared phenomenon among animal and people patients, the use of acupuncture can provide capable means to diminish or even alleviate many of the adverse symptoms when treating a patient.
“Stress Management: Hellenic Tradition and HRV Biofeedback” by Nikolaos Magalios, Personal Development Trainer, B.A. Psychology, B.Sc. Management, Herakleio, Greece
Even from ancient times humans were considered triunal beings and modern neuroscience has already prove that thesis. Our brain contains all evolutionary stages much like animal brains does and at the same time this characteristic trait constitutes both our weakness and our strength. Which are these triunal parts, under which circumstances do they operate and finally in need of what? How can I balance and harmonize them under a cooperative surrounding instead of opposing each other and leading to stress?
What is stress? A mind and body reaction to any stimulus that disturbs our stability and is taking us out of our comfort zone, which is preparing us to defend the “borders” of this zone. According to the severity, intensity and duration of such a reaction, we ‘ll become susceptible or not to diseases.
What can I do to release myself from stress? The first step is to realize that stress can kill you. If you wish to enjoy life comprehend this very important fact and take action. The second step is to realize that it is not life circumstances which are responsible for your problems, but the way you respond to them.
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“How my thought and my psychology can overcome the effects of stress” by Vangelis Vertopoulos – BA Marketing/BSc Psychology/MSc Sport Psychology, Athens, Greece
Stress is always present in our lives, as our life always poses demands and pressure for us to cope with. However, we often enhance stress and we boost it with emotional tension, thus creating additional pressure for us, as well as more consequences for our health.
During this talk we will have the chance to learn:
– How psychotherapy and coaching, help us reduce our stress response.
– How changing our attitude can make us more resilient to stress and how we can actually chnge our way of thinking.
– What is the view of Rational Emotive & Cognitive Behavioral Tharapy on stress and non-functional emotions.
– How even positive changes in our lives can cause stress and what we can do about it.
“Contribution of music therapy and community music therapy on mental health, stress reduction, enhancement of life quality and social introduction of individuals suffering mild or severe challenges and disabilities” by Polina Evangelou, Diploma of Music Therapy, Athens, Greece
Music therapy is a branch of art therapy, a scientifically based therapeutic intervention that utilizes the human potential and innate ability for expression through music and communication. The goals of music therapy are to improve the emotional, physical, social and spiritual status of the individual and enhance its life quality. Free music-producing expression from activities such as: improvisation with musical instruments, singing, lyrics and song writing, as well as listening to music are resulting to the desired effect for each individual. Along with the support of the Music therapist children, juveniles and adults can express their emotional tensions in a more creative way, manage them and minimize their load. They become conscious and can process deeper feelings and desires, develop communication and social skills, lower anxiety levels, organize their thoughts and structure oral capabilities, receive joy and fulfillment and finally increased self-esteem. The main targets for community music therapy are to introduce sensitive groups in to society and upgrade their quality of life. Focusing on capabilities, helps individuals to evolve personally, but also in an artistic level so they can express and promote their extroverted self to the public, by actively participating in cultural-social happenings, like music concerts. Video-taped material to be presented.