Auckland Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine - Dr. Win Clinic » Articles http://drwin.co.nz Specialized in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:27:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 How can I get an ACC claim and to do the treatment ? http://drwin.co.nz/how-can-i-get-an-acc-claim-and-to-do-the-treatment.html http://drwin.co.nz/how-can-i-get-an-acc-claim-and-to-do-the-treatment.html#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:38:11 +0000 admin http://drwin.co.nz/?p=528 ACC Claim Onward referral:
GP
Physiotherapist
Osteopath
Chiropractor
Podiatrist
Herbal Specialist *

How can I get an ACC claim and to do the treatment ?
If you had an accident or injury and you have been to see your GP already, you are an ACC claim client, you have an ACC45 number or an ACC approved number at hand. So you can come directly for the treatment. And I will do it for you only ten dollars surcharge fee.
If you had an accident like sprain muscle, joints or sports injuries, or disc prolapsed, and you haven’t seen a doctor, then you need to see your GP first to get a referral letter with an ACC claim number on it. Then you can come to do the treatment.

Why Acupuncture? What you do to soft tissue injuries?
Acupuncture is very effective to reduce pain, inflammation and improve mobility of joints and shorten the recovery time. And the effect is immediately happening.
I do a lot of things while treating problems according to different situation. For example to treat ankle sprain, if just a mild one we do directly. If it is a severe case , very swollen and can’t walk, firstly we suggest apply ice and bandage on, normally after 12 hours of the accident, we start from applying pain relief herbal oil and very gentle traditional Chinese Tuina massage, a few minutes later, the swollen will go a lot and much less pain, we may apply acupuncture or cupping therapy. To children who are scared needles, I do massage only or sometime add cupping therapy. To the mild case only need a few sessions of treatment. Most of the cases could be cured within one month.

Most common problem in NZ is lumbar spine sprain. I treat hundreds of them annually and nearly everyone been cured. Normally with 4-5 treatments most of the clients felt much better and could back to work. Most of the clients do not need to stop their work. They just do the normal work and do the treatment 2-3 times a week. When they recover the effect lasts long time if they look after themselves properly and do exercise regularly.

ACC claim range:
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cervical Disc Prolapse Radiculopathy
Thoracic Disc Prolapse Radiculopathy
Lumbar Disc Prolapse Radiculopathy
Chronic/Recurrent Pain (cervical)
Low Back Pain, Acute Pain – Lumbar,
Lumbago
Sciatica
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Medial Epicondylitis (elbow)
Lateral Epicondylitis (elbow)
Prepatellar Bursitis
Tendonitis Achilles
Tendonitis Upper Limb
Tenosynovitis/Synovitis
Flexor Tendon Rupture Hand /Wrist
Fracture Rib (closed)
Fracture Clavicle (closed non-displaced)
Fracture Humerus (closed proxim
Fracture Distal Humerus, Suprac
(closed)
Fracture of Proximal Radius/Ulna
Fracture of Shaft of Radius/Ulna
Fracture of Distal Radius/Ulna
Fracture Scaphoid (closed)
Fracture Carpal Bone
Fracture of Metacarpal Bone
Fracture Phalanx – Hand
Fracture Tibia/Fibula
Fracture Ankle
Fracture Tarsal Bones/Metatarsa
Fracture Phalanges (Foot, closed
Dislocation/Subluxation Should
Dislocation/Subluxation of Finge
Acute Meniscal Tear (medial)
Acute Meniscal Tear (lateral)
Sprain Upper Arm/Shoulder
Sprain Acromio-Clavicular Ligam
Sprain Infraspinatus Tendon
Sprain Rotator Cuff
Sprain Shoulder Joint
Sprain Elbow/Forearm
Sprain Wrist/Hand
Sprain Radial Collateral Ligamen
Sprain Thumb
Sprain Finger/Interphalangeal Jo
Sprain Tendon Wrist or Hand
Sprain Hip/Thigh
Sprain Hip/Thigh
Sprain Quadriceps Tendon
Sprain Lateral Collateral Ligament Knee
Sprain Medial Collateral Ligament Knee
Sprain Cruciate Ligament Knee
Sprain Gastrocnemius
Sprain Ankle
Sprain Achilles Tendon
Sprain Metatarsophalangeal Joint/
Interphalangeal Joint
Sprain Sacroiliac Joints
Sprain Cervical Spine
Whiplash
Sprain Thoracic Spine
Sprain Lumbar Spine
Sprain Coccyx
Rupture of Supraspinatus
Rupture of Biceps Tendon
Rib Sprain
Open Wound Trunk/head/neck
Open Wound Ear
Open Wound Scalp/Forehead
Open Wound Nose/Cheek/Eyebrow/Lip/Jaw/Mouth
Open Wound Buttock/External Genitalia
Open Wound Shoulder/Upper Limb
Amputation at Shoulder/Hand/at Elbow/
Foot/Upper Leg/Lower Leg
Open Wound Elbow/Forearm
Open Wound Wrist
Open Wound Hand/Fingers/Thumb
Open Wound Fingernail/Avulsion of Nail
Amputation Finger
Open Wound Knee/Leg
Open Wound Foot/Toe(s)
Abrasion Face
Abrasion Trunk
Abrasion Upper Arm (no infection)
Abrasion Lower Arm (no infection)
Abrasion Leg/Knee
Contusion Head/Neck
Contusion Trunk
Contusion Breast
Contusion Chest Wall
Contusion Back
Contusion Genital Organs
Contusion Upper Limb
Contusion Upper Arm/Shoulder
Contusion Elbow/Forearm
Contusion Wrist/Hand
Contusion Finger/Thumb/Fingenail (haematoma)
Contusion Hip and Thigh
Contusion Knee and Lower Leg
Contusion Ankle and Foot
Contusion Toe
Contusion Lower Limb (multiple sites)
Crush Injury Back
Crush Injury Upper Arm
Crush Injury Wrist or Hand
Crush Injury Finger (open/closed)/Thumb (closed)
Crush Injury Foot (closed)
Burns Head/Neck
Burns Trunk
Burns Arm (excluding Hand)
Burns Hand(s)/Wrist
Burns Lower Limb
Toxic Reaction Bee Sting
Bite (dog)

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your pain, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

]]> http://drwin.co.nz/how-can-i-get-an-acc-claim-and-to-do-the-treatment.html/feed 0 Neuralgia(Trigeminal neuralgia ) http://drwin.co.nz/neuralgiatrigeminal-neuralgia.html http://drwin.co.nz/neuralgiatrigeminal-neuralgia.html#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:51:20 +0000 admin http://drwin.co.nz/?p=524 Neuralgia
Neuralgia is pain that follows the path of a nerve.
Causes
Causes of neuralgia include:
• Certain drugs
• Chemical irritation
• diabetes
• Infections,such as shingles.
• Pressure on nerves by nearby structures (for instance, tumors)
• Swelling and irritation (inflammation)
• Trauma (including surgery)
In many cases, the cause is unknown.
Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common form of neuralgia. A related but uncommon neuralgia affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, which provides feeling to the throat.
Neuralgia is most common in elderly people, but it may occur at any age.
Symptoms
• Impaired function of affected body part due to pain, or muscle weakness due to motor nerve damage
• Increased sensitivity of the skin or numbness of the affected skin area (feeling similar to a local anesthetic, such as a Novocaine shot)
• Pain along the path of a specific nerve
• Pain located anywhere, usually on or near the surface of the body
o In the same location for each episode
o Sharp, stabbing pain that comes and goes (intermittent) or constant, burning pain
Any touch or pressure is felt as pain. Movement may also be painful.
Exams and Tests
An exam may show:
• Abnormal sensation in the skin
• Loss of deep tendon reflexes
• Loss of muscle mass
• Lack of sweating (sweating is controlled by nerves)
• Tenderness along a nerve, often in the lower face and jaw and rarely in the temple and forehead
• Trigger points (areas where even a slight touch triggers pain)
A dental examination can rule out dental disorders that may cause facial pain (such as a tooth abscess). Other symptoms (such as redness or swelling) may help rule out conditions such as infections, bone fractures, or rheumatoid arthritis.
There are no specific tests for neuralgia, but the following tests may be done to find the cause of the pain:
• Blood tests to check blood sugar and kidney function
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Spinal tap (
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reverse or control the cause of the nerve problem (if found), and provide pain relief. Treatment varies depending on the cause, location, and severity of the pain, and other factors. Even if the cause of the neuralgia is never identified, the condition may improve on its own or disappear with time.
The cause (if known) should be treated. This may include surgery to remove tumors or separate the nerve from blood vessels or other structures that press on it. This can be done for some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia.
Strict control of blood sugar may speed recovery in people with diabetes who develop neuralgia.
Medications to control pain may include:
• Antidepressant medications (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, duloxitine)
• Antiseizure medications (carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine or phenytoin) for trigeminal neuralgia pain
• Mild over-the-counter analgesics (aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen)
• Narcotic analgesics (codeine) for short-term relief of severe pain (however, these do not always work well)
• Topical creams containing capsaicin
Other treatments may include:
• Local injections of pain-relieving (anesthetic) drugs
• Nerve blocks
• Surgical procedures (such as ablation using radiofrequency, heat, balloon compression, or injection of chemicals) to reduce feeling in the nerve.
Unfortunately, these procedures do not guarantee improvement and can cause loss of feeling or abnormal sensations.
When other treatment methods fail, doctors may try motor cortex stimulation (MCS). An electrode is placed over the sensory cortex of the brain and is hooked to a pulse generator under the skin.
Treating shingles with antiviral medication may reduce the likelihood of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia may also be treated with oral (taken by mouth) prednisone.
Physical therapy may be helpful for some types of neuralgia, especially postherpetic neuralgia.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most neuralgias are not life-threatening and are not signs of other life-threatening disorders. However, pain can be severe. For severe pain, be sure to see a pain specialist so that you can explore all treatment options.
Most neuralgias will respond to treatment. Attacks of pain usually come and go. However, attacks may become more frequent in some patients as they get older.
Possible Complications
• Complications of surgery
• Disability caused by pain
• Side effects of medications used to control pain
• Unnecessary dental procedures before neuralgia is diagnosed
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if:
• You develop shingles
• You have symptoms of neuralgia, especially if over-the-counter pain medications do not relieve your pain
• You have severe pain (see a pain specialist)
Prevention
Treating related disorders such as diabetes and renal insufficiency may prevent some neuralgias. Strict control of blood sugar may prevent nerve damage in people with diabetes. In the case of shingles, there is some evidence that antiviral drugs can prevent neuralgia.
If you have this problem, but still have a good result after mane treatments, you can try acupuncture, maybe it can help you.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist
When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your pain and tendinitis, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about knee pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.
If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

]]> http://drwin.co.nz/neuralgiatrigeminal-neuralgia.html/feed 0 Restless legs syndrome and acupuncture http://drwin.co.nz/restless-legs-syndrome-and-acupuncture.html http://drwin.co.nz/restless-legs-syndrome-and-acupuncture.html#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:37:33 +0000 admin http://drwin.co.nz/?p=478 Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects an estimated 12 million people worldwide. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the incidence may be somewhat higher in females and most patients with severe cases are diagnosed during middle age. Older patients tend to face more severe symptoms than younger adults and children.

Symptoms
1. The common symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS) include a strong urge to move your legs when sitting or lying down and strange leg sensations described as creeping, crawling or tugging. Involuntary leg movements and jerking often occur. People with restless legs syndrome often can achieve temporary relief from these feelings only when moving their legs or walking.
Causes
2. According to the Mayo Clinic, restless legs syndrome may be caused by several factors. Heredity is thought to be responsible for one-third of the cases, as many members of the same family are often affected. Other possible causes include pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal changes. Iron deficiency has been observed in many patients with the condition and there is a possible link between restless legs syndrome and kidney failure. Stress is a factor in both the development of the condition and the exacerbation of symptoms.
Acupuncture
3. Originating in China, acupuncture has been used to treat medical conditions and physical ailments for thousands of years. The principal theory states that acupuncture can release trapped energy within the body–energy that is responsible for creating disease–by inserting needles along the meridian points to balance vital energy. Sessions generally last between 20 and 30 minutes. Depending on the ailment being treated, you may need anywhere from six to 12 sessions.
Acupuncture for RLS
4. Acupuncture is especially successful in treating stress-related disorders. By releasing tension and unblocking stagnant energy, acupuncture induces relaxation and an overall feeling of calm. Traditional Chinese medicine claims that RLS is caused by an energy blockage in the lower legs. By moving the legs, the stagnant energy becomes temporarily unblocked, calming symptoms. Acupuncturists claim they can relieve RLS symptoms by releasing the stagnant energy trapped along the lower leg meridian.
Considerations
5. More research needs to be conducted to determine the effects of acupuncture on restless legs syndrome. There is no known cure for RLS. If you suffer from this condition, you should focus on improving your overall health and eliminating stress from your life. Acupuncture may be a useful tool for reducing stress and promoting relaxation and wellness.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your pain and tendinitis, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about knee pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

]]> http://drwin.co.nz/restless-legs-syndrome-and-acupuncture.html/feed 0 Achilles tendinitis http://drwin.co.nz/achilles-tendinitis.html http://drwin.co.nz/achilles-tendinitis.html#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:37:39 +0000 admin http://drwin.co.nz/?p=464 Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the Achilles tendon (the tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel).

Causes

There are two large muscles in the calf: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles generate the power for pushing off with the foot or going up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel.

These are important muscles for walking. This tendon can become inflamed, most commonly as a result of overuse or arthritis, although inflammation can also be associated with trauma and infection.

Tendinitis due to overuse is most common in younger individuals and can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes, especially in sports like basketball that involve jumping. Jumping places a large amount of stress on the Achilles tendon.

Tendinitis from arthritis is more common in the middle-aged and elderly population.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually include pain in the heel when walking or running. The tendon is usually painful to touch and the skin over the tendon may be swollen and warm.

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam and look for tenderness along the tendon and for pain in the area of the tendon when you stand on your toes.

Imaging studies can also be helpful. X-rays can help diagnose arthritis, and an MRI will show inflammation in the tendon.
Treatment

Treatment usually involves:

* Ice
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
* Rest
* Physical therapy
*acupuncture

You should limit any activities that make the symptoms worse.

Occasionally, a cast, brace, or boot may be used to keep the heel still and allow the swelling to go down.

If these treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgery may be needed to remove inflamed tissue and abnormal areas of the tendon.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your pain and tendinitis, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about knee pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

]]> http://drwin.co.nz/achilles-tendinitis.html/feed 0 5 Steps to a Healthy Heart with Acupuncture http://drwin.co.nz/5-steps-to-a-healthy-heart-with-acupuncture.html http://drwin.co.nz/5-steps-to-a-healthy-heart-with-acupuncture.html#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:20:32 +0000 admin http://drwin.co.nz/?p=457 5 Steps to a Healthy Heart with Acupuncture

Newsletter JulyFebruary is the American Heart Association’s Heart Health Awareness Month, emphasizing the dangers of heart disease and the importance of heart health.

Heart disease includes conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Despite dramatic medical advances over the past fifty years, heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally and the number one cause of death in the United States.

By integrating acupuncture and Oriental medicine into your heart healthy lifestyle, you can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease.

Taking small steps to improve your health can reduce your risk for heart disease by as much as eighty percent. Steps to prevention include managing high blood pressure, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and improved sleep – all of which can be helped with acupuncture.

1. Manage High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, increasing its oxygen demands and contributing to angina. This excessive pressure can lead to an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), as well as damage to blood vessels in the kidneys and brain. It increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease.

Acupuncture has been found to be particularly helpful in lowering blood pressure. By applying acupuncture needles at specific sites along the wrist, inside the forearm or in the leg, researchers at the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, were able to stimulate the release of opioids, which decreases the heart’s activity and thus its need for oxygen. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure.

2. Quit Smoking
Most people associate cigarette smoking with breathing problems and lung cancer. But did you know that smoking is also a major cause of coronary artery disease? In fact, about twenty percent of all deaths from heart disease are directly related to cigarette smoking.

Acupuncture has shown to be an effective treatment for smoking. Acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation focus on jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness; symptoms that people commonly complain about when they quit. It also aids in relaxation and detoxification.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity is associated with diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, all of which increase the risk of developing heart disease, but studies have shown that excess body weight itself (and not just the associated medical conditions) can also lead to heart failure. Even if you are entirely healthy otherwise, being overweight still places you at a greater risk of developing heart failure.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are an excellent adjunctive tool when it comes to losing weight. They can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

4. Reduce Stress
Stress is a normal part of life. But if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pains, or irregular heart beats. Medical researchers aren’t sure exactly how stress increases the risk of heart disease. Stress itself might be a risk factor, or it could be that high levels of stress make other risk factors worse. For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure goes up, you may overeat, you may exercise less, and you may be more likely to smoke.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and mental health. In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole gamut of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at home.

5. Improve Sleep
Poor sleep has been linked with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Researchers have shown that getting at least eight hours of sleep is needed for good heart health and getting less than eight hours of sleep can put you at a greater risk for developing heart disease.

Acupuncture has shown great success treating a wide array of sleep problems without any of the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids. The acupuncture treatments for problems sleeping focus on the root disharmony within the body that is causing the insomnia. Therefore, those who use acupuncture for insomnia achieve not only better sleep, but also an overall improvement of physical and mental health.

Visit your acupuncturist during Heart Health Awareness Month to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can assist you with your heart health and help you to live a long, healthy life.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your problem, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about the problem and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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