Category: Acupuncture

Holistic Help For Depression

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depression holisticApproximately 50% of patients newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder relapse after achieving remission on the first antidepressant prescribed.  There are multiple factors associated with relapses such as:  prior history of depression or anxiety, ethnicity and prior functional status.

There are many classes of antidepressant medications that can be utilized for treatment.  There are also many natural agents/therapies that can be useful in treating depressive symptoms.  These include L-methylfolate, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), creatinine, B complex vitamins, vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids, and acupuncture.   Often times, these therapies are used as adjuncts with prescription medications for depressive symptoms.

L-methylfolate is a nutritional food (neutraceutical) that spurs the production of more neurotransmitters.  These neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine which help regulate our moods and alleviate depression.

SAMe is a crucial component of three metabolism pathways.  One of these pathways boosts levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Creatinine plays an important role in brain energy metabolism balance; studies have shown that altered cerebral energy metabolism may be a precursor to depression development.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  She offers many natural treatment options for depression, including those discussed above and  acupuncture.   For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the office at (813) 902-9559.

 

 

Can Acupuncture Help Treat Infertility?

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Treatment by acupuncture. The doctor uses needles for treatment of the patient.Numerous studies have shown acupuncture may assist in boosting female fertility rates by increasing hormone levels and blood flow to the uterus.  In turn, the uterine lining is thickened which enhances embryo implantation.  Acupuncture is also beneficial for relaxation and stress.  Many infertility clinics promote acupuncture as an important component of the in vitro fertilization process.  Fertility regimens vary slightly, but the majority involve needling the abdomen, lower extremities and ears.  Sessions are usually performed two to three times weekly for several months.

For women who are under the age of 35 and are unable to conceive,  fertility experts recommend an examination by a physician to rule out structural abnormalities prior to beginning acupuncture treatments.  In women over the age of 40, experts recommend using acupuncture as an adjunct to standard treatment regimens.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers acupuncture to her patients for a variety of diagnoses including infertility.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (813) 902-9559.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

Can Acupuncture Help Me Be Less Stressed?

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Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress.  This ancient Chinese therapy actually reduces levels of a protein that is linked to chronic stress.  Scientists have recently been able to measure the amount of protein neuropeptide Y which is secreted during the “flight or fight” response to acute stress.  In studies, electro-acupuncture has been shown to block the chronic stress-induced elevations of these proteins.  Electro-acupuncture is a more intense form of therapy than manual acupuncture; it is also commonly used for pain management.  During this type of therapy, a small painless electrical charge is delivered through the acupuncture needle.  Electro-acupuncture can also be effective utilizing “needle-less” acupuncture.  With this method, a small hand-held micro-current stimulation device is used on acu-points instead of needles.

Chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and elevated blood pressure amongst other conditions.  Stress has also been linked to premature cell aging.  It is thought that stress accounts for approximately half of the healthcare-related expenses in America.  In addition to acupuncture, recommendations to decrease stress levels include eating regular balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and daily exercise.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann also offers comprehensive acupuncture services to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Acupuncture for Nausea and Vomiting in Tampa and St. Petersburg

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Acupuncture has been used often to assuage nausea and vomiting in a variety of illnesses. The use of specific acupuncture points or a combination of points have been shown to prevent, minimize, or stop nausea and vomiting. The National Institutes of Health (1997) stated that “Promising results have emerged showing efficacy of acupuncture in adult post-operative patients as well as chemo-therapy related nausea and vomiting.” (The Cochrane Review, published in the Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 1)

The results of several randomized, blind studies were published in the Science Daily, April 6, 2009 showing that the use of one specific acupuncture point (P-6) could also be an effective, non-invasive treatment for morning sickness in early pregnancy. One of the doctors participating in the studies explained that stimulating just this one point signals the brain to release neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins which block the other chemicals that cause the nausea and vomiting.

In Chinese Medicine, when a woman becomes pregnant, the vital substances of her body are collected together to form the new life. This change often causes a disruption of the blood and qi of the body, leading to “rebellious Stomach” causing nausea or vomiting.

Although many clinical studies have been done using only one point, in actual Chinese clinical practice, the acupuncturist will use multiple points according to the individual’s specific presentation of symptoms. The combination of points, are much more effective than a single point for each person since they are customized to the person’s needs.

The best advantage about using acupuncture for any of these purposes is that it can be used with anti-nausea medicines without interrupting their effects, thereby assisting in the management of these symptoms.

To schedule your acupuncture appointment in the offices of Anne Hermann, M.D.,PA. in Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg, FL, call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Acupuncture for Arthritis in Tampa and St. Petersburg

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Is Acupuncture an Effective Treatment for Arthritis?

Acupuncture for arthritis has proven over time to be a successful method of finding relief from arthritis pain.   Research specifically in this area now shows that people who had been suffering from the pain and restrictions of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the conditions treated with acupuncture.

As published in the U.S. News and World Report (1/03/05), researchers at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine took on a 4 year, large scale blind study to examine whether acupuncture could be helpful for arthritis sufferers.   Two months into the study, patients found that their ability to function had already improved noticeably.  At the end of the study, patients receiving acupuncture treatments rated their pain at 40% lower on a standardized scale than when they began.  They also clearly noted that their ability to function had increased by 40%.

How does it work?  Since there are a variety of complex conditions that can cause the onset of arthritis, Chinese medicine takes the approach of finding the source of each individual’s symptoms.  The common factor involved in all cases is inflammation caused by a lack of smooth circulation of the Qi – our body’s innate energy, and blood circulating in the affected area.  Acupuncturists address the interconnection between the two as a first step in relieving pain. It is important that both are in optimal strength and motion to keep ourselves healthy and active. In addition, with arthritis there is an obstruction causing the interruption of the collective flow of energy and blood.  This obstruction can be any condition which aggravates the joints, such as too much exposure cold, damp, or over use.  After assessing the condition, a combination of acupuncture points is chosen specifically for each person in order to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.

Acupuncture also helps regulate the body’s nervous system.  Western studies have shown that stimulating acupoints can cause multiple biologic reactions, for example, stimulating the release of endorphins, our natural pain managers.

When treating osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis an acupuncturist will use acu-points in the affected joint along with points away from the pain which is related to the problem.  This is because the science of acupuncture works with the interconnected flow of “qi” throughout the entire body. In this way endorphins are released to relax the body at a deep level, restore the tendons and muscles to their natural, flexible state, and relieve multiple pain sites.

Currently a variety of studies have been conducted to measure the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatments for managing arthritis, each with positive results.  Patients demonstrated consistently lower pain levels and improved quality of life.

To schedule your acupuncture appointment in the offices of Anne Hermann, M.D., P.A., call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Acupuncture for Fertility in Tampa and St. Petersburg

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Anne Hermann, M.D.

Dr. Anne Hermann’s evidence–based approach to medicine includes the use of acupuncture treatments for fertility in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Approximately 1 in 6 couples struggle to get pregnant, and acupuncture has been proven to not only increase the chances of getting pregnant, but to increase the likelihood of a safe and healthy pregnancy as well. Medical studies prove that acupuncture can increase both a male and female’s reproductive health.

How does acupuncture address infertility?
Medical studies prove that acupuncture can counteract infertility by decreasing the effects of stress and balancing one’s hormones. Acupuncture helps to increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries as well. Additionally acupuncture for fertility will:
• Minimize the effects of drugs used in IVF
• Strengthen the immune system
• Reduce the chance of miscarriage
• Improve the quantity and mobility of sperm

Medical studies prove acupuncture works for fertility
In a medical study of IVF transfer patients, there was a 43% pregnancy rate in the group receiving acupuncture 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer. This study was done in Germany in 2002 by Wolfgang E. Paulus.
In a clinical study by Paul C. Magarelli, M.D., Ph. D, the study used two group of women seeking to get pregnant. One group received real acupuncture treatments while the other group thought they were receiving acupuncture treatments, but in fact were not. The group that received the actual medical acupuncture treatments had a higher pregnancy rate of 28.4%.
The listed research was published in Fertility and Sterility, the journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

The offices of Dr. Anne Hermann treat fertility patients on a daily basis in their Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater offices. Dr. Hermann works with several reproductive medicine groups in Tampa and St Pete with excellent results. To schedule your acupuncture appointment, call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Back Pain Relief through Acupuncture in Tampa and St. Petersburg

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Anne Hermann, MD

Acupuncture has been medically proven to effectively address back pain. The medical practice of Anne Hermann, MD in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL is based on evidenced-based medicine that includes acupuncture treatments that relieve back pain. Back pain relief provided by acupuncture is not a placebo affect but is clearly proven to provide long term relief in medical studies.

In a recent report from the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine, 33 studies including 2200 patients were analyzed. The studies were done based on the gold standard of medical evaluation which included testing done with true acupuncture and sham studies. In the sham studies, needles were placed incorrectly or not inserted. The results proved that acupuncture treated back pain in the both short term, 3 weeks after the last treatment, as well as back pain relief for long term periods.

Back pain is the most common condition treated by the medical acupuncture physicians in the offices of Anne Hermann, M.D., P.A. in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL. A full medical evaluation is recommended in the first visit, followed by three acupuncture treatments. Following the third acupuncture treatment, your condition will be reevaluated for continued acupuncture treatments or other medical therapies.
To schedule your acupuncture appointment, please call 813-335-5649.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Karin Danish, Acupuncture Physician Tampa St. Pete

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Posted by Anne Hermann on Fri, Nov 09, 2012 @ 10:43 AM

KARIN A. DANISH, A.P., D.O.M

Karin Danish is a well-respected acupuncture physician who recently joined the practice of Anne Hermann MD, PA. in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Karin Danish received her acupuncture training from the Florida Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine, with degrees in both Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.  Her experience is extensive and Karin has participated in many respected studies including:

  • Women’s Health, Gynecology and Fertility with Jeffrey Yuen
  • Functional Endocrinology
  • Thyroid testing and treatment with Functional Medicine
  • Cold Laser treatment for smoking cessation, drug and alcohol addiction.
  • NADA training for addiction release
  • BioSet Allergy Neutralizing System
  • Natural Hormone Balancing through saliva testing and natural compounding
  • Research and application of findings for increased sports performance and
  • Sports Injuries Treatment
  • On-going studies of the Brain, Stress effects, Neurotransmitter disruption and adjustment with supplements and herbs.

Her goal in working through the offices of Anne Hermann M.D., P.A. is to provide acupuncture and health care while contributing to the integrity of the community.

To schedule your appointment with Karin Danish, please call the offices of Anne Hermann, MD, PA at (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Micropoint Stimulation: Painless Acupuncture by Tampa St. Pete’s Medical Acupuncturist

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Posted by Anne Hermann on Thu, May 10, 2012 @ 11:03 AM

Microcurrent Point Stimulation is a technique in which an acupuncturist, physical therapist or massage therapist applies low frequency, DC current stimulation to acupuncture and trigger points.  It is FDA approved and often covered by insurance as part of a physical therapy treatment.  The treatment takes 5 to 15 minutes.  It feels like a buzzing on the surface of the skin.  Micropoint stimulation is a well proven method for pain management.  It can be used on its own or with physical therapy to give improvement in pain above physical therapy alone.

If you are considering acupuncture, but are afraid of needles, microcurrent point stimulation is a safe, effective way to have the benefits of acupuncture without needles.  Many patients request laser acupuncture.  This is a technique in which low level lasers is applied to acupuncture points.  While we have the laser required for laser acupuncture, we do not use it much. Painless acupuncture without needles is better than laser acupuncture. Microcurrent Point Stimulation is better proven by studies and is the method we prefer to use.

Anne Hermann, MD is double board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. To schedule your appointment, please call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Trigger Point Injections for Pain Management: From Tampa and St Petersburg’s Holistic Pain Doctor

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Posted by Anne Hermann on Fri, May 04, 2012 @ 07:04 AM

Dr. Anne Hermann

Most adults have small, tender, damaged areas inside muscles called trigger points.  They are the size of a pencil eraser and feel like a knot when you press on them.  They can be in any muscle, including the neck, jaw, back, shoulder, hip, arm and leg muscles.  Trigger points are caused by injury or overusing a muscle.

A doctor performs trigger point injections by injecting into the trigger point.  The fluid injected can be sterile saline, lidocaine, steroid or herbal anti-inflammatory such as Trameel.  Trigger points have scar tissue inside them that prevents healthy blood flow.  The fluid breaks up the knot so that the muscle will relax and normal blood flow can return to the area.  Often, the patient will feel a muscle ‘release’ as when the knot is injected.

Trigger point injections are safe and often covered by insurance.  They can provide significant relief for many pain syndromes.  In our clinic, we also perform trigger point release with pressure or “dry needling” in which we needle the trigger point to release the knot, but do not inject fluid.

Learn how acupuncture point injection therapy and trigger point injection work together to eliminate pain at Dr. Terry Graham’s blog: http://www.doctorhermann.com/blog/bid/129100/Acupuncture-Treatments-Tampa-St-Pete-Acupoint-Injection-Therapy.  Even Dr. Oz has supports trigger point injections as an alternate cure for pain:http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/alternative-cure-biopuncture

Anne Hermann, MD is double board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. To schedule your consult, please call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.