Neuroplasticity of Acupuncture for Stroke: An Evidence-Based Review of MRI
This article is way above my head. The details of MRI studies are foreign to me. But, as with so many other aspects of acupuncture, the science is starting to explain the empirical successes of acupuncture. What always seemed like placebo and wishful thinking actually has firm roots in measurable phenomena. Neuroplasticity of Acupuncture for…
Read MoreAcupuncture for prevention of Cis-Platinum neuropathy: role of GRK2
These studies are getting more and more granular and exciting! In this study, preventative electroacupuncture in mice reduced peripheral neuropathy in animals. This all contributes to the effort to figure out best practices for using more acupuncture for maintenance and prevention. This concept, of course, is a mainstay of ancient practice. Spinal Neuronal GRK2 Contributes…
Read MoreCardiac Response to Auricular Acupuncture
Dynamic_Pulse_Reaction_-_Update_2020 Litscher This reflex auricular cardiac (RAC)reaction is something that Litscher is interested in. From what I gather, it is an immediate reaction to ear needling that can be detected by wearable technologies. He acknowledges work done with Heart Rate Variability, which is my focus. “Litscher et al. [7] published an original article in Integrative…
Read MoreOura Ring for Sleep Analysis: Longer Sleep Longer Life
According to Professor Matthew Walker, the more and better your sleep, the longer your life. Lack of sleep contributes to a long list of health problems. I’ve been using the Oura ring mainly to analyze my sleep. I am not at all sure how reliable it is! But for those who are interested in seeing…
Read MoreSpecific vagus nerve stimulation parameters alter serum cytokine levels in the absence of inflammation
This is an important article to keep in mind. Just as in this latest article from Harvard, stimulation parameters really matter when trying to activate vagal activity. This study is in animals and directly stimulation the vagus nerve. If you get it wrong, you can get the opposite effect. That is why I think my…
Read MoreTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and heart rate variability: Analysis of parameters and targets
Use of Trancutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation TAVNS, might be helpful to augment acupuncture for many different conditions since improved parasympathetic activity can mitigate inflammation globally in the body. I’ve been studying this with HRV in conjunction with acupuncture, which also improves parasympathetic activity. Machetanz K, Berelidze L, Guggenberger R, Gharabaghi A. Transcutaneous auricular vagus…
Read MoreHow Acupuncture Targets Inflammation. From Harvard Gazette
Harvard gazette does a great job explaining the importance of this Nature article that I wrote about when it came out. It’s great to have professional science writers do the explaining! A subset of neurons in the hindlimbs have been found to trigger an anti-inflammatory response when acupuncture is applied. Andrey Popov “This study…
Read MoreThe Role of the Vagus Nerve in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Patients with fibromyalgia often have low vagal activity and low Heart Rate Variability. Acupuncture and TAVNS can help. Review article The role of the vagus nerve in fibromyalgia syndrome Author links open overlay panelDaniel F.MartinsabFrederic J.F.ViseuxcdDaiana C.SalmabAnny Caroline AvelinoRibeiroaHelen Kassiana Lopesda SilvaaLynsey A.SeimeEdsel B.BittencourtfGianlucaBiancoghAri Ojeda OcampoMoréiWilliam R.ReedjkLeidianeMazzardo-Martinsl Show more Add to Mendeley Share Cite https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.021Get…
Read MoreVitamin B2 for migraines
Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, 400 mg, has been shown to be effective in preventing migraine. This article isn’t new. In fact I’ve discussed Vitamin B2 for headaches before. But it’s a good reminder to me and, hopefully, the readers too! Cheap, Safe Migraine Relief Riboflavin, aka vitamin B2, may offer migraine sufferers an inexpensive treatment…
Read MoreExercise activates vagal induction of dopamine and attenuates systemic inflammation
Even low intensity exercise can improve overall inflammation, not by muscle response but due to vagal nerve activity. One session of low intensity exercise in mice attenuated serum levels of inflammatory markers (cytokines), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. It appears that TNF (tumor necrosis factor-a proinflammatory cytokine) was decreased because of activity in the subdiaphragmatic vagus…
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