Role of Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Mediating the Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Acupuncture on Inflammatory Pain
I’m slowly making some progress on my chapter on Inflammation and acupuncture’s role in decreasing it, as well as other “natural” means of mitigating it. This article is a great summary of some of the messengers and mechanisms of how acupuncture works to limit inflammation. It’s complicated to be sure, but to me, very exciting. …
Read MoreSan Francisco and Iceland: Success Stories for the Covid Vaccine
Both Iceland and San Francisco are seen as having had low Covid case rates and high vaccination rates. But with the Delta variant, both places had a surge this summer in cases and hospitalizations. Iceland is 77% vaccinated, San Francisco 73%, the U.S. 53%. At the height of the surge in mid-August, the Washington Post reported…
Read MoreHow Aduhelm Got FDA Approval
Quote: “This incident has shaken F.D.A. integrity quite significantly,” said Wayne Pines, a former F.D.A. senior official who has written histories about the agency. “The F.D.A. is obligated to be sure that all stones are turned over, that every avenue is pursued to make sure that this was a decision that was made on the…
Read MoreTAVNS and HRV: Statistical Analysis of Studies
Keywords: Bayesian statistics; heart rate variability; meta-analysis; tVNS; transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation. In this study, there was no evidence of TAVNS affecting the vagally mediated component of HRV. Researchers believe, however, that TAVNS does more to inhibit sympathetic activity than increase vagal activity, so TAVNS still might have benefit in improving autonomic balance.This study…
Read MoreClinic Use of TAVNS: Parameters and Best Practices
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6867597/ This is a good, general overview of best practices for administering TAVNS in the clinic. I’m posting it here for reference. Badran BW, Yu AB, Adair D, et al. Laboratory Administration of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS): Technique, Targeting, and Considerations. J Vis Exp. 2019;(143):10.3791/58984. Published 2019 Jan 7. doi:10.3791/58984
Read MoreBenefits of Moderate Exercise
This is good news. Moderate exercise is easier to maintain, easier to look forward to, and less likely to lead to injury. “All exercise is good,” Dr. Burr says. But “there are nuances.” Frequent, almost-daily moderate exercise may be preferable for improving blood pressure and ongoing blood-sugar control, compared to infrequent intervals, he says, while…
Read MoreElectroacupuncture ameliorates intestinal inflammation by activating α7nAChR-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in postoperative ileus.
acupuncture/electroacupuncture can suppress inflammation. It does this by harnessing the immune system feedbacks. One of which involves vagal stimulationI’m working on my chapter for my writing project on Inflammation, and this study came across the transom. I fully realize that this is a jargon heavy topic. The point of posting it, is to show that…
Read MoreInternational Neuromodulation Society Poster Submission, Abstract, References and Expanded Content
I am submitting my E poster for the International Neuromodulation Society today. It is an observational case study looking at the potential for using DFAα, a nonlinear HRV as a biomeasure to evaluate the addition of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (TAVNS) to standard acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture improves autonomic tone (increases vagal-parasympathetic activity and decreases sympathetic…
Read MoreTAVNS in Mice with Ear Pod improves memory challenges
This is a bachelor’s degree project of a young scientist in Barcelona. They study the value of TAVNS, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation on memory retention in mice. I have been using TAVNS on certain patients in addition to acupuncture and monitoring their Heart Rate Variability. Some of my patients have electrodes that I made…
Read MoreCaffeine. The Invisible Addiction by Michael Pollan. Borrowing energy, wrecking sleep
This is a fascinating article by Michael Pollan about the hidden side effects of caffeine. He goes through the history of coffee and caffeine, it’s a relatively new aspect of life. He talks about the different studies showing that caffeine improves cognitive performance, focus and concentration. But when it comes to creativity, the benefits may…
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