Articles by Benjamen Clancy, DAOM, L.Ac. Dipl. Ac.
Acupuncture Injection Therapy & Biopuncture
Acupuncture injection therapy APIT is the injection of sterile homeopathic medicines, Chinese herbal injectables, vitamins e.g., vitamin B-12, and amino acids into traditional acupuncture points. Biopuncture uses the same forementioned substances, however the treatment points used are local pain points which may include trigger-points. Read more.
A Simple Way to Begin Improving Your Health Right Now
I love it when things in life confirm and parallel one another! I would like to share information on breathing and how it can profoundly impact our health in a negative and positive way. The subject of this writing is restricted breath flow (hypoventilation) in contrast to deep breathing and their effect on our health. My observations come from over 20 years clinical practice of Chinese medicine and over 25 years of Aikido practice. Read More
Acupuncture for Menopause Symptoms
Are you experiencing menopausal symptoms or know someone who is? Menopausal symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness, anxiety and/or irritability (Webmd, 2014). These symptoms can severely affect the quality of one’s life. Western medical intervention may include hormonal therapy (HT) and/or antidepressants; however these often come with unwanted side effects both short term and long. I would like to share with you how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) including acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help to ameliorate menopausal symptoms with little to no associated side effects. In this article we will explore Western Medical and TCM perspectives of the causes (both natural and induced) of menopausal symptoms. We will also identify treatment strategies of both Western Medical therapy and TCM for this condition. Read More
Do you suffer from sciatica? Here’s some good news, acupuncture can help you get back to your old-self! I have been able to help hundreds of patients suffering from sciatica. I’m not saying acupuncture is a cure all, but I have seen some of the worst cases of sciatic out there and still have been able to make a positive change pertaining to pain reduction i.e., intensity, frequency and/or duration. Acupuncture has a lot to offer when it comes to sciatica including pain and inflammation reduction, muscle relaxation, improved blood flow and even regeneration of the sciatic nerve. In this paper, we will explore the specifics of what acupuncture is able to do, but for now let’s start with the basics and discover more about sciatica. Read More
Abstract
Background: Night sweats and hot flashes are two symptoms regularly experienced with the use of Tamoxifen; often severely affecting the quality of life. Tamoxifen is prescribed to treat and prevent breast cancer in both men and women.
Objective: To evaluate the response of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in a female patient breast cancer survivor taking Tamoxifen.
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Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture can be an effective way of mitigating the side effects commonly associated with the use of hormonal therapies, specifically Tamoxifen. Patients who experience night sweats and hot flashes as a side effect of the pharmaceutical Tamoxifen may benefit from TCM intervention. Read More
When diets come to mind one might think of Ketogenic, Paleo, Atkins, Mediterranean, vegetarian or vegan diet, to name a few. The Chinese have had their own version of a healthful diet for thousands of years, though concerned less with the specific notion of weight loss. In theory, the lifestyle of eating presented by this healthful diet preempts any need for weight loss. Traditional Chinese Medicine Diet Therapy is concerned with the totality of health embodied innately in one’s body by the proper application of the ancient principals found within Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine diet therapy is a reliable approach to a healthy lifestyle based upon thousands of years of empirical evidence. Read More
So, “what is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?” This is a common question I hear in my clinic almost on a daily basis. Here’s how I explain the differences and similarities to my patients. I like to begin by explaining acupuncture is only one tool which is used under the umbrella of Chinese medicine. Other tools include, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui na (massage), cupping, moxa, Chinese diet therapy, exercise (tai qi), to name a few. Acupuncture is a broad term used to describe many forms of needling techniques used to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. One of those needling techniques is dry needling. Read More
This is a pdf file of the Winter 2017 Issue of Meridians, the Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. It contains a case report by Dr. Clancy on page 19, Use of Chinese Medicine to Treat Recurrent Secondary Vesicoureteral Reflux Symptoms as a Result of Chronic Urinary Tract Infections: A Case Report