(Reprinted with permission from The Key West Citizen’s Health File, January 2011)
Acupuncture can help seniors feel better
Special to The Citizen
Acupuncture has been a source of primary medicine for over 3,000 years. Today it remains an effective option in health care because of its multidimensional approach.
Many consider it to be preventative – used to prevent disease. Others say it can slow the aging process. Some use it to promote overall health. Aficionados say acupuncture can also be therapeutic and curative when used to restore balance to the body, mind and spirit.
Ashley Hoyt, an alternative medicine clinician and acupuncturist in Key West, said acupuncture works to revitalize the body’s natural healing capability and boost the immune system.
“Acupuncture improves the function of challenged organ systems in many ways. It increases the circulation of blood throughout the whole body, improves lymphatic circulation, neurotransmitter synapses, influences the balance of brain chemistry and creates natural pain relieving endorphins. These endorphins also give and maintain a sense of improved overall well being,” she said.
Patients suffering from such illnesses as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, COPD, and blood disorders are said to improve with acupuncture.
“This is because the body is more capable of resolving the severity of symptoms with the help of acupuncture,” Hoyt said. “If you are dealing with a chronic illness, or close to one who is, you know how debilitating this daily challenge is. Often, secondary complications develop such as depression, malaise, fatigue, anxiety and a loss of interest in life. Hoyt said if the body’s natural healing capability has more energy to do its job, there is more energy left over for an overall sense of wellbeing.
Of course, Hoyt said, acupuncture can help those who are fortunate to have more minor complaints: memory issues, mood swings and hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture has also been used to treat pre- and post-menopausal symptoms, PMS, difficult menses as well as other women’s health issues.
“Chinese medicine is a common alternative medicine used for issues during pregnancy including pain, fatigue, morning sickness, as well as prolonged labor and breach fetus,” Hoyt said.
It’s not uncommon for Hoyt’s patients to seek her help with depression, insomnia, chemical dependence and the negative side effects of stress.
Hoyt said she sees more studies being published everyday about the positive effects of Eastern medicine and how it can be incorporated into Western treatment.
“Not only the National Institute of Health, but many medical acupuncture associations are working with experts of Chinese medicine to map out how it work, why it works and how it can be used more successfully today and in future,” Hoyt said.
For more information about Ashley Hoyt and the Clinic of Alternative Medicine or to inquire about services, call 305-296-5358 or stop by 3420 Duck Ave.
