Facial Paralysis & Bell's Palsy

On three occasions this past year I have seen clinical presentations of Facial Paralysis. Each time, the patient arrived having a western medical diagnosis of "Bell's Palsy". Chinese Medicine views Facial Paralysis as an invasion of Wind Cold disrupting the Qi and Blood of the channels. The treatment plan is to Disperse Qi and expel Wind.

The first case was in the later stages of the condition with the patient suffering from: significant loss of facial continuity (droop), diminished sensitivity to a majority of the left side, diminished ability to taste, and excessive tearing. The clinical goal in this case was to attempt to reverse the symptoms of the condition through acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and moxibustion.

Both the second and third cases arrived very soon after diagnosis (within 72hrs) and both manifested similarly with: dull occipital headache, mild tinnitus, mild loss of facial continuity. One case reported a sense of dizzyness or lack of balance. The clinical goal in these cases was to eliminate wind and disperse the qi of the channels coursing the head and face (Primarily Gall Bladder and Stomach).

Acupuncture point selection for these cases was very similar regardless of the stage or symptoms presenting. My preference for needling pathogenic wind cases is a very shallow insertion on the head and face with empirical depths on the distal points.

Primary Acu-Points Chosen:

1. Gall Bladder 20 (Fengchi)
2. Gall Bladder 14 (Yangbai)
3. Stomach 4 (Dicang)
4. Stomach 2 (Sibai)
5. Large Intestine 4 (Hegu)

Secondary Acu-Points Chosen:

1. DU 20
2. Stomach 6 (Jiache)
3. Stomach 36 (Zusanli)
4. Stomach 44 (Neiting)

*  Distal points needled bilateral
**Points on the head and face all needled Ipsilateral

For the more chronic case electro-acupuncture was used. Selection of points for this method can vary depending on practitioner style and patient tolerance. For this case leads were attached to Stomach 6 and Large Intestine 4 at 7Hz for a duration of 20 minutes. Electro-acupuncture is not typically employed during the acute stages of Facial Paralysis (Bell's Palsy). Electro-acupuncture should always be used cautiously on the head and face. If the patient does not have a western medical diagnosis of Bell's Palsy and presents with facial paralysis I will refer them to their primary care physician immediately to rule out any cerebro-vascular possibilities.

For each of the three cases moxibustion was used via Tigertherm. This technique is designed to assist in dispelling cold and moving local qi and blood. In this application Tigertherm is used in two "routes". One route beginning at Stomach 3 and following the Stomach meridian to Stomach 8 and the second,  sweeping the eyebrow from Urinary Bladder 2 across to extra-point Taiyang. I begin this technique on the unaffected side so the patient can feel the proper sensation and so I can gauge the warmth of the Tigertherm. Caution is used on the affected side due to loss of sensitivity; for which I use a lighter, faster technique.

Sessions for the acute cases were twice per week for three weeks. Sessions for the chronic case was twice the first week and once per week for the following four weeks. Acupuncture was always performed with other modalities incorporated accordingly.

The results of these treatments were all noticeably positive, all within six visits. In the acute cases, both reported no occipital headache and facial continuity perceived as 'normal' within the first four treatments. In a report of findings following the sixth treatment, the case with the dizzyness/lack of balance reported lower frequency and intensity of this sensation. The tinnitus remained relatively unchanged in this case. The second case reported improvement of the tinnitus to only occasional and very light.

The chronic case noticed an improvement of sensation and movement of the mouth and cheek within the first three treatments. With improved sensation the perceived facial continuity also improved. Within the first six treatments improvement was also made with the excessive tearing. The tearing was initially persistent throughout the day. Improvement in this case was: occasional tearing in the morning, easy to tear during the day, and less tearing over night. Results relating to loss of taste were inconclusive. The patient reported that she thought she could taste some things more than others but with no definitive way to measure, this change is considered negligible.

There are many factors that go into treating any patient. As such, results are often inconsistent. This approach may work very well in most cases and not at all in others. The beauty of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that you have many modalities at your disposal.

If you have any questions I am always available for a free 15-minute consult. Call or come by our downtown location at Accelerate Health~ Mike Allen, L.Ac.

What's In Your Mouth

Ever since preservatives were introduced into foods in the 1950's there has been a continuum of food exploration that may finally be out of control.
Dr. George Wald a Nobel Laureate in Medicine in 1967 and a Higgins Professor of Biology at Harvard University said:

"Recombinant DNA technology faces our society with problems unprecedented not only in the history of science, but of life on Earth. It places in human hands the capacity to redesign living organisms, the products of three billion years of evolution. Such intervention must not be confused with previous intrusions upon the natural order of living organisms: animal and plant breeding...All the earlier procedures worked within single or closely related species...Our morality up to now has been to go ahead without restriction to learn all that we can about nature. Restructuring nature was not part of the bargain...this direction may be not only unwise, but dangerous. Potentially, it could breed new animal and plant diseases, new sources of cancer, novel epidemics."

As a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, the impact of foods on the body plays a big part in how I assess the main complaint of each patient.
The quality of foods we eat can directly impact our bodies in many ways. Food itself can have medicinal value but, too frequently, the quality of available foods is poor. A poor nutritional diet can be a key factor in contributing to chronic aches/pains/injuries.
The five branches of TCM are: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, and Exercise/Breathing. As a TCM practitioner I want to take into account all of the things that impact the body and then filter it through the five branches. It's much more than just acupuncture. It's comprehensive care and lifestyle evaluation.
There is a great article in Acupuncture today discussing The Implications of GMO's, Epigenetics and Chinese Medicine on Performance Enhancement.
Performance enhancement is often misconstrued as needing 'something extra' to out perform your opponent. Performance enhancement does not have to directly relate to a sport. I want to make your work performance better, your sleep better, your sex life better... Through acupuncture and TCM I want to enhance the body to be able to operate at peak efficiency, without needing that 3rdy party substance to function at a high level no matter what it is called to do.

As always, if you have any questions about TCM or acupuncture, Contact Us to set up a free 15-minute consult with our acupuncturist, Mike Allen L.Ac., Dipl. OM
And don't forget to Follow us on Facebook for easy appointments and info!!

Acupuncture Study Brings Hope for Parkinsons Disease Patients

The world around us is changing fast. 'Old world' medicine is starting to become new. One of the problems that the Western Medical community has had with Acupuncture is that so many of the studies published in the past did not meet the 'proper' standards. For decades it has been said that the long history of Acupuncture benefits reached in China have all been fabricated. It is now becoming more difficult for people to continue to believe that Acupuncture gets results. Modern research, along with major institutions like the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health are confirming that this ancient medicine has a place in our modern world.

Read This story and find out how Acupuncture is currently being studied for treatment of patients with Parkinson's Disease.

If you have any questions about Acupuncture or want to take advantage of my free consult, Contact Me, Mike Allen L.Ac., at Accelerate Health in downtown Denver to schedule some time to chat ~

What to Expect from Acupuncture treatments

This is a great article to check out in regards to 'how' your treatments should progress with your acupuncturist.  The body is capable of great change. Often that change takes time and only shows in subtle ways. On some occasions, the change is dramatic and overt. Regardless of the speed of change, there needs to be an open line of communication between you and your acupuncturist. The more you tell us, the easier it is for us to tailor your treatment and track what you consider your progress to be. Quality of life is measured differently by everyone and it is impossible for your acupuncturist to gauge your progress compared to another.

Feel free to contact me, Mike Allen L.Ac., with any questions or comments. I am available for free 15 minute consults at the new practice location in downtown Denver, at Accelerate Health, 38 East 5th Ave.

A good thing to keep in mind no matter what kind of care you seek... YOU, the patient, are always in control of your treatments. We, the healers, are but guides...

Acupuncture for Menopause

A common question that comes up during my intakes is; "Can this {acupuncture} do anything for hot flashes?"

My reply is always, "absolutely".  Acupuncture treatments have been used more increasingly to regulate the effects of menopausal syndrome.  With more and more evidence coming out disputing the actual benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), more and more women are seeking alternative methods to regulating the changes that happen during this phase of life.

Menopause is most commonly described in TCM as a Yin deficiency pattern.  Through Acupuncture and herbs the body can be better regulated to supplement the natural decline of Yin in the body.

Like many other treatment scenarios in TCM, it is best to approach this phase of life proactively.  If you are already showing signs and symptoms then the pattern has been at work for some time.  In these cases, the sooner you address the pattern, the sooner (and usually easier) it is to correct it. 

It is important to be consistent with your treatments.  Your body didn't get to to this point overnight and realistically it won't go back that fast either.  I've seen patients get relief with 2-3 treatments and think that they are "all better" and, thus, don't feel the need to continue treatment.  Subsequently the symptoms returned shortly after treatments were discontinued.  Acupuncture and herbs, when given the opportunity, can be very effective in ameliorating the unwanted effects of menopause.

Here is a good article from Acupuncture Today in regards to Acupuncture for Menopause.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or stop by my office downtown for a free 15 minute consult~

Plantar Fasciitis

Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

1. Pain on the plantar surface of the heel.
2. Heel pain that radiates to the toes.
3. Stiffness of the plantar aspect of the foot.
4. Pain early in the morning with initial steps or pain with walking after prolonged sitting.
5. Pain is alleviated with activity but quickly returns.

When one thinks of this condition, it sounds like only one group of tissues is involved.  In actuality, plantar fasciitis can have a number of possible etiologies.  There are three specific structures in the plantar aspect of the foot that are most commonly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis: the muscles of flexor digitorum brevis, and the quadratus plantae along with the plantar aponeurosis.  This grouping of tissues lies more centrally in the foot, whereas the plantar fascia actually lies medial and lateral.  Occasionally, the muscle abductor digiti minimi can be indicated due to it's calcaneal origin and the fact that the quadratus plantae lie just beneath it.  Similarly, the abductor hallucis lies ontop of the medial plantar fascia and any adhesion of these two muscles can create symptoms like plantar fasciitis.  Less frequently, the hallicus brevis is involved.  This deep, strong muscle can be differentiated by testing gait mechanics and looking for hyperpronation during push off.

Plantar Fasciitis is also closely related to the working order of the lower leg, more specifically, gastrocnemius, soleus, flexor hallicus longus, and the achillies tendon.  Trauma in this are can easily refer to the foot.  The best way I have found to ensure that there are no fascia adhesions or nerve entrapments ( medial plantar nerve) in this area is through combined treatments of Active Release Technique® (ART) and acupuncture.  Through ART the muscle condition and gate mechanics of the injury area can be assessed for tissue texture, tension, movement, and function.  There are easily two dozen specific protocols for treating the foot alone.  This should be done by someone that is ART® certified.  Some massage therapists or PT's may claim to 'know some' ART® but do not actually know the protocols and techniques.


So what can be done through acupuncture and to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?  Usually the standard measures of acute care are applied such as: RICE protocol, anti-inflammatories, and stretching.  Acupuncture treatments should be twice a week for at least three weeks.  Treatments should focus on Kidney and Bladder meridian pathologies due to the location of the pain.  Systemically there is likely qi and blood stagnation with the possibility of heat.  Work to nourish blood, move qi and clear any local heat.

Whitfield Reaves has spent a lifetime applying classical acupuncture theory along with western pathology and kinesiology to create applicable protocols for injuries like plantar fasciitis.  I have found that in combination with ART® and acupuncture, plantar fasciitis can be resolved with a high amount of success and longevity.  Here are some classical protocols from Mr. Reaves that I have found useful in practice.



~~Bleeding the alternate KD 1 location on the medial aspect of the fifth digit.  Many classical acupuncture treatments of trauma involve bleeding of the meridian to dredge out the stagnation and create movement in the channel.

~~A Shu-stream combo of UB65 on affected side and SI3 on opposite side.  These points correlate to the TaiYang (Urinary Bladder) region of the calf.

~~KD7&8 Jing river and xi-cleft point of YangQiao mai.  Xi-cleft points are typically indicated for acute pain within a meridian.  The YangQiao mai is an 'eight extra' category of meridian and passes directly through the heel. 

~~KD4&5 a Luo and xi cleft combo of KD.  The use of electrical stimulation between the two points at about 4-6 Hz for pain.  Electrical stimulation can be a very powerful tool in accelerating the healing process in the body as well as providing more immediate analgesic effects.

~~UB56&57 use these points liberally and be sure to hit both heads of the Gastrocnemius as u will hit one or both of the motor/trigger points.

~~'lateral' shi mian and 'medial' shi mian on the heel are also effective.  These points lie directly above the medial and lateral plantar fascia as they originate from the calcaneous.

As always, stop by our Denver Office anytime or call us at 303.863.8330
I am available for free 15 minute consultations to answer any questions you might have!

Insurance Parity Bill Passes

Good news for Colorado Acupuncturists and patients! HB11-1186 passed and will be enacted January 1, 2012... What does this mean for practitioners and patients? The description of the bill is, as follows:

Currently, when an insurance policy or plan provides for reimbursement for services performed by certain health care providers licensed to perform the services, a health insurance carrier cannot deny reimbursement when the services are performed. The bill adds licensed acupuncturists to the list of health care providers that cannot be denied reimbursement.

So now patients can start to claim reimbursement more frequently and actually be repaid for services. This is a huge step for acupuncturists as well. You can read more about the bill and thank the Acupuncture Association of Colorado for their diligence and perseverance~

Runner's Knee

Recently, one of the players on my fantasy basketball team missed a few games due to "Runner's Knee". Yesterday I got an e-mail from my local running group, Runner's Edge of the Rockies, reminding everyone that Spring trail season has begun. I thought this would be a good time to discuss a little bit about Acupuncture, Active Release Technique and how they can help Runner's Knee.


What is Runner's Knee? Commonly referred to as Patellofemoral Syndrome, Runner's Knee isn't always a  singular condition, rather a term used to describe a number of disorders with different causes that all create the same relative discomfort. Some of the most common disorders leading to this type of injury are:

• Overuse.
• Direct trauma to the knee.
• Misalignment. 
• Problems with the feet.
• Weak thigh muscles. 

While most commonly seen in runner's, this condition can affect anyone.  Repeated bending of the knee can irritate the nerves of the kneecap. Overstretching tendons may also cause the pain of Runner's Knee. If any of the bones are slightly out of their correct position -- or misaligned -- physical stress won't be evenly distributed through the knee joint. This can cause pain and damage to the joints. Sometimes, the kneecap itself is slightly out of position. Uneven tension from the Quadriceps muscles can lead to uneven tracking of the patella over the tibiofemoral joint. Runner's knee can also result from flat feet, also called fallen arches or overpronation. This is a condition in which the impact of a step causes the arches of your foot to collapse, thus compromising the mechanics of the foot and ankle, increasing the stress on the the knee joints.

The type of pain associated with Runner's Knee can vary depending on it cause. Commonly we see; A diffuse ache/pain behind or around the kneecap, especially at the junction of the femur and patella. Pain that's worse when walking downstairs or downhill. Mild swelling. Popping or grinding in the joint. Pain is easily recreated with movement (e.g. walking, bending, running).

 Treatment Options for Runner's Knee:

• Firstly, the common acute protocol of R.I.C.E should be applied. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation should help alleviate most symptoms.  

• Secondly, if this is a frequent occurrence, have an assessment.  Go to your doctor, chiropractor, movement specialist, family physician, and have the joints evaluated for mechanics and strength.  Some advanced imaging may be necessary in complex cases. 

• Thirdly, evaluate your options for recovery.  Runner's Knee is typically non surgical and can become a chronic exercise in pain management.  Long term use of anti-inflammatory medications is often not advised.  Here is where Acupuncture and Active Release Technique can benefit you.

Acupuncture can use a combination of Tendinomuscular Meridian treatments (TMM) and Trigger Point activation to alleviate symptoms. TMM treatments are very straight forward and quite often extremely effective.  TMM theory is not overly complex but understanding it involves a fairly intimate understanding of the different types of energy (qi) in the body and how it flows.  Look back in the next few days for a more in depth explanation of TMM.

Understanding trigger points and correctly identifying the muscle groups is another key to getting results.

Trigger points in the Vastus Medialis refer pain to the front and inner side of the knee. Since trigger points in other muscles can produce similar pain patterns, a tip off to the Vastus Medialis is if the patient also mentions weakness in the thigh and knee area, including buckling of the knee. Also, Vastus Medialis trigger points cause deep pain in the knee joint, leading to the common misdiagnosis of knee-joint inflammation.

Vastus Lateralis is the largest of the quad group and can create multiple pain sites along the lateral thigh, from the pelvic area all the way to the knee joint.  Vastus Lateralis is also the only quad muscle whose trigger points can cause pain behind the knee.  An easy test to identify this muscle is pain in the knee and difficulty with flexion/extension after sitting for a period.

Rectus Femorus trigger points often occur on the more proximal end of the muscle yet refer pain to the front of the knee, much like Vastus Medialis.  Careful palpation will help distinguish which muscle is involved. 

Active Release Technique is a set patented soft tissue techniques designed to treat muscle, fascia, tendon and nerve disorders.  A qualified ART practitioner can assess the muscles, tendon and nerves involved in the affected area and choose from over 500 techniques to treat the injury.  ART treatment are often immediately effective and can resolve acute and chronic issues with equal success.

Stop by our Denver office for a Free 15 minute Acupuncture consult and let us help you stay on your feet!!

So now that you are armed with all this new info, Happy Running !

Herbal Remedies. A Classic fix to a Classic problem

Many western approaches to cold and flu are passive...Drink lots of fluids, rest and wait for it to pass.  The word 'cure' may not be the best fit, but TCM offers a very effective set of treatments that can alleviate the unwanted effects of colds and flu.  Acupuncture and herbs can help resolve colds and flu much quicker than 'just waiting it out'.

In the this article from Acupuncture.com there is a nice presentation of classic Chinese herbal formulas that can deal directly with your symptoms.  It is always important to seek the advice of a licensed herbalist before taking or preparing any of these herbal decoctions.  Herbs are given for very specific conditions and ingesting the incorrect formula could worsen your condition.

Feel free to stop by my office in downtown Denver for a free 15 minute Acupuncture consult.

Trauma, an East Meets West Breakdown

Acupuncture and TCM are very effective at treating many physiological responses in the body. In recent years, more techniques have been developed to treat trauma more specifically. How can we make a TCM diagnosis while using a western model to classify the trauma? Connecting the terminology of the two models is a key step in correctly identifying and treating injuries.

Firstly, there are three basic stages of traumatic injury.

The first stage is the initial trauma, manifested by pain, heat, and swelling.

The second stage of trauma starts when the initial inflammation first subsides. What remains is blood stagnation combined with congestion of qi and fluids in the local area.

The third stage of trauma, according to the biomedical model, is tissue healing. In this stage TCM is also concerned with invading pathogens such as, wind, damp, or cold.

John Heuertz, DOM wrote a fantastic article here, in Acupuncture Today, in an effort to bridge the gap between understanding the eastern and western approach to traumatic injury. Understanding how TCM modalities effect the body at each stage of trauma can better prepare you treat such injuries.