Can you recover from a Spinal Cord Injury?
Back pain, irregular menstruation, IBS, etc., most of us are familiar with the idea of treating these types of conditions with acupuncture but can acupuncture really help treat a spinal cord injury (SCI)? Despite the numerous videos of success stories I witnessed during Zhu’s scalp acupuncture trainings for neurological conditions, I have to confess I was skeptical of this possibility. This doubt however, quickly turned into certainty and confidence after my very first Complete SCI patient with ASIS Impairment Scale of Grade A. This meant there was no motor or sensory function left below the level of the injury. When I visited this patient at the hospital for the first time, he had been bedridden for nearly 3 months and his doctors told him that he needed to at this point accept his life as a paraplegic. Just after one initial acupuncture treatment, he gained movement in his toes. From this point on, I knew it was just matter of time before he would walk again.
How does TCM help with SCI?
At Complete Balance, our treatments for SCI include Zhu’s scalp acupuncutre, body acupuncture, herbal medicine, Daoyin, Physical Therapy, Pilates, Medicated diet and Psychological support.
Acupuncture, specifically Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA), helps to regenerate neurons and establish the neuronal connections that have been lost. ZSA is a unique technique with zonings that can target specific areas of the body with sensorimotor dysfunction by promoting important biological responses that repair the cells responsible for motor function, which in turn stimulate nerve repair.
In TCM, syndrome differentiation is the key. Treatments according to syndrome differentiation help to restore imbalances in the body; thereby allowing the body to maintain homeostasis and repair damages at optimal level. ZSA in combination with body acupuncture, moxibustion, medicated diet and prescription herbs focus on improving blood circulation to strengthen muscle, sinew and bone, regulating body temperature, removing inflammation and swelling to stop pain, reducing stiffness and spasticity, improving muscle tone, and regulating functions of each organ that have been compromised due to the injury.
Combining the ZSA treatments with DaoYin exercises, Physical Therapy, and Pilates exercise specifically formulated for each individual is equally important to the patient’s recovery. Combination of DaoYin and Physical Therapy focus on active movement, passive movement, use of mind and concentration, repetition with patience, subtle changes, and engaging in different muscle involvement. In addition, the guided and tailored movements through Pilates can help to improve posture, strength, stability, flexibility, balance and coordination. The results of this combinational treatments help to reduce spasticity, improve circulation, reverse atrophy of muscle, improve bone and neuronal connection, stimulate neuronal circuits, prevent osteoporosis, connect yin and yang energy by standing, prevent pressure sores, and most of all, positive energy and motivation for the patient to continue their journey to recovery.
Lastly, depression is a common psychological condition in SCI patients that interfere with an individual’s treatment progress and prevent them from reaching their potential goals. The severity of the depression is often complicated by pathophysiological, demographic and social factors but nonetheless, it acts as the largest contributor to reduced quality of life and poor daily functioning in SCI patients. At different stages of their progress, SCI patients will face emotional shock, denial, despair and depression. As the symptoms rise, SCI patients are connected with psychotherapist in order to help process any mental barriers that prevent the individual from actively engaging in their recovery process.
What are the treatment goals?
Five treatment goals are set for SCI patients: Restore function, prevent complications, help patient adapt to changes, regain independence and help promote quality of life. In order to achieve favourable prognosis, SCI patients must receive proper protocol for acupuncture & rehab program, develop strong self-determination, receive financial & emotional support and engage in minimum of 6hrs a day focused on rehabilitation.
Promotions for December 2019*:
— This Christmas, give the gift of health!
Acupuncture Treatments for CP patients
- Discount on acupuncture treatments for CP patients 3 years and younger
- Purchase 10 treatments for the cost of 9 treatments
- Click here to see video on acupuncture treatment results for CP patients
Isotonix Digestive Enzymes
- 10% OFF throughout December
- supports healthy digestive tract and immune functions
- use for both emergency relief of upset stomach or maintenance of good digestion & absorption
Foot Reflexology Mat
- 10% OFF throughout December
- promotes circulation for tension and stress relief
- highly recommended for desk job workers or those constantly on their feet
Atomy Products
- 10% OFF throughout December
- for all skin types; especially recommended for those with sensitive skin
- uses natural herbs and oriental medicine ingredients for maximum benefits while being gentle on the skin
Organic Om Food Tea
- 10% OFF throughout December
- includes our most popular Honeybush Tea and Rooibos Tea
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant ingredients to promote health
Winter Clothes Drive:
Willowdale Welcome Centre is located where the retired Toronto Hydro building once was, and are expected to host 200 adult refugees. Managed by an organization called Home First, this initiative is part of the City of Toronto’s larger winter plan to open an extra 899 spaces to support Torontonians who need shelter during the cold winter months. (Please refer to the article from The Star that shares more on this story)
The organization is currently in great need of New or Gently Used Winter Gear for adults including:
- Warm socks
- Winter jackets
- Hat
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Winter boots
To show our support, Complete Balance will offer $5 OFF an acupuncture treatment for every adult winter coat donated. We kindly ask that your donations be made no later than Saturday, December 14th. Thank you for your support!
Please note that our clinic will be closed on the following days for our Holiday schedule:
Dec 23rd – Dec 25th, and Dec 30th – Jan 1st.
Our team at Complete Balance wishes you Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday’s!
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