Environmental Medicine: Acupuncture & Naturopathic Remedies for Pollution & More
Many environments consist of slow, accumulative, toxic risks potentially affecting human health such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. Pollution has permeated daily life on so many levels that embracing a personal protection protocol is becoming more essential than ever before. However, conventional medicine usually addresses the symptoms of environmental toxin exposure but rarely pinpoints the source or offers preventative measures. A root cause can often be detected when working with a naturopathic doctor trained in environmental medicine. Assessing symptoms, then using acupuncture and naturopathic remedies for pollution and more is an environmental medicine approach a naturopathic doctor may take. With proper meridian (pathway) acupuncture point placement and focused remedy dosages, the combination of acupuncture and naturopathic medicine could be highly beneficial.
Is This Really A Concern?
Actually yes. The toxins are increasing in our environment and being detected on various levels of exposure. Microscopic poisons infiltrating through one or more delivery systems which may include:
- Air
- Soil
- Water
Obviously these are our survival staples and therefore it might be thought of as to why no one is sounding the alarm. The answer is that these toxins are accumulative. Silent risks building up in the body on a microscopic, cellular plane. Either directly or by assisting other pathogens, these toxins can eventually change cells into minor to major health compromises including cancer, Alzheimer’s, pulmonary challenges, and other difficult to treat conditions/diseases.
One group of environmental toxins are heavy metals. These can be found as microscopic particles emitted in vehicle exhaust, factory waste, and even off-gassing from new furniture, carpets, and paint.
A study of heavy metals by researchers at the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, in India, one of the most populated and polluted countries on the planet, stated that,
“The gut microbiota has a vital role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Several studies have revealed that environmental exposure to pollutants such as heavy metals may contribute to the progression of extensive list of diseases which may further lead to perturbations in the gut leading to dysbiosis [gut microbe imbalance].” (1)
Some heavy metals commonly found in everyday life include:
- Vanadium
- Chromium
- Manganese
- Iron
- Cobalt
- Nickel
- Copper
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Mercury
- Lead
These metals can permeate the system and embed in muscles, organs, fats, and other systemic locations. Over time these can accumulate and become toxic in the body posing various potential health risks. Some of these may include a chronically acute presentation of:
- Inflammation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Digestion difficulty
- Respiratory problems
- Insomnia
- Skin rashes
Helping the body rid itself of these and other toxins while strengthening the immune system is one of many benefits of utilizing acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.
Phase 1: Acupuncture
Stimulating various meridians can prime the body for a good detoxification. Acupuncture uses hair thin needles to move or slow the systemic qi (“chee”) which is believed to be the essential life force. A trained acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and determine if an environmental medicine approach is needed. Detoxifying the body could the phase 1 choice to prime the system for naturopathic remedy treatment.
The National Library of Medicine posted research by Chinese scientists who studied the effects of acupuncture on detoxifying the system which stated that,
“A 2014 randomized controlled study showed that electroacupuncture stimulation at the common used points DU20, SP6 and LV3 daily for 14 days stimulated broad cellular detoxification in laboratory animals, decreasing superoxide dismutase need (antioxidant), and aiding glutathione metabolism, while reversing the malondialdehyde content in targeted cells of the brain.” (2)
This is one example of many studies on the effects of acupuncture, particularity when it comes to detoxification and boosting the immune system. Therefore, as the process of detox and systemic strengthening is stoked by acupuncture, phase II can collaborate accordingly.
Phase II: Naturopathic Medicine
There are many modalities in naturopathic medicine. Treatments can range from plant-based (herbal, etc.) to vibrational energy (homeopathy) as acceptable environmental medicine applications. However, working with a naturopathic doctor trained in Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) is essential for an individualized clearing and protecting of the body from environmental toxins. CCM combined with acupuncture is like a glove fitting a hand. Incorporating naturopathic applications such as homeopathy and botanical medicine can be highly beneficial. Homeopathy uses a “like cures like” approach which many report very effective. In the case of detoxification, opening up and draining the body may start through the application of flower essences. These are extremely subtle but potent extracts of specific flowers which, in homeopathy, are used to begin the detoxification process.
A study of flower essence and opiates, one of the most addictive pharmaceutical drug groups, was conducted by researchers from a region too familiar with the production of poppies which hold one of the main ingredients in opiates and heroin. The researchers from Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences concluded in the study,
“Both protocols were equally effective in treating the physical symptoms of withdrawal syndromes. However, the passiflora [flower essence] plus clonidine [pharmaceutical] group showed a significant superiority over clonidine alone in the management of mental symptoms. These results suggested that passiflora extract may be an effective adjuvant agent in the management of opiate withdrawal.” (3)
Other modalities that a naturopathic doctor may utilize in treating as an environmental medicine protocol may include nutraceutical supplementation and clinical nutrition. These also combine well as focused supplementation which can benefit areas such as the eyes which are front and center when it comes to environmental toxins. At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or Click Here to schedule an online appointment.
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Best in Health from Integrative Med Solutions!
Sources:
(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34994948/