Acupuncture for Candida
A wide variety of adverse microorganisms are hosted by the body which is often easily managed by the immune system as well as surrounding, friendly bacteria. Many of these organisms are highly useful to the body while others carry no harm or advantage. However, an overgrowth of yeast bacteria in the wrong location such as the digestive tract, mouth or vagina can result in a challenging reaction called candidiasis. Conventional remedies treat this reaction with systemic or topical anti-fungal medications. At Integrative Med Solutions (IMS), acupuncture and naturopathic medicine are used instead. Focusing on a multi-layered, healing from within, IMS works with each person as an individual rather than using a pharmacological protocol based on generalized studies.
Acupuncture: Calming the Microorganisms
The Massachusetts Department of Health published an assessment of 115 women who received acupuncture for candida related yeast infections. It concluded, following treatment of a minimum of 3 months, that 69% of 39 women reported improvement in yeast infection and other gynecological symptoms such as menstrual irregularities and cramps. Licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Lisanti will determine the best acupuncture points for your specific condition. It is a safe, painless therapy that could very well allow your body to embrace a healing path rather than be forced upon one through a more band-aid approach. Some popular candida related points that you may experience could be: SP6 (Spleen) located on the inner lower leg just above the ankle; K3 & 5 (Kidney) located just behind the inner ankle; and LI-11 (Large Intestine) located on the lateral (outside) elbow crease.
Nutraceutical Supplementation: Acidophilus, Digestive Tract Booster
By implementing a specific nutraceutical protocol of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and/or amino acids, Dr. Lisanti will attempt to re-balance your Candida challenge. In the case of yeast influx within the digestive tract, soil based organisms and probiotics may be recommended. There are billions of friendly live cultures that under Dr. Lisanti’s supervision could help compete with an overgrowth of Candida in your digestive tract.
Environmental Medicine: Outside Cause and Effect
Stanford University MD, Dr. David Feldman, states that “Candida albicans has a steroid-binding protein which binds corticoids and progesterone; this information supports the statements that women on oral contraceptives, people on steroids, and women with multiple pregnancies may be more susceptible to Candidiasis.” IMS will investigate all environmental factors that may be contributing to your Candida challenge. It could very well be an outside source such as those mentioned above or other environmental factors such as sexual practice, allergens (including tampons, soaps and detergents) or stress.
Clinical Nutrition: Stop Feeding Candida
It is believed that a diet high in sugar as well as many other weak nutrient choices can be a major contributing factor in candida sufferers. Stanley Weinberg writes in “The Quiet Epidemic”, that “Upon lacking enough nutrients, the Candida species grows hyphae (threadlike filaments). On the tip of the hyphae, an enzyme, phospholipase, can penetrate the human cell wall by splitting fatty acids, enabling the Candida to utilize nutrients within the human cell.” At IMS your current dietary choices are assessed to rule out anything that may be getting in the way of optimal health. Some foods that may be causing a host environment (such as high acidity) for candida microorganisms include: processed sugars, antibiotic/steroid laden meat and dairy or white flour/pasta. In addition, anti-fungal foods , herbs, and nutraceuticals may be recommended as well. These could include: garlic, oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract, and capyrlic acid.
These are only a small example of the many remedies IMS and Dr. Lisanti can offer. Some others include botanical medicine and homeopathy. 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.
*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number.