Gout‧痛風

Gout is a rheumatic disease caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) in tissues and fluids within the body. It can present itself in a number of ways, though the most common is a recurrent attack of acute inflammatory arthritis (a red, tender, hot, swollen joint). These crystals cause the joint to swell up and become inflamed. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected. Other joints, such as the heels, knees, wrists, and fingers may also be affected. Joint pain usually lasts between 2–4 hours, and during the night. An acute attack of gout will usually subside after five to seven days without treatment. However, 60% of people will have a second attack within a year. Those with gout are at an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and renal and cardiovascular disease. This often accompanies an increased risk of death. 　　Hyperuricemia is the underlying cause of gout. This can occur for a number of reasons including: diet, genetic predisposition, or under-excretion of urate. Urates are the salts produced in uric acid. Renal under-excretion of uric acid is the primary cause of hyperuricemia consisting of about 90% of cases, while overproduction is the cause in less than 10%. About 10% of people with hyperuricemia develop gout at some point in their lifetimes. The exact cause is unknown. Gout may run in families. It is more common among men, women after menopause, and those who drink alcohol. People who take certain medicines, such as hydrochlorothiazide and other water pills, may have higher levels of uric acid in their blood. The condition may also develop among people with diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, sickle cell anemia (as well as other anemic conditions), leukemia, and other blood cancers. 　　There are several medications used to treat hyperuricemia, each with its own side effects.  Alkaline drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, uricosuric drugs use, and drugs that inhibit the production of uric acids may be fast and effective; but will generate various side effects and even liver and kidney toxicity. On the other hand, Chinese medicine and acupuncture is a safer alternative with a reduced risk of toxicity and side effects. 　　Traditional Chinese medicine believes the disease is the result of greasy foods, which leads to internal pent-up heat and moisture. Wind and cold invades channels and collaterals, blocking the movement of qi and fluids. This causes stasis of moisture and heat that become phlegm which clogs the collaterals, causing swelling and burning pain in the joints. Traditional treatment seeks to clear heat and moisture; disperse phlegm; and remove stagnancy.  This will dredge the channels in order to stop pain while facilitating the functions of the Spleen and Kidneys. Patients are advised to avoid extreme fatigue, wind, and cold for the duration of the treatment.  Diets and lifestyles should to be controlled, while alcohol and smoking are discouraged.

痛風，關節內尿酸結晶引起的炎症性關節炎，導致腫脹和劇烈疼痛。隨著肥胖的流行，在過去的二十年，新的研究表明，痛風已成為美國常見疾病，它影響到在美國的約4330萬成年人，約佔總成年人人口的21％。其多見於男性，患病的風險也隨著年齡而增加。 　　高尿酸血症是引起痛風的主因。研究指出在男性身上，血尿酸濃度愈高者，出現痛風症狀的機會愈高，血尿酸濃度超過每9毫克/分升者，4.9%會出現痛風。近年的大型流行病學研究發現，痛風與飲酒（尤其是啤酒）及肉類（尤其是內臟）和海產攝取有關，亦有研究指出碳酸飲料及果糖也可能導致痛風。另一方面，維生素C，咖啡和奶制品則可能對阻止痛風的發生有所幫助。 　　臨床上一般可將痛風分為四期描述，但並不表示每位痛風病人都須依序經過這四個時期；痛風的四個分期包括(1)無症狀的高尿酸血症，(2)急性痛風關節炎，(3)間歇發作期，(4)慢性痛風關節炎等，腎結石可在第二至第四期發生。 　　痛風在中醫的辨證上，是由於脾腎功能失調，脾失健運，致使濕濁內生；腎分清泌濁的功能失調，則濕濁排泄障礙。此時若又酗酒暴食、勞倦過度等，則促使濕濁流注於關節、肌肉，造成氣血運行不暢而形成痺痛，也就是痛風關節炎。如濕濁之邪進一步傷於腎則可導致腎損害，就是痛風性腎病甚至慢性腎衰。 　　醫學證據也表明，痛風與代謝綜合徵相關，像是肥胖、胰島素抵抗、血壓高和高血脂等問題，還可能會增加心臟病發作和糖尿病風險。而在痛風的西醫治療方式，無論是抑制尿酸生成的藥物、鹼性藥物、非甾體類抗炎藥和排尿酸藥等的運用，確實是快速而有效的，但對患者都有產生著不同程度的副作用甚至肝腎毒性反應。相對於中醫治療，不論是在急性發作期的治療或是慢性期間的預防，中藥和針灸等治療手段都是相較安全且少副作用。

Beans‧豆

Mung beans have high nutritional value, which are rich in protein and less carbohydrate and fat. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, etc. In the summer, drinking mung bean soup can prevent heat stroke and heat-toxins, which usually causes a variety of boils. It also can help nephritis, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, gastroenteritis, laryngitis, etc. 　　Red beans are high protein, low-fat, high-nutrition food grains. Apart from protein, it also contains carbohydrates, fat, dietary fiber, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc and other nutrients. It is specially rich in iron, which can nourish blood; promote blood circulation; improve physical strength; and increase endurance. 　　Soy protein can lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol to improve cardiovascular functions.In addition to lowering the average serum cholesterol, it is a estrogen plant which can increase flavones for treatment of menopausal symptoms. 　　White beans have high-quality protein which is easy to digest and absorb. It also contains carbohydrates, trace elements, vitamins, etc. It is particularly rich in vitamin B1. White beans can help maintain normal digestive gland secretion and gastrointestinal motility function, inhibition of cholinergic activity, increase appetite. White beans phospholipids can promote insulin secretion, assist in sugar metabolism. It is ideal for individuals with diabetic disorders. 　　Black beans are nutritious, rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, along with trace elements such as zinc, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, selenium, fluoride and others. It contains trace elements which help delay aging and lower blood viscosity. Its skins contain anthocyanins, which are a good source of antioxidants. It can eliminate free radicals, especially in the stomach's acidic environment. Contained antioxidants can also aid in skincare.

綠豆味甘、性寒，入心、胃兩經，具有清熱消暑，利尿消腫，潤喉止渴及明目降壓的功效。《本草綱目》記載：「綠豆消腫下氣，治寒熱，止泄痢，利小便，除脹滿，厚實腸胃，補益元氣，調和五臟，安精神，去浮風，潤皮膚，解金石、砒霜、草本等一切毒。」 　　綠豆營養價值很高，含豐富蛋白質及碳水化合物，脂肪質較少，更含有鈣、磷、鐵、胡蘿蔔素等。夏季常喝綠豆湯，可預防中暑及熱毒引起的各種瘡癤，對腎炎、糖尿病、高血壓、動脈硬化、腸胃炎、咽喉炎等有一定的幫助。 　　紅豆味甘、性平，入心、脾、腎經，具有利水消腫、利尿、清熱解毒、健脾止瀉、改善腳氣浮腫的功能。《神農本草綱目》記載：「紅豆通小腸、利小便、行水散血、消腫排膿、清熱解毒、治瀉痢腳氣、止渴解酒、通乳下胎。」 　　紅豆屬於高蛋白、低脂肪的高營養榖類食品，含有蛋白質、醣類、脂肪、膳食纖維、維生素B群、維生素E、鉀、鈣、鐵、磷、鋅等營養素，並富含鐵質，可以補血、促進血液循環、強化體力、增強抵抗力，使人氣色紅潤。 　　黃豆味甘、性平，入脾、大腸經，具有健脾寬中，潤燥消水、清熱解毒、益氣的功效。《名醫別錄》記載：「生大豆逐水脹，除胃中熱痹、傷中、淋漏，下瘀血，散五臟結積、內寒。」 　　黃豆中的蛋白質被肯定有降低壞膽固醇、提高好膽固醇和保護心血管的功效。除了降低血清膽固醇平均值外，亦是植物動情激素，即大豆異黃酮素的主要來源，對治療女性更年期現象與癥候都有明顯的療效。 　　白豆味甘，性平，入脾、腎經，具有健脾、和中、益氣、化濕、消暑的功效。唐代名醫孟詵認為它能：「補五臟，調中，助十二經脈。」 　　白豆有易於消化吸收的優質蛋白質，適量的碳水化合物及多種微量元素、維生素等，像其富含的維生素B1能維持正常的消化腺分泌和胃腸道蠕動的功能，抑制膽鹼酶活性，可幫助消化，增進食慾；磷脂有促進胰島素分泌，參加糖代謝的作用，是糖尿病人的理想食品。 　　黑豆味甘、性平，入脾、腎經，具有消腫下氣、潤肺燥熱、活血利水、祛風除痺、補血安神、明目健脾、補腎益陰、解毒的功效。《本草綱目》記載：「黑豆入腎功多，故能治水、消腫、下氣、制風熱而活血解毒。」 　　黑豆營養全面，含有豐富的蛋白質、維生素、礦物質，其中的微量元素如鋅、銅、鎂、鉬、硒、氟等的含量都很高，而這些微量元素對延緩人體衰老、降低血液粘稠度等非常重要；其皮含有花青素，花青素是很好的抗氧化劑來源，能清除體內自由基，尤其是在胃的酸性環境下，抗氧化效果好，養顏美容，增加腸胃蠕動。

Acid Reflux‧胃酸逆流

Acid reflux, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a digestive disorder in which the stomach juices and bile regurgitates back up the esophagus, while the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that works like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. Acid reflux is more commonly referred to as "heartburn". This results in a painful burning sensation occurring in the middle of the chest, just behind the breastbone. 　　1 in 4 Americans suffer with some form of heartburn at least once a month, while more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day. Some individuals are diagnosed with GERD without experiencing heartburn symptoms. Instead, they experience pain in the chest; throat hoarseness in the morning; or trouble swallowing. In other cases, heartburn among some individuals occur; however, does not imply he/she has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD. This may eventually lead to more serious health problems including: esophageal ulcers, chronic bronchitis, or even esophageal cancer. A study conducted by the American Physiological Society indicates that the stimulation of certain acupuncture points inhibits esophageal sphincter relaxation by as much as 40%. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine have been using acupuncture to treat digestive disorders for thousands of years. The Chinese herbal formula can also help soothe the uncomfortable symptoms resulting from GERD. While modern science gets closer to explaining how acupuncture works; very few can presently deny that it works.

胃酸逆流就是俗稱的火燒心，覺得喉嚨不適，想咳嗽，如果伴有胸口疼痛，並有灼熱感，就像有把火在胸口燒，尤其用餐前後，或是腹部用力時，更是不舒服，如果你有這些症狀，很可能是得了胃酸逆流。少數胃酸逆流患者由於食道長期受刺激，可能會導致食道潰瘍出血、慢性支氣管炎等，甚至還有可能會增加罹患食道癌的機率，像是「巴瑞特氏食道症」，就在胃和食道交界處細胞產生變化，是一種癌前病變的先兆。 　　胃酸逆流患者以中、老年居多，不過根據臨床觀察，年輕患者也有增加趨勢，可能是因為作息、飲食不正常導致。其病因是胃與食道連接的括約肌鬆開了，胃酸向上逆流進入食道，造成胸口灼熱感。患者除了治療，調整生活與飲食習慣也有助於減緩胃酸逆流，首先要避開會刺激胃酸逆流的食物，吃東西時最好細嚼慢嚥，三餐要規律，吃飯切勿吃太飽，吃完東西後最好起身活動一下，否則腹壓一增加，就會刺激胃酸逆流，另外，要保持愉快情緒，緊張與壓力也都會刺激胃酸逆流。 　　中醫認為因情志不暢、飲食失調以及勞累過度，而導致心、肝、胃的火氣旺盛都會造成胃酸分泌過多。在針灸和方藥上多以降火並合以健脾強胃為治則，來抑制胃酸，還會根據個人體質與病因，或是疏肝和胃，調節腸胃自律神經；或是理氣降逆，調節胃與食道的蠕動；或是健脾益氣，增強胃腸的功能。常用的藥物包括了香砂六君子湯、平胃散、理中湯、四逆湯、烏梅丸、半夏瀉心湯等等。

Bell's Palsy‧面癱

Bell's Palsy, otherwise known as idiopathic facial paralysis, is a disease caused by damage to either the facial nerves (the peripheral nervous system) or the central nervous system; however, it tends to affect the peripheral more than the central nervous system. Symptoms often include tingling or numbness in the affected region along with an inability to lift or close one eye; difficulty moving facial muscles on one side of the face; lacrimation; distortion of taste; and tingling around the lip area on the affected side. 　　While the cause of Bell's Palsy has not been confirmed, it is likely that an inflammation of unknown origin affecting the facial nerve, resulting in acute paralysis of one side of the face. Bell's Palsy affects approximately 50, 000 people in the U.S. each year. The prognosis for Bell's Palsy ranges from complete recovery within a few months (85%) to chronic symptoms of facial paralysis (15%). Conventional treatment includes corticosteroids, antiviral agents, botulinum toxin, painkillers, massage, and surgery. 　　In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this condition is due to pathogenic wind-cold attacking the Shaoyang and Yangming meridians. Treatment principle involves a few distal and several local acupuncture points to eliminate wind. This facilitates circulation and the flow of qi in the Shaoyang and Yangming meridians, thus removing obstruction and restoring facial nerve functions. Though this aspect of acupuncture is not widely known; we often advise a patient who develops facial paralysis to consider this option as soon as possible. The sooner treatment is administered, the higher the chance of recovery.

面癱，學名面神經麻痺，也稱面神經炎、貝爾氏麻痺、亨特綜合症，主要表現是面部運動功能障礙，如口角流涎、口眼歪斜、面部表情怪異、僵硬等。它是一種常見病、多發病，它不受年齡限制。患者面部往往連最基本的抬眉、閉眼、鼓嘴等動作都無法完成。 　　根據病變部位不同，一般分為周圍性和中樞性兩種。面神經核以上至大腦皮層中樞間的病損所引起的面肌癱瘓為核上性面癱，或稱中樞性面癱。其特點是：患側的對側眼眶以下的面肌癱瘓、常伴有面癱同側的肢體偏癱和無味覺與唾液分泌障礙。第二種是面神經核及面神經病損所引起的面癱稱周圍性面癱。其特點是：患側所有的面肌均癱瘓、如有肢體癱瘓，常為面癱對側的肢體受累和患側舌前可有三分之二的味覺減退及唾液分泌障礙。 　　現代醫學對面癱的確切病因尚未明了，通常認為可能是局部炎症所致。依中醫論證本病多因正氣不足，絡脈空虛，衛氣不固，風邪乘虛而入中經絡，氣血痹阻，氣血不能上灌於足陽明經，致使面部肌肉失於氣血濡養而縱緩不收所致。中醫治則：祛風通絡，針灸治療本病是可行有效之法。

Percussing GB M.‧敲膽經

Shaoyang is defined as the "birth of yang". It is located between the taiyang meridian and yangming meridian. Manifestations of the shaoyang gall balder (GB) meridian are migraine, facial paralysis, bitter taste, bile duct disease, costal pain, reduced milk secretion, mastitis, lower back pain, sciatic nerve pain, hip pain, vaginal discharge, irregular menstruation, knee pain, and pain along the meridian. 　　 Percussing the GB meridian stimulates and increases the secretion of bile, as well as enhancing the absorptive capacity of the human body while aiding the hematopoietic system. In addition, it helps expel any congestion caused by cold. The lateral thigh is particularly susceptible to cold; therefore, tends to accumulate in the region. 　　 Percussing the GB meridian at the lateral thigh, between the side of the hip (GB30) and the side of the knee (GB33), helps bring warmth back into the region. Such a movement can accelerate the functions of the GB meridian and help discharge the accumulation of waste. This form of exercise can also help reduce fat in the thigh and lateral hip. 　　 Midnight (11:00 PM ~ 1:00 AM) is the usual time when qi and blood enters the GB meridian. During this time, it is not recommended that this exercise should be performed. Instead, a few minutes during the day would be preferred. This exercise is not intended for elderly, infirmed, pregnant mothers, nor individuals going through menstruation.

少陽是陽氣初生之意，它的性質介於太陽與陽明之間。足少陽膽經其主要病候：偏頭痛、面癱、口苦、膽道疾病、脅痛、乳汁少、乳腺炎、腰痛、坐骨神經痛、胯痛、帶下、月經不調、膝關節痛和本經所經之處疼痛。 　　敲膽經運動，主要在刺激膽經，增進膽汁的分泌，提升人體的吸收能力，提供人體造血系統所需物質。另外還可以活絡整個經絡，使阻塞在膽經的寒氣有機會排出。寒氣的停滯會阻塞整個經絡，大腿外側是多數人最不在意受寒的部位，因此也容易造成寒氣的堆積。 　　敲膽經運動，主要在臀部側邊（環跳）及膝蓋側邊（膝陽關）之間，在敲擊後使整個大腿外側有溫熱的感覺。敲膽經可以使膽經的活動加速，將大腿外側膽經上堆積的垃圾排出，所以這個運動也可以幫助減少臀部和大腿外側的脂肪。 　　子時（11:00PM~1:00AM）是氣血進入膽經的時候，敲膽經不應該在這個時間段進行，對身體不好，白天是比較好的時間，每次只要幾分鐘。不適合人群：孕婦絕對不能敲，老人和體弱者不要敲得太多，婦女月經期間可以少敲或不敲。

Diabetes‧糖尿病

Diabetes mellitus is probably the single most important metabolic disease and is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. It has been out of control in the U.S., with current estimates are that over 7.8% of the adult population has the disease, 92% of them with the type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM: non-insulin-dependent) with 600,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It usually appears around the age of 50 or later, though it can occur during teen years in some cases of obesity. 　　Diabetes is characterised by three well-known syndromes, polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger) and polyuria (excessive urination). Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Over time diabetes are accompanied by many severe complications, such as blindness, renal failure, lower-limb amputations, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes. 　　Acupuncture treatment for diabetes is most effective for those individuals who have had diabetes for only a few years, and have a milder disease manifestation. Diabetic acupuncture is also most effective in treating diabetes in younger individuals.The herb formulas that had been shown to have hypoglycemic effects in the animal studies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often conducted in conjunction with acupuncture, and based on several different principles and herbs, the treatment has been effective for diabetes sufferers in many instances.

糖尿病是以多食、多飲、多尿、形體消瘦、體倦乏力或尿有甜味為特徵的一種疾病。它相當於中醫書中的消渴。消渴之名首見於《內經》。《靈樞.五變》篇說：「五臟皆柔弱者，善病消癉」。指出了五臟虛弱是發生消渴的主要因素。中醫根據本病的「三多」症狀，將其區分為上、中、下三消，如《證治準繩.消癉》篇說：「渴而多飲為上消（膈消）；消谷善饑為中消（消中）；渴而便數有膏為下消（腎消）。」但雖有三消之分，但其病機性質則一致，均與肺、脾（胃）、腎有密切關係。本病主要由於素體陰虛、飲食不節，復因情志失調，勞欲過度所致。 　　針灸治療糖尿病在中醫典籍中早有記載。如晉代《針灸甲乙經》中載有“消渴身熱、面目黃，意舍主之；消渴嗜飲，承漿主之；消渴，腕骨主之…”等6個治療穴位，之後唐代《備急千金要方》和《外台秘要》有更詳細的記載，穴位增加到35個，明代《普濟方》集明以前之大成，總結辨證取穴18種，總穴44個，到清代《針灸集成》對病機有更進一步認識，分型論治則更加具體。 　　近來有關於針灸治療糖尿病的研究日漸增多，其治療作用可歸納為以下幾個方面：使胰島素水平升高，胰島素靶細胞受體功能增強，加強胰島素對糖元的合成代謝及氧化酵解和組織利用的功能，從而起到降低血糖的作用。使血液中甲狀腺素含量降低，從而減少了其對糖代謝的影響，有利於降低血糖。可使全血比粘度、血漿比粘度等異常指標下降，防止血栓形成，令微循環障礙改善，進而減少糖尿病的慢性併發症。

Dysmenorrhea‧痛經

Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps) is a common gynecologic complaint, reported by 25% of women, and by up to 90% of adolescents. It has been reported to be one of the most common causes of periodic absenteeism from school or work in young women. 　　Dysmenorrhea is commonly categorized as ‘primary’, i.e. in absence of proven pelvic pathology, or ‘secondary’, i.e. in presence of pelvic pathology. Pain is the dominating symptom, and several other symptoms, may contribute to the pre-menstrual syndrome. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are at least partly effective in relieving primary dysmenorrhea in about 90% of sufferers and completely effective in 65%. 　　Acupuncture is the standard treatment for severe dysmenorrhea in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is commonly used to treat chronic pelvic pain, and its use has been recently recommended by the National Institute of Health for the treatment of several diseases, including dysmenorrhea. 　　Acupuncture points are stimulated by inserted needles, by heat generated from moxibustion, or by manual pressure at the site. It is well tolerated and free of relevant side effects and has been approved by FDA.

痛經是指女性月經期前後或行經期間，出現以下腹部痙攣性疼痛為主，嚴重時還可能影響日常生活的一種常見婦科疾病。 　　其有原發性和繼發性兩種。經過詳細婦科臨床檢查未能發現盆腔器官有明顯異常者，稱原發性痛經，也稱功能性痛經。多發生於月經初潮的青春期少女或已生育的年輕婦女。經過詳細臨床檢查生殖器官有器質性病變者所致的痛經，是為繼發性痛經。 　　痛經發作時，輕者小腹疼痛明顯在經期或其前後，伴腰部酸痛，無全身症狀，有時服止痛藥即可解除痛疼。較嚴重者可見經期或其前後小腹疼痛難忍，伴腰部酸痛，噁心嘔吐，四肢不温，止痛藥物可暫緩疼痛但不能解除。最嚴重者常見經期或其前後小腹疼痛難忍，坐臥難安，須臥床休息，伴腰部酸痛，面色蒼白，冷汗淋漓，四肢厥冷，嘔吐腹瀉，或肛門墜脹，甚至會因痛而休克，止痛藥不能明顯緩解痛症。 　　關於痛經，在中醫最早見於《金匱要略·婦人雜病脈症並治》稱為“經行腹痛”。其理論認為該病乃由於氣血運行不暢所致，蓋經水乃氣血所化生，血隨氣行，氣載血運，氣血充沛，氣順血和則經行暢通。在中醫“通則不痛”的治療原則下，可以取血海和內關或中極、關元、三陰交、足三里等穴，借助毫針的刺激和艾灸的溫熱以調氣和血後，經血順暢則痛疼自然得解。

Headache‧頭痛

Headaches give rise to notable health, economic, and social costs. There are four types of headaches: vascular, muscle contraction, traction, and inflammatory. The most common type of vascular headache is the migraine. Right now, more than 45 million people in the United States experience chronic, recurring headaches and, of these, 28 million also suffer migraines. 　　Many headache sufferers are compelled to take pain-relieving drugs that may only temporarily relieve the pain and can cause undesirable side effects. This leads patients to try, and health professionals to recommend, non-pharmacological approaches to headache care. One of the most popular approaches seems to be acupuncture. 　　Traditional Chinese Medicine does not recognize migraines and recurring headaches as one particular syndrome. According to TCM, one cause of headaches is a blockage in the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Treatments that focus on removing this blockage may treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbs, and Qi-Gong to restore imbalances found in the body.

「頭痛」是現下最常見的疾患之一，現代人壓力大，生活緊張，睡眠品質差，由肌肉緊繃引起的頭痛比例也大幅增加。但百分之八十的頭痛原因是不明的，目前常見的治療，除了止痛藥、阿司匹靈等藥外，多無其他有效的療法。 　　針灸在治療頭痛方面有其獨到的效果。傳統中醫理論認為引起頭痛的原因很多，如外感風、寒、暑、濕、燥、火六淫，上犯巔頂，使氣血運行受阻，屬於「外因」；或內傷喜、怒、憂、思、悲、恐、驚七情，久病，氣血不足，失於充養，或痰濁瘀血，阻於經絡，屬於「內因」；還有飲食不節、勞動過度或意外受傷的「不內外因」都可導致頭痛。 　　這三大病因所造成頭痛，其型態也各不相同，治療方式也不同。一般而言，外感頭痛，發病較急，痛勢較劇而無休止，多屬實證，治療以袪邪為主；內傷頭痛，起病徐緩，病勢也較緩，時作時停，多屬虛證或虛中夾實證，治療以補虛為主。

Obesity‧肥胖

Obesity is a condition that describes when one's body weight is in excess of what is considered healthy. It occurs you have a much higher amount of body fat than lean muscle mass. 　　Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease, and kidney and gallbladder disorders. The higher the obesity level you have, the greater the health risk to you. Being obese is different than merely being overweight. When one's body weight is more than twenty percent for men and twenty-five percent for women that which is considered a desirable weight, one is considered obese. In the United States, 17% of children are obese and 20% of all adolescents are obese. 80% of obese teenagers are likely to grow into obese adults. (Standard Weight: kg = (height cm – 100) X 0.9) 　　Acupuncture not only focuses on an individual's problem areas but it also balances the whole body. It will not melt fat away but it most certainly does address the health issues that accompany obesity and that lead to becoming overweight. Stimulation of the endocrine system can regulate not only the metabolism but many other functions of the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine is profound and powerful because it generates a real balancing of your body and gives you the motivation to take an active role in your own well-being.

　　肥胖是體重超過標準體重20%以上，且多伴有頭暈乏力、神疲懶言、少動氣短等症狀，其是由於先天遺傳因素、過食油膩、久坐久卧或運動不足等引起的氣虛痰濕偏盛的症狀為主的一類病證。

(標準體重：kg = (身高cm – 100) X 0.9)

　　本病的中醫辨證分型，可分為「虛」、「實」二大類。如果肥胖伴有皮膚白皙、肌肉鬆軟、疲倦、氣短、自汗、畏寒或怕熱、便溏或腹瀉，有時下肢還會出現浮腫者，就是屬於「虛胖」體質；「實胖」則是體內脂肪積聚過多所致的肥胖，其體格較為結實，且常伴有便祕、高血壓、高血脂等症。

　　從中醫角度來看，肥胖是因為「脾氣虛弱，痰濕內停」的內因，或是飲食過量，運動不足的外因或兩者兼具所造成。其主要病位在「脾」，脾主肌肉，能運化食物中的營養，以滋養全身。但若脾陽不足，導致脾失健運，身體運化功能失常，就容易產生中醫所說的痰濕（脂肪）積存於肌膚之中，形成肥胖。所以，中醫治療肥胖常以健運脾氣，燥濕化痰為主，以循序漸進的方式，針對每人不同的體質，找到最合適的方法來進行。

　　在對肥胖的治療上，中醫除了配合調整內分泌的中藥也使用針灸，來有效調整肥胖體質。最常被使用的減肥針法，有耳針及體針兩類。耳針可有效的降低過盛的食慾，減少卡路里的吸收，使消耗的熱量，比吸收的熱量多，進而產生減肥的效果。而體針的針灸穴位，則可改善體內的新陳代謝，消除及分解積存於身體內的多餘油脂，以達到瘦身的目的。針灸減肥，約有百分之九十的成效，而且沒有心悸、失眠、貧血等副作用。