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Author Archive for Brianna Noach

How Does Acupuncture Work

By Brianna Noach
Wednesday, August 5th, 2015

The exact mechanisms of how acupuncture works have not been completely determined by modern science. Doctors of old were able to see and feel channels or meridians of energetic movement in the body that followed a particular direction and flow that traversed near the surface of the skin as well as sinking deeply into the internal organs. Acupuncture points are places along these pathways where the energy flow can be accessed, much like lowering a bucket into an underground well of water that flows underneath the earth. Wherever there is pain and discomfort in the body, it is described as being a block in energy flow, much like a dam or boulder affects water flow. Acupuncture serves to unbreak this blockage.

What Modern Science Has Found: Some research has found that acupuncture points show lower electrical resistance than in other locations on the skin, and these channels of energy actually generate light (articles from The Examiner Online: Does Acupuncture Work  & Why Does Acupuncture Work).

Using a combination of imaging techniques and computerized tomography scans, researchers have also discovered concentrated points of micro-vascular structures that correspond to the map of acupuncture points shown in Chinese Medicine literature.

Other research has found unique structures of acupuncture points and meridians using magnetic resonance imaging, infrared imaging, LCD thermal photography, ultrasound and other CT imaging methods. Related studies using amperometric oxygen micro-sensors have shown partial oxygen pressure variations which also correspond to the meridian and acupuncture point locations in Chinese Medicine literature   (Has Science Finally Confirmed the Existence of Acupuncture Points, Validating Chinese Medicine?).

The National Institutes of Health has brought forth several possible theories as to the mechanism behind acupuncture.   Acupuncture releases opioid peptides, serving as an analgesic. There is evidence also that it activates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which could be the cause of broad systemic effects that can be witnessed. There is also evidence of altered secretion of neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones, as well as changes in regulation of blood flow, centrally and peripherally. And, research shows alterations in immune functions from acupuncture treatments (How Does Acupuncture Work).

Categories : Acupuncture

What Acupuncture Treats & Its Benefits

By Brianna Noach
Wednesday, August 5th, 2015

Many people ask, “What does acupuncture or massage treat?” The answer is that both modalities can treat a very wide variety of conditions when the root cause is identified and addressed. They do so by increasing circulation and relaxing areas of stress to allow the body to heal itself and return to a state of harmony.  Research continues to identify all the conditions acupuncture can treat.  The earliest comprehensive report from the National Institute on Health in 1997 specifically found acupuncture to be helpful with adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, post-operative dental pain, addictions, menstrual crampes, stroke rehabilitation, headache, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma (Read report HERE ).  More recently, other research has added to the list back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, and chronic headaches (Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine. Sept. 10, 2012; Epub ahead of print; ).    Additional Research on conditions found to be effectively treated by these modalities can be found in the Research tab on this website.

What I Have Treated with Acupuncture: I have provided acupuncture for the following types of situations and conditions. Sometimes, I also make dietary recommendations, suggest particular Chinese Medicine herbal supplements, or provide information on specific exercises and practices to support your healing.

  • Pain! This is the number 1 complaint I see in my office.      
    The types of pain situations and conditions I see include:
    • Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid)
    • Muscle/Joint Aches & Pains
    • Acute Pain from Injuries
    • Chronic Pain
    • Headaches & Migraines
  • Insomnia & Other Sleep Issues
  • Addictions (alcohol, drug, smoking, eating)
  • Women’s Concerns (PMS, menstrual issues, infertility, menopause issues)
  • Digestive Issues
  • Low Energy, Respiratory & Immune System Issues
Categories : Acupuncture

What to Expect & How to Prepare for an Acupuncture Session

By Brianna Noach
Wednesday, August 5th, 2015

The first acupuncture session lasts 1.25 to 1.5 hours; follow up sessions are 1 hour in length. The first session is longer, to allow for one-on-one time with the practitioner to determine the root causes and patterns of the symptoms and complaints you are experiencing, and to develop a treatment plan. You will be asked a variety of questions about your symptoms and lifestyle, and check your tongue and pulse. You may wonder why some of these questions are being asked, when they may seem irrelevant to your symptoms, but Chinese medicine looks for patterns, and how you answer these other questions helps to determine the best treatment approach.

The number of sessions required to address a particular complaint depends in part on how long the symptoms have been present. In general, the longer they have been present, the more time it takes to see results. You should try a minimum of three sessions and ideally 6 to 8 sessions, before determining whether you think acupuncture will work for you.

To prepare for a session, eat a little something before you come. Having a session on an empty stomach may cause lightheadedness or needle sensitivity in some people. At the same time, eating a heavy meal will also affect the treatment. Refrain from over-exercising, alcohol or drug use the day of your treatment (before and after the session).

Wear clothing that is comfortable. You will generally be lying on your back, stomach, or side for the treatment. Depending on where needles are placed, you may not need to disrobe at all, or only minimally. If there is a need to access areas that are more sensitive, such as the belly, a sheet or towels will be provided to maintain your privacy.

Generally 8-14 needles are used in a session; sometimes the number used is less, sometimes more. Needles remain in place generally from 20-45 minutes. There are times when they will be in a shorter or longer amount of time, depending on the nature of the symptoms and your general health condition. All needles are sterile and only used once; after the session, they are disposed of in a sharps container.

If herbs are recommended or you are offered dietary or qi gong information, this will take place at the end of the session. Herbs are an additional charge over the cost of the session.

After a session, you may feel energized or you might feel the need to rest for awhile. Follow what your body is asking you to do around this.

Know that you are entering into a healing ‘partnership’ with your practitioner. The benefits of this work increase from your active participation, such as looking at making lifestyle changes, increased attention to following what your body is asking for in terms of its dietary and exercise needs, and following the recommendations of the practitioner.

 

Categories : Acupuncture

What Imagery Work & Hypnotherapy Treat

By Brianna Noach · Comments (0)
Tuesday, July 21st, 2015

The work I do allows you to quickly identify, at the core, how your body-mind is feeling in any given moment, and provides you with tools you can use to make immediate shifts that will lead to feeling greater clarity, freedom, courage, vitality, happiness, and contentment. This work can be used for any kind of life need or desire; it will help you identify your wishes and create a bridge between present circumstances and your end goal.

It helps with:

  • Gaining Control over Addictions
  • Eliminating or Decreasing Physical Pain
  • Resolving Strong Emotions (anger, fear, shame, guilt, grief)
  • Increasing Vitality and Health
  • Generating Financial Abundance
  • Improving Existing and Generating New Relationships
  • Creating a Healthy Environment for Conception, Pregnancy, and Delivery of a Baby
  • Feeling Connected to Your Intuition, Your Wise Inner Teacher, and with the World, Collectively

It is my belief that pain, tension, and discomfort, whether experienced physically or emotionally, is connected to something in your life that is not in harmony. There is some kind of inner conflict, belief, or residual ‘stuck’ emotion from a life experience going on that you may or may not be consciously aware of. That is not to say that it is your fault if you experience pain and suffering, but pain acts as a teacher in identifying something you need to look at more closely. It is trying to give you a message and to tell you that a revision in your life path, in how you are living, is needed. Imagery Work and Hypnotherapy can help you quickly access the issue and do the work necessary to shift your life. Sometime this can result in complete removal of the pain; other times, it helps you to make pain your friend, to make peace with it rather than resisting it, and allowing it to be your teacher, to guide you in a new direction that in retrospect, you may see was your next step on this life journey.

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Categories : Imagery and Hynotherapy

What to Expect & How to Prepare for an Imagery or Hypnotherapy Session

By Brianna Noach
Monday, July 20th, 2015

It is best to think ahead of the session what you would like to work on. Be prepared for the unexpected, though! Sometimes, seemingly unrelated issues or images may arise. This is either because your inner wise self knows there is another more pressing issue that needs to be addressed first or because we as human beings are so complex that what arises may actually be related in some way to what you want to work on.

Bring with you a notebook and pen, to take notes on what you experience, insights, and take-home exercises. Also bring with you a written copy of dreams you have had over the past two weeks.

 

Categories : Imagery and Hynotherapy

Hypnotherapy Research

By Brianna Noach
Sunday, July 19th, 2015

Hypnotherapy: As with imagery work, hypnotherapy has been growing in popularity in recent years, and there has been extensive research done on its potential value. The following lists conditions for which it has been found to be therapeutic, and a summary of the research.

Anxiety: A study of 241 patients undergoing percutaneous vascular and renal procedures found that those receiving hypnosis maintained pain levels, while 2 control groups experienced increased pain over time. Anxiety reductions were also highest in the hypnotherapy group.       http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, published 2008

Cancer: Comprehensive searches were made of CINAHL, CENTRAL, DARE, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases through March 2005. Six randomized controlled clinical trials were found; children were the subjects in 5 of the trials. Statistically significant reductions were found for the use of hypnotherapy for anticipatory and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children with cancer. Cancer (nausea, vomiting) & Hypnotherapy, Research Council for Complementary Medicine, publ. on April 27, 2011; 19:21.       A 1983 study showed women with metastatic breast cancer that received group therapy with hypnosis over a year reduced pain levels by 50% compared to a control group. A 10-year follow-up showed a mean survival rate of 36.6 months compared to 18.9 months for the controls. Two studies (1984, 1985) showed fewer symptoms of anticipatory nausea and vomiting with adolescent and adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who received hypnosis. A 1988 study found hypnosis that emphasized storytelling and imagery was significantly more effective than behavioral techniques or standard medical practice in decreasing distress during bone marrow aspirations in young children with leukemia. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

Cardiovascular Conditions: Two studies (1982, 1986) found hypnosis helpful at reducing hypertension or increasing low blood pressure. A 1979 study found significant improvement in aerobic performance in individuals receiving post-hypnotic suggestions. A 1982 study found hypertensive subjects had more cerebral blood flow in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere, and hypnosis reduced it more dramatically and in a control group. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

Childbirth: Several studies (1963, 1986, 1987) showed success with hypnotherapy in prolonging pregnancy to prevent premature delivery. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, 2008.

Dental Procedures/Pain: 24 patients, 14 males and 10 females, were provided with hypnosis or local anesthesia. Of those who received hypnosis, only 2 subjects reported pain compared to 8 subjects in the anesthetic group; the hypnosis group also had less pain during the first few hours post-operatively. Anxiety levels were the same for both groups. Abdeshah, SK; Hashemipour, MA; Mesgarzadeh, V; Shahidi Payam, A.; and Halaj Monfared, A.; Effect of hypnosis on induction of local anesthesia, pain perception, control of hemorrhage and anxiety during extraction of third molars: a case-control study; J. Craniomaxillofac Surg., 2013 Jun; 41(4): 310-5; Epub 2012 Dec. 14; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23253486.

Depression: A 1985 study found statistically significant decreases in depression, anxiety and pain, and increases in beta endorphin-like substances among patients suffering arthritic pain. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

GI Issues: A research review found that the hypnotic state seems to slow down the gut. One study found that when healthy volunteers were hypnotized and asked to relax, the transit time in the GI tract from mouth to the first part of the colon lengthened from 93 to 133 minutes. A second study found that the hypnotic state decreases muscle movements in the stomach, with happiness suppressing gastric muscle activity and anger and excitement increasing muscle movement. Two studies found that subjects who used imagery to enjoy a delicious meal while under hypnosis showed an 89% increase in gastric acid secretion, while hypnotic instruction was successful in deliberately decreasing stomach acid. Nearly 50 studies have reported therapeutic benefits of hypnosis on nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy, post-surgery, and during pregnancy. In another study of thirty patients with relapsing duodenal ulcers, 53% had a relapse within a year, compared with 100% relapse rate in a comparison group.       A 1984 study in Manchester, England showed hypnosis dramatically improved IBS symptoms with patients who failed to benefit from other treatment compared to a control group that received psychotherapy and placebo pills. This led to a dozen more studies, with the conclusion of most of the studies that hypnosis seems to improve the symptoms of 80% or more of all patients with classic IBS problems, especially if they do not have complicating factors such as psychiatric disorders. In many cases, the improvement is maintained for at least one year after the end of treatment. Palsson, Olafur S., Psy.D., Effects of Hypnosis on GI Problems, School of Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill; https://www.med.unc.edu/ibs/files/educational-gi-handouts/IBS%20and%20Hypnosis.pdf. Three studies (1984, 1987, 1989) found hypnosis significantly reduced pain and distension, and increased sense of well-being in patients who had not responded to conventional therapies; both a hypnotherapy and a control group that provided psychotherapy showed these results, but the hypnotherapy group also showed improvement in bowel habits that persisted at a 2-year follow-up; hypnotherapy showed enhanced benefits in GI function and pain reduction over hypnosis. A 1988 randomized trial of 30 patients with frequently relapsing duodenal ulcer disease found, at a 12-month follow-up, that 100% of drug-only versus 50% of drug-plus-hypnotherapy patients had relapsed. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

Headaches: A meta-analysis found hypnosis to provide moderate treatment benefit for chronic headache pain, compared to other psychological interventions. (2014) http://hypnosis.tools/pain-research.html. A 1975 study of migraine sufferers found a significant reduction in the number of attacks and their severity using hypnosis 6-12 months post-treatment, compared to a control group treated with traditional medications; the number of hypnosis group patients who had no headaches over a 3 month period was also significantly higher. A controlled trial in 1987 found self-hypnosis more effective than propranolol or placebo in reducing frequency of migraine headaches in children aged 6-12 years. A 1980 study found hypnosis effective in dealing with tension headaches. A 1992 study of 42 patients who suffered from chronic headaches and responded poorly to conventional treatments found a 30% decrease in headache intensity compared to a control group. A 1988 literature review of hypnosis studies found that hypnotic methods that emphasize relaxation, hand warming, and direct hypnotic suggestions of symptom removal are the most effective in reducing duration, intensity and frequency of migraine attacks during a 10-week treatment course and at 13-month follow-up, compared to controls. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

Hemophelia: Over an 18-week follow-up, hemophiliac patients who were taught self-hypnosis significantly reduced level of self-reported distress and amount of factor concentrate needed to control bleeding, compared to a control group (1986).       A 30-month follow-up with hemophiliac patients showed similar effects (1975). http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

Hypertension & Stress: Two studies (1977, 1978) showed hypnosis patients or those receiving a combination of biofeedback and hypnosis maintained significant reduction in blood pressure 6 months later, compared to a biofeedback-only group. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm.

Miscellaneous Pain: Controlled trials indicate hypnosis is effective for reducing chronic pain intensity on average, but there is substantial variation in outcome (2014).       A study of 100 veterans with chronic low back pain who received live only or live and recorded hypnosis as part of their treatment found greatest improvement and maintenance of results for 3 months, compared to a group that received biofeedback only (2014). A meta-analysis of 18 studies found moderate to large hypno-analgesic effects, supporting hypnosis’ benefits for pain management (2000). http://hypnosis.tools/pain-research.html. A 1997 study showed that various types of pain can be reduced by 33% via hypnotically induced analgesia. The more suggestible the person, the greater the response; 66% of the highly susceptible group were successful, compared to 17% of the medium susceptibility group and 13% of the lower susceptibility group. A 1985 study of patients with arthritic pain showed statistically significant decreases in depression, anxiety and pain, and increases in beta endorphin-like substances, which is associated with reduced anxiety and depression. A 1986 study found benefit of hypnosis for pain levels of patients with chronic facial pain. A 1985 study of 19 patients with a variety of musculoskeletal disorders found significant reductions of pain and dysphoria following hypnosis, as well as significant increases in plasma beta endorphin. A 1989 study of 20 patients with various chronic pain syndromes showed significant pain reduction following hypnosis, when compared to a control group. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

Respiratory Conditions & Immune System: Hypnosis was shown to alleviate the subjective distress of patients with asthma compared to supportive therapy, with reduced number of attacks and medication needed (1962, 1970, 1986 studies). A 1970 study of asthmatic subjects found benefit with hypnosis and relaxation therapy, but hypnotherapy’s benefits were significantly greater, peaking in weeks 7-12 of treatment. Only the hypnotic subjects showed improvement in forced expiratory volume. A 1985 study showed children trained in self-hypnosis could significantly alter their tissue levels of oxygen, as measured by transcutaneous PO2 measures.       Hypnosis was found to strengthen disease-fighting capacity of two types of immune white blood cells more than subjects receiving relaxation or no treatment. http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008.

Smoking Cessation: A review of 59 studies found mixed quality of research methods. Of the best research, hypnosis was found to be superior to a wait-list control group, for smoking cessation, and about equal to other treatments. A Cochrane Review made in 1998 looked at nine studies that measured abstinence from smoking for at least six months post-treatment, with varied results of using hypnosis and other methods. http://hypnosis.tools/pain-research.html

Surgery: Patients receiving head and neck surgery who learned hypnosis prior to surgery had shorter post-operative hospitalizations than a control group (1988). http://www.counselorsassociated.com/lifechange3b.htm, publ. 2008. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled studies using hypnosis as an adjunct with surgical patients, focused on side effects (e.g., pain, nausea, distress), found that patients in hypnosis treatment groups had better outcomes than 89% of patients in control groups, and helped the majority of patients with reducing side effects of surgery (2002). A randomized controlled trial on 241 patients undergoing invasive surgery to the arteries, veins, or kidneys, under conscious sedation, randomly placed patients into a self-hypnotic relaxation, attention control, or standard care group.   Procedure time was significantly shorter in the hypnosis group, these patients remained relatively pain free throughout the surgery, and required about half the pain medication of patients in the other groups (2000).       A randomized controlled trial of 200 women undergoing breast surgery (biopsy or lumpectomy) found that those who received a 15 minute hypnosis session just prior to the surgery experienced significantly less pain, nausea, fatigue, discomfort and emotional upset than those who received 15 minutes of empathic listening prior to the surgery. There was also less need for two out of six painkilling and sedative medications.       Reduced operating room and drug use costs resulted in a cost savings of $772.61 per patient (2007).       http://hypnosis.tools/pain-research.html

Categories : Imagery and Hynotherapy, Research

Imagery Work Research

By Brianna Noach · Comments (0)
Sunday, July 19th, 2015

Imagery Work: The particular style of imagery work that I practice, which I learned from The School of Images®, has not been specifically researched; however, imagery work as a whole has been researched a great deal. This website lists the extensive benefits of guided imagery for a wide variety of conditions, looking at research through 2006. Because of the extensiveness of the information found on this website, the reader is directed to go to the website for more specific information that relates to various physical and psychological conditions. The following are conditions for which the website identifies imagery to be a very effective treatment intervention:

 Research Links to articles at The Academy of Guided Imagery website:

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Categories : Imagery and Hynotherapy, Research

Cost of Scheduling an Imagery/Hypnotherapy Session

By Brianna Noach
Saturday, July 18th, 2015

Cost: If you are scheduling an Imagery/Hypnotherapy appointment as a stand-alone session, the length of the session will be 60 minutes for Imagery, or 90 minutes for Hypnotherapy. The cost is $70 for 60 minutes, or $100 for 90 minutes. If you would like some Imagery Work/Hypnotherapy in an acupuncture or massage therapy session, I will generally only offer 1-2 exercises as part of the session, and there is no additional cost for this (see Acupuncture or Massage Therapy tabs for prices). Forms of payment include cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.

I am available for appointments Monday-Friday, including evening appointments. I am also open for appointments on Saturday mornings. To make an appointment, call or email me (see Contact page).

Cancellation/No-Show/Late Show Policy: If you need to cancel your appointment, I request 24 hours notice, except in the case of an emergency. You will be charged 50% of the cost of an appointment cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. You will also be charged 50% of the cost of a missed appointment. If you are late to your appointment, your session may be shortened in length, depending on that day’s patient schedule.

Categories : Imagery and Hynotherapy

What Massage Therapy Treats & its Benefits

By Brianna Noach
Saturday, July 18th, 2015

Massage therapy is helpful for various conditions, including muscle tension and joint pain, digestive concerns (constipation, bloating), sinus congestion, headaches, stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating.  It improves blood and lymph circulation.  Massage therapy is not a substitute for receiving medical treatment.  Please consult with your physician prior to receiving massage therapy, if you have any questions about whether it is appropriate for your condition.  Quite a number of research studies have been done on the effects of massage therapy.  See Research section for more detailed information.

Categories : Massage Therapy

What to Expect & How to Prepare for a Massage Therapy Session

By Brianna Noach
Friday, July 17th, 2015

For your first visit, plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to complete a brief health history form.  At this session, we will discuss your goals for the treatment, whether you are coming in for help a specific concern or just want a relaxation massage.  If you have had an accident, injury, or otherwise have a condition that requires several visits, we will set up a follow-up plan.  I will ask you specific questions and may perform an assessment to determine the optimal treatment strategy.  Because of the assessment, time on the table for the first visit will be slightly shorter than with follow-up appointments.

I am a massage therapy provider under Labor & Industries, and also accept Personal Injury Protection (PIP) situations; I am happy to bill for services provided under these circumstances.  If you are coming in under a PIP or Labor & Industries claim, or want me to provide you with a super-bill to get reimbursed by your insurance company, you may be required to bring with you a referral for services.  Please check with your insurance company about this requirement, prior to your session.  In addition, with certain medical conditions, I may request a referral before treating you, if I have questions as to whether massage therapy can be safely provided to you.

If you have any medical documents that relate to the condition, such as x-rays or medical reports, please bring those with you to the session.  You will also be asked about medications you are currently taking and whether you are receiving treatment for medical conditions.  Certain conditions require modifications in how massage is provided, and in a small number of situations, massage may be completely contraindicated.  If you have questions about whether to receive massage, ask your primary health care provider.

Sessions are 60, 75, or 90 minutes in length, according to your preference.  I am also available to do chair massage at an office or function; these sessions are 15-30 minutes in length.

As a client, you have full control over the amount of pressure you receive.  I will check in with you regularly to make sure you are comfortable with the pressure being provided.  There are two types of pain.  One type of pain is where you feel ‘that hurts so good’.  That type of pain is okay, if it is comfortable for you.  The other type of pain is one where you tense up, perhaps hold your breath, and feel uncomfortable.  This kind of pain is not therapeutic.  Please let me know if you experience this kind of pain.

Wear comfortable clothing (pants, shirt), if you plan to receive styles of massage/bodywork that are done fully clothed, such as Shiatsu/acupressure, craniosacral, Reiki, or seated massage.  If you are receiving Swedish, myofascial, or deep tissue massage, you will be asked to undress to your level of comfort.  I will only uncover the part of the body I am working on and re-cover the area before moving to another area of the body. Regardless of the style of massage received, private areas are always covered and are never touched.

My philosophy is that we are partners in your healing process. I focus a great deal on prevention and self-care. I may offer you exercises or other ‘homework’ to practice between sessions. These are designed to support the massage treatment you just received. I also offer classes periodically on movement reeducation methods (qi gong, Biosomatics®, Bones for Life® to support the body’s structure, posture, and movement. These classes are described in the Classes pages.

Categories : Massage Therapy
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