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Acupuncture for Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition involving irregular heartbeat, can increase the risk of
stroke. AF may occur as a result of many different causes including
high blood pressure, obesity, pneumonia, or overuse of
alcohol
or caffeine. Patients with AF may experience palpitations, chest pain,
or shortness of breath. Sometimes AF does not cause symptoms.
In many cases of AF, the condition cannot be cured but it can be managed to reduce the effect on the patient's life. Stress and
depression
tend to cause AF symptoms to worsen, and our treatments can help to
reduce the adverse health effects of stress. Many of our patients with
AF have experienced significant benefits from our treatments.
Acupuncture
research at Harvard Medical School and many other institutions around
the world have determined that acupuncture has profound effects on the
body's physiology. These include a wide range of molecular and cellular
effects on the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, and
growth-regulatory systems.
As an acupuncturist and holistic health practitioner,
Dr. Windsor uses the latest
research
to find solutions for patients with AF. During treatment for AF, it is
sometimes necessary to address another underlying reason for the
occurrence of symptoms. We will create an integrated treatment
strategy for your unique concerns and conditions. We welcome the
opportunity to partner with you, and with your other medical providers,
in order to help you achieve a cure.
"Atrial fibrillation can have many causes. Some of these causes can be
addressed effectively within my scope of practice. Very rarely, I have
seen some patients for AF after multiple attempts of cardioversion were
unsuccessful. Perhaps surprisingly, in these patients, acupuncture was
followed by a temporary return to normal rhythm lasting several days.
For patients in this category, I believe additional treatment options
may be available if the acupuncturist and cardiologist can work together
in a coordinated way."
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.