In October this year the National Osteoporosis Day took place here in the UK. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects around half of all women over the age of 50 and 1 in 5 men of the same age.

The name osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bone’. It develops when the cells building bone cannot keep up with the cells breaking down bone tissue. Bones become fragile and brittle and can break at the slightest knock.

Osteoporosis doesn’t usually cause pain unless a fracture occurs, and then the pain can become severe.

How can Acupuncture help bone health?

The main benefit of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Acupuncture for osteoporosis is its fantastic ability to relieve pain. As the majority of sufferers are women going through or having gone through menopause, my TCM Acupuncture is also excellent for easing other menopausal symptoms too and supporting this natural transitional phase of a women’s life.

Pain arises in the body when energy, or ‘Qi’, is blocked, deficient or excessive. By needling the correct points, I am able to restore the normal flow of Qi and ease symptoms of pain. My skills as an acupuncturist lie in determining exactly where these blockages lie and this may not be where you expect!   You may have a broken wrist because of osteoporosis and this is the primary site of pain, but your Qi may be blocked elsewhere.

Foods for Bone Health

Alongside TCM Acupuncture, I like to offer nutrition and lifestyle support to my clients. When it comes to bone health, there are several key nutrients to ensure you are getting plentiful supplies of in your diet:

• Calcium is the first mineral we think of when it comes to bone health! Contrary to popular belief, dairy produce is not the best source of calcium as it is not well absorbed and utilised from dairy foods. Green vegetables, particularly ones which grow upright like celery, broccoli and kale along with nuts, seeds and wholegrains are all excellent sources of calcium.
• Magnesium: we need this mineral to utilise calcium properly. Green vegetables, nuts and seeds are the best sources.
• Zinc: found in seafood, poultry, red meat, nuts and seeds, zinc is a vital part of the bone building team.
• Vitamin D: the sunshine vitamin is commonly deficient in the UK so it is worth asking your GP to check your levels, particularly during winter months as even on sunny days we are unable to make vitamin D from winter sunlight.

Does osteoporosis run in your family?

Are you struggling to manage a painful fracture from osteoporosis?

Book today to see one of the UK’s TOP 3 ACUPUNCTURISTS! Call Tiziana today on 07788 633292 or email at info@yorktraditionalacupuncture.co.uk