June 2006 [Volume 5, Issue 6]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Tai Chi - Good for the Heart, Good for the Mind
• Herb of the Month - Kelp (kun bu)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights From the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Tai chi has been practiced for centuries not only as a means of self-defense, but as a type of aerobic exercise. Previous studies have shown that tai chi has a variety of uses, from improving stability and balance to increasing strength and endurance. A new study has found that tai chi can also be "useful" in helping to lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and in improving their mental health.

In the study, 20 healthy women between the ages of 30 and 50 participated in a 10-week tai chi program supervised by two certified instructors. Sessions were held two evenings per week, with each session lasting one hour. The tai chi program appeared to have a positive effect on blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. Systolic blood pressure decreased an average of six points per patient from baseline to the end of the program, while total cholesterol levels dropped an average of .37 points per patient. In addition, the women showed "significant improvements" on the mental health and vitality portions of the questionnaire at the end of the program.

"We have shown in a cohort of 20 Chinese healthy women that a 10-week tai chi exercise program was associated with reduction in systolic blood pressure, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol," the authors of the study noted. "Tai chi was also associated with an improvement in some of the SF-36 scores, suggesting health-related quality of life could improve after the exercise."

Kelp is a type of seaweed that grows in coastal regions where the water is shallow enough for light to penetrate to the sea floor. It is the largest type of seaweed in the world, with some varieties growing to 30 meters or more in length. Kelp beds usually grow in "forests" similar to tropical rain forests, offering shelter and food for fish and other marine animals.

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, kelp has salty and cold properties, and is associated with the Liver, Stomach and Kidney meridians. Its primary functions are to reduce phlegm, to promote urination, and to treat "hardness" such as nodules and abdominal masses. It is also a vital source of several minerals, including iodine (a vital ingredient involved in the creation of thyroid hormones), magnesium, calcium and iron.

The amount of kelp to be taken depends on the condition being treated. Typically, practitioners will recommend between 6 grams and 15 grams of dried kelp taken with boiling water as a decoction. While kelp is typically sold in dried sheets or packets, it is also available raw, and is sometimes sold in capsule or tincture form.

As of this writing, there are no known side-effects or toxicities associated with kelp. However, because of its high content, daily kelp intake should be monitored closely; patients with hyperthyroidism, or who are taking medication to combat hyperthyroidism, should avoid all supplements that contain kelp. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking kelp or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement. To learn more abut the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral.

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and receive responses from a licensed acupuncturist. Here are a few of this month's questions and answers:

Question #1: I have two ruptured discs in my lower back; this happened three weeks ago. The pain is driving me crazy, and the medications don't work well. They just make me tired. I want to avoid surgery, so chiropractic was my next step. Would acupuncture help me? The pain is in my back and hip (left) and is causing numbness in my thigh and feet. I'm also experiencing pressure-type pain in my groin area. What should I do?

Answer: My best advice to you is to have patience. People often rush treatment decisions because of the discomfort they temporarily feel. Acupuncture treatment is a good place to start. You should have 10 treatments without expecting much. With a little improvement, and sometimes a lot, you may want to have a few more. This situation takes time, but rarely is surgery the best solution.

Question #2: I was wondering if acupuncture can help with reducing stress - particularly, nerves at specific times. Would it help with controlling extreme nervousness prior to and during public speaking? I've been told to look into acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Which would help the most? Thank you.

Answer: There would be two ways you can use acupuncture treatment for stress. Regular treatment is available to minimize stress and strengthen the nervous system so it is not affected by stress so much. Also, a treatment can be made where a needle is left in place, usually in the ear, to minimize stress during the week. These are some ideas you can discuss in person with an acupuncturist.

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Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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