October 2006 [Volume 5, Issue 10]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Arthritis Eased by Acupuncture
• Herb of the Month - Aster (zi wan)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights From the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

A study by a German team of researchers may give hope to the more than 46 million people who suffer from some form of arthritis. The study, published in the November 2006 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, suggests acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve quality of life, which is particularly encouraging news for the millions who suffer from arthritis and would like to avoid conventional medical approaches to treatment, which usually involves drugs.

The 3,633 participants of the study were divided into three groups: an acupuncture group (357), a control group (355), and a nonrandomized acupuncture group (2,921). All of the patients were allowed to continue their regular medical care during the study. The two acupuncture groups received 15 sessions within the first three months; while the control group was offered the acupuncture treatments in the final three months. A symptom and pain questionnaire was completed by all subjects at the beginning and end of the six-month period.

Survey results showed that patients who received the initial round of treatments experienced a sustained improvement during the next three months. Those who underwent the second round of sessions had comparable improvement at the end of the three months. Also, those who continued their routine medical care demonstrated a significant improvement in their quality of life, which included pain reduction and increased mobility.

Aster is an average-sized perennial plant native to East Asia; it blooms in September in October, and flourishes in sunny areas with moist, wet soils. It is usually harvested in the spring or autumn, with the root used for medicinal purposes.

Aster root is purple and stringy, and resembles a pile of spaghetti in appearance. The roots are braided after being plucked, and then allowed to dry in the sun. After being dried, they are usually cut into thick slices. Aster root contains many chemicals that act as expectorants, along with a volatile oil. Raw aster root (fried with honey) can be found at many Asian markets and herbal shops. Dried, sliced aster root is available at some specialty stores, as are aster tablets, powders and decoctions.

Aster root is considered bitter and warm according to traditional Chinese medicine principles, and is associated with the Lung Meridian. Its strongest functions are to relieve cough and expel phlegm, although it also is used to moisten the lungs and redirect qi. Today, aster root is used to treat violent, phlegmy coughs and other respiratory conditions, and to relieve pulmonary abscesses. Aster root is typically used in combination with platycodon and fritillaria to help stop coughs and get rid of phlegmy obstructions.

The typical dosage of aster root is 3-9 grams per day, decocted in water for oral use. Some practitioners may recommend a slightly higher dose (5-10 grams). While there are no accounts of any adverse effects associated with taking too much aster root, it should be used with caution by patients experiencing excessive Heat syndrome. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with aster root. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking aster root or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

To learn more about 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 unfortunately do not have insurance and have a fairly low income. For the past couple years I have been suffering from gastronomical issues, and I have come to believe that I am a sufferer of IBS, or possibly Crohn's, though I am hoping it is not the latter. I think stress, alcohol, and a bad diet led to this. I began trying to treat it with a better diet and natural remedies, which has helped somewhat, but not completely. I have been told acupuncture may help, as a good portion of the constriction may be psychological. What is your opinion on this? At this point I would be willing to try almost anything to get back to normal. I am praying I do not have to have surgery or be forced to go on non-natural medications, as I do not agree with those concepts. I would like to try the natural way first.

Answer: Acupuncture is usually effective in treating the symptoms of IBS, and treatment is available for the symptoms of Crohn's. Chinese herbal medicine has been clinically shown to treat the symptoms of IBS as reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association several years ago. Yes, you can have good results with acupuncture for these symptoms. In general, a treatment course is 10 to 13 sessions. Usually, follow-up treatments are necessary. You would also want to have a western medicine examination to determine if you have Crohn's or another serious intestinal condition.

Question #2: I am a 21-year-old woman. I'm 5'4" and 222 pounds. My problem is that I have gained weight nonstop for the last couple of years. I was 145 pounds when I was 17, 18 and 19 years old. I don't eat a lot. I've seen a doctor about it and he checked everything. I have PCOS, and also IBS and depression. What can I do? I really am asking for help because I feel so down and helpless. It hurts to walk and I also find it's getting harder to move and get out of the house. There's a pain in my back from all the weight that I have gained. I would like to add that I gained 20 pounds in about 2-1/2 weeks. I just need to know what I can do. Is there something that I can take?

Answer: Weight loss is possible for everyone, if they have the help they need. Healthy weight loss is about 1 pound per week. Acupuncture treatment can help reduce your appetite and balance your metabolism. You also need a proper nutritional and dietary plan, one you can stick with. To lose weight, your food consumption must be proper and adequate. There is not one pill or remedy to take that will overcome improper eating habits.

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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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