October 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 10]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture Combats Hot Flashes for Breast Cancer Patients
• Herb of the Month – Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Acupuncture Combats Hot Flashes for Breast Cancer Patients

At least half of all postmenopausal women will suffer from hot flashes. For breast cancer patients, that rate goes up to 70 percent. Past studes have hown the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating hot flashes in healthy women. Now, a new study has shown that acupuncture may also help for breast cancer patients.

Fifty-nine women taking Tamoxifen following breast cancer surgery received either 10 weeks of traditional Chinese acupuncture or fake acupuncture treatments. During the treatment, the number of hot flashes per day was reduced by almost 60 percent for the acupuncture patients, and further went down by 30 percent for 12 weeks following treatment. Those women receiving the fake acupuncture saw a modest reduction in hot flashes during treatment, but returned to normal levels once the treatment ended.

The researchers concluded, "Acupuncture seems to provide effective relief from hot flashes both day and night in women operated for breast cancer, treated with Tamoxifen."

For more information on the many benefits of Oriental medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.

Herb of the Month – Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata)

The saw palmetto plant is native to the southeast United States. It grows between two and four feet in height, with fan-shaped, serrated leaves and small oval berries. Traditionally, saw palmetto berries were used to treat urinary problems in men, and breast disorders in women. In many countries, it is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that affects the urinary system, and can help shrink enlarged prostate glands, without the side effects associated with drugs such as alpha blockers. It is sometimes combined with nettle-root extract to treat BPH.

For BPH, the recommended dosage of saw palmetto is 160 mg twice a day of an extract that has been standardized to contain 85-95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Some studies suggest that a single 320 mg dose may be just as effective as two 160 mg doses. Taking more than 320 mg per day does not seem to produce better results in treating BPH.

The most popular form of saw palmetto is a dried extract in capsule form. However, powdered saw palmetto berries are sometimes used in teas and preparations, and liquid extracts are also available. Saw palmetto is considered to be nontoxic. No significant side effects have been noted in clinical trials with saw palmetto extracts; however, in rare cases, high amounts of saw palmetto may cause stomach problems.

As of this writing, there are no well-known drug interactions with saw palmetto. Since there are no proven uses for saw palmetto in women, it should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. In addition, its use is discouraged in patients with kidney or liver disease. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking saw palmetto or any other dietary supplement.

Always consult your health care provider before taking any herbal or dietary supplement, and be sure to let them know of any medications you may be taking.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: I have had high blood pressure for years. Systolic generally is 140-170; diastolic is usually high 80's low 90's. I am on six different medications. Can acupuncture help?

Answer: Acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce mild to moderate hypertension, which apparently applies to you. Though it has been shown to help in the majority of cases, not every patient responds. A patient should procede with caution. The acupuncturist and MD who is prescribing should both monitor your blood pressure during treatmnet. Medications need not be adjusted untill a change is noted. Once your blood pressure is reduced you should continue to monitor it and regularly have check ups by both health care providers.

Do you have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit the "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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