December 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 12]

To Your Health is brought to you by:

In this issue of To Your Health:

• An Estimated 3 Million Americans Can't Be Wrong About AOM!
• Herb of the Month – Urtica (xun ma)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

An Estimated 3 Million Americans Can't Be Wrong About AOM!

In fact, the use of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) has jumped dramatically by 50 percent from 2002 to 2007. A new government survey, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, confirms this.

The survey, "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults and Children: United States, 2007" has charted the changes in AOM use since 2002, the last time the survey was performed. For this study, 23,393 adults ages 18 or older and 9,417 children were surveyed and results were extrapolated back to the general public.

In 2002, an estimated 2 million adults used "acupuncture care" within the last 12 months. In 2007, an estimated 3 million used those services. Furthermore, the number of people who practiced yoga jumped from 10 million in 2002 to 13 million in 2007, and use of qi gong went from 527,000 in 2002 to 625,000 in 2007.

So what does this mean? If you are using any sort of AOM treatment, you can consider yourself in very good company!

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

Herb of the Month – Urtica (xun ma)

Urtica is the name given to two types of round, green bushes found throughout the world. The plant is more commonly known as stinging nettle, and has gotten that nickname from the small hair-like projections that cover it, especially the leaves and stem. The hairs of the urtica plant contain chemicals inside them that irritate a person's skin and can be quite painful to the touch.

Traditionally, urtica has been used to stimulate circulation. In previous centuries, it has also been used to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from rheumatism and eczema to arthritis, gout and anemia. Today, urtica is most commonly used to treat urinary problems associated with the early stages of an enlarged prostate gland. Urtica leaves have sometimes been used as a topical compress or cream for gout, sprains, sciatica, tendonitis, burns, hemorrhoids and insect bites.

For lower urinary tract inflammation and kidney stones, many practitioners recommend between 8-12 grams of tea made from urtica leaves, along with at least two liters of liquid a day. For enlarged prostate conditions, 4-6 grams of root tincture (1:10 ratio) daily is recommended. Remember to consult with a licensed health care provider first before taking urtica for prostate or urinary problems.

Urtica is safe when used as directed; however, excessive use may interfere with the actions of hypoglycemic, hyperglycemic, antidiabetic and depressive drugs. In addition, urtica may alter a woman's menstrual cycle. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take urtica products and should contact their health care provider with any questions or concerns. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care practitioner before taking urtica or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: Can acupuncture be used to treat schizophrenia, without needing to take medications?

Answer: Oriental medicine is a beautiful way to treat mental/emotional conditions. Naturally, your practitioner will make a differential diagnosis that may not include the word schizophrenia because we are looking at how your energetic imbalances are creating this condition. You may want to ask practitioners whom you interview if they have any experience working with mental/emotional issues.

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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