August 2010 [Volume 9, Issue 8]

To Your Health is brought to you by:

In this issue of To Your Health:

• CAM Improves Quality of Life With Cancer
• Herb of the Month – Nux Vomica Seed (ma qian zi)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

CAM Improves Quality of Life With Cancer

Several studies have shown the value of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in helping patients deal with the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer. Some of these side effects may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue or insomnia. Now, a recent study from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has shown that visualization and acupuncture may be very beneficial in improving the quality of life for adult cancer patients following chemotherapy.¹

Namie Okino Sawada, RN, PhD, and colleagues divided a group of 75 adult patients with cancer, who were starting chemotherapy, into two groups. The intervention group was to receive weekly relaxation/visualization exercises, along with acupuncture (38 patients). The other group was the control, which did not receive the intervention treatment (37 patients). Patients could select which group they wished to enter. All patients completed a global health/quality-of-life questionnaire.

The relaxation/visualization sessions lasted 15 minutes each, while the acupuncture sessions lasted 20 minutes each and were designed to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal distension. The relaxation/visualization session consisted of guided images of calmness and serenity, allowing the patient to visualize their bodies as healthy and strong.

Researchers found that at the end of the study (approximately six weeks), the participants in the intervention group reported significantly increased global health/quality-of-life scores as well as emotional and social functions. Participants in the intervention group reported a decrease in fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, constipation and diarrhea. Participants in the control group also reported significant improvements in global health/quality-of-life scores. However, they also reported increases in symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, insomnia, and diarrhea. They concluded, "Relaxation with visualization and acupuncture influenced the improvement in QoL of the IG participants."

Reference

1. Sawada NO, Zago MM, Galvão CM, et al. The outcomes of visualization and acupuncture on the quality of life of adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Cancer Nurs 2010 Sep-Oct;33(5):E21-8.

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

Herb of the Month – Nux Vomica Seed (ma qian zi)

Nux vomica seed comes from a type of tree, Strychnos nux-vomica L. (strychnine), which grows in India, Ceylon, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia. The berries contain the nux vomica seeds, which are harvested when the berries ripen. They are removed from the berries, dried, then fried for use in herbal preparations.

Nux vomica seed is bitter in flavor, with cold and highly toxic properties. It is associated with the Liver and Spleen meridians. Its main functions are to reduce masses and obstructions, and to alleviate pain. Nux vomica seed is often incorporated with other herbs to treat conditions such as pain and swelling, inflammation of the throat, arthralgia and rheumatism. In controlled doses, it can help stimulate muscular activity and resolve some cases of alcohol poisoning. It is extremely potent, and should be used only under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

The typical dose of nux vomica seed is between 0.3-0.9 grams, ground up into a powder for use in herbal formulas. It should be prepared thoroughly before use. Appropriate amounts can be applied externally by grinding the seeds into powder and mixing them with liquid to form a type of paste or poultice.

Nux vomica is considered toxic; large doses can cause spasms, fainting or possibly even coma. It should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and should not be taken for prolonged durations. The German Commission E considers nux vomica an "unapproved herb." According to the Commission, "Since the effectiveness of most claimed applications is not documented, the therapeutic use of nux vomica and its preparations, even as bitter principle and tonic, is not justifiable due to the risks."

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: I have been suffering with restless leg syndrome for at least 8-10 years. My question is: is there a treatment via acupuncture? I would be somewhat satisfied with some form of holistic/natural medication. Look forward to your thoughts.

Answer: TCM or acupuncture views restless leg syndrome symptoms as having more than one cause. Some patients are able to respond to acupuncture (in general, 10 to 12 sessions), and other patients respond better to Chinese medicinal herb formulas. Still for other patients, there appears to be a nutrient deficiency and their symptoms are better with nutritional supplements. Supplements are the least expensive.

Unsubscribe
Thank you for subscribing to To Your Health. If you have received this newsletter in error or wish to unsubscribe, you may remove your name from our e-mail subscription list at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/unsubscribe.php.

Update your e-mail address
To update the e-mail address your newsletter is sent to, click here.

If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please complete this form at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletterhelp/TYH.