February 2002 [Volume 1, Issue 1]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Symptoms of Lumbago Relieved by Acupuncture
• Herb of the Month: Ginger
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Symptoms of Lumbago Relieved by Acupuncture

Lumbago is a painful condition that affects the muscles and tendons of the lower back. Although it occurs most often in young people and in those whose jobs require a great deal of physical activity, it can be experienced by people of all ages. Most cases of lumbago are treated either with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen; in some cases, surgery may be required. Both approaches are not without risks, however. Surgical procedures are expensive and may actually exacerbate, rather than cure, back pain; NSAIDs, meanwhile, may bring about unwanted side-effects and merely mask the pain without eliminating its source.

The authors of this study from the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine tried a different approach: acupuncture. Researchers performed a comprehensive acupuncture protocol on a group of 48 patients, who had symptoms of lumbago ranging from one month to 32 years. In addition to needle stimulation, patients received moxibustion (burning moxa to heat acupuncture points); plum-blossom needling (using a seven-pronged hammerlike device to lightly tap the surface of the skin); and cupping (placing a warmed glass cup over the affected area to encourage the flow of qi, or vital energy, and blood). These therapies were performed daily or every other day, with 10 sessions constituting one course of treatment.

After one to two courses of treatment, 29 patients reported a complete resolution of lumbago symptoms. A followup exam performed three months after treatment showed no recurrence of the condition. Another 15 patients reported that while the lumbago hadn't disappeared, its symptoms had been alleviated to some degree.

Acupuncture techniques such as moxibustion, plum-blossom needling and cupping have been shown to promote the circulation of blood and qi, which helps eliminate the pain and inflammation associated with lumbago. If you suffer from low back pain and are considering an alternative approach to your condition, schedule an appointment with an acupuncturist or doctor of Oriental medicine.

For more information on back pain, please click here.

Herb of the Month: Ginger

A knotted, beige-colored root, ginger has been used in cooking in China and India for more than 4,000 years. It is known for its sharp, spicy flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, it has several medicinal properties.

Ginger has long been praised for its ability to calm the stomach. In human studies, ginger has been shown to relieve motion sickness better than any over-the-counter medication. Other studies have found it can ease pain from sore throats and aches caused by colds and flu. High doses of ginger (10-20 grams per day) may significantly decrease pain associated with migraines and rheumatoid arthritis.

The standard dosage, or intake, of ginger depends on the condition being treated. In general, no more than 2-4 grams of fresh ginger should be taken daily in addition to whatever ginger you may get from your diet. However, studies have revealed that other doses may be used for the following conditions:

• Nausea, gas or indigestion: 2-4 grams of fresh root (0.25-1.00g of powdered root)
• Cold and flu symptoms, headaches: ginger tea (two tablespoons of freshly shredded ginger steeped in boiled water 2-3 times daily)
• Arthritis: 2-4 grams daily, using oil or fresh root in a warm poultice or compress and apply to the painful areas.

Ginger is available in a variety of forms. In addition to fresh ginger root (which is available at most supermarkets), it can be found as an extract, tincture, capsule or oil. Another good source is crystallized ginger, which is covered in sugar to improve its taste.

When taken in the recommended doses, ginger is quite safe. The American Herbal Products Association has given fresh ginger root a class I safety rating, meaning it is a safe herb with a wide dosage range. However, dried ginger root has a class II-B rating, which means it should not be used during pregnancy.

Some evidence suggests that ginger may interfere with heart medications, diabetes medications and anticoagulants. Since ginger also increases the flow of bile, it should not be taken by patients with gallstones. Excessive amounts of ginger may cause mild heartburn. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before you begin to take ginger or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral.

Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Question #1: Is acupuncture effective for treating high blood pressure or high cholesterol?

Answer: Acupuncture can be very effective in treating high blood pressure. There are several patterns of disease that could be causing this, so seek out a practitioner close to you and consult with him/her. After a thorough review of your situation, they can advise you more specifically.

Cholesterol has been something not spoken about in the ancient literature (they didn't do blood tests), but my instructor taught me to look at cholesterol as "dampness/phlegm in the blood vessels." Using this as a guide, there has been some success in lowering these readings. Again, discuss it with a practitioner who can assess and advise.

Question #2: Can you recommend an acupuncture treatment plan for someone awaiting knee lateral meniscus tear arthroscopic surgery?

Answer: You need to see an acupuncturist for treatment. In my opinion, the focus of treatment should be to balance and strengthen the knee area for an easier and better postsurgical outcome.

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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