April 2002 [Volume 1, Issue 3]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• The ABCs of Acupressure
• Herb of the Month: Turmeric
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The ABCs of Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient art of healing believed by some people to be even older than acupuncture. Sometimes referred to as "needleless acupuncture," it involves the use of the fingers (and in some cases, the toes) to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself. Pressing on these points relieves muscle tension, which promotes the circulation of blood and qi to aid in the healing process.

Like acupuncture, acupressure involves the stimulation of certain points on the body. Stimulating these points can trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals produced by the body that relieve pain. When endorphins are released, the pain is blocked, and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing.

Besides relieving pain, acupressure can help rebalance the body by lowering stress and tension levels and strengthening the immune system. Certain acupressure points can also relieve tension in the chest, enabling people to breathe more deeply and sleep better, and there has been anecdotal evidence that acupressure can help pregnant women have a quicker, less painful delivery.

Acupressure has several advantages over most other forms of healing:

• It is extremely cost-effective. No special equipment is required; the only items a person needs to perform acupressure effectively are their own fingers and/or toes.
• It can be performed anywhere, at any time. A person doesn't need to practice in a particular setting or a particular time of the day to experience its effects.
• It can be performed alone. Self-acupressure has been performed in Asia for thousands of years. People can learn acupressure from an experienced practitioner, or choose from a wide range of books and videotapes to learn how to self-perform acupressure in the comfort of their own homes.
• It offers a great deal of benefits to the patient. Correctly performed, acupressure increases circulation, reduces tension and enables the body to relax. Reducing tension, in turn, strengthens the immune system and promotes wellness.

However, acupressure is not without its limits. Applying acupressure too abruptly, or using too much force during treatment, can lead to bruising and discomfort. Great care should be used when applying pressure to points on or near the abdomen, groin, armpits, or throat. Special care should also be taken by pregnant women or those with recently-formed scars, burns, infections or skin lesions. Patients should always consult with a licensed health care professional before using acupressure or any other form of health care.

Herb of the Month: Turmeric

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. It has been used for thousands of years in India as a spice and food additive, helping to give many curries their color and flavor. The plant's root and rhizome, or underground stem, are used medicinally.

The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which has been shown to have a variety of beneficial properties. Among its documented actions, it acts as an antioxidant and protects against damage from free radicals; reduces inflammation; protects the liver from toxic compounds; and reduces platelets from clumping together, which improves circulation and helps protect against atherosclerosis.

Dosage of turmeric depends on the condition being treated. The German Commission E recommends a daily dose of 1.5-3 grams of turmeric root. Some practitioners also recommend a standardized turmeric extract containing 400-600mg of curcumin three times per day in capsule or tablet form.

Used as recommended, turmeric is generally safe; however, some anecdotal reports have linked it to extended use and overdosing. It should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. In addition, patients with gallstones or obstructed bile ducts should avoid turmeric unless approved by a health care provider.

To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit 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: Can an acupuncturist treat clients for food allergies in order that they may be able to eat these foods again without an allergic reaction?

Answer: The symptoms created by the immune reaction to allergens can be modified by acupuncture. The degree of modification is difficult to predict. Seven to ten treatments could be performed, after examination and evaluation, to determine how it individually will work.

Question #2: I have had pain in both legs and knees for more than two years. I have been diagnosed with having a medial meniscus tear in both knees. The doctor wants to repair them by knee arthroscopy on both knees. I have read and heard some horrible stories about people being worse off after the surgery than before. Is there any alternative to having this surgery? Can acupuncture cure this ailment or help? Thanks for your reply.

Answer: Once the meniscus tears, it is difficult to repair, even with surgery. It is not necessary to repair it to be symptom-free, though. Did you know there are people walking around with tears who do not know it, and feel nothing? Acupuncture does successfully treat many of the symptoms (pain, spasm, etc.), and often the area becomes strengthened over time so the symptoms do not come back.

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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