AcupunctureToday.com | To Your Health Newsletter

This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to:

Tuina (pronounced "twee nah") is a form of Oriental bodywork that has been used in China for centuries. A combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of qi. Removing these blockages restores the balance of qi in the body, leading to improved health and vitality.

The details of tuina's techniques and uses were originally documented in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which was written about 2,500 years ago. Its popularity and recognition grew steadily to the point that by the sixth century, many traditional Chinese medical schools had incorporated tuina into their programs as a separate department. In China, tuina is currently taught as a separate but equal field of study, with practitioners receiving the same level of training (and enjoying the same professional respect) as acupuncturists and herbalists. It is also taught as part of the curriculum at every accredited acupuncture school in the United States.

Tuina practitioners may employ a variety of methods to achieve their goal. In a typical tuina session, the client remains clothed but wears loose clothing, and sits on a chair or couch. The practitioner will ask the patient a series of questions, then begin treatment based on the answers to those questions. Practitioners may sometimes use herbal compresses, liniments, ointments and heat to enhance these techniques.

Tuina is best suited for rectifying chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions and stress-related disorders that affect the digestive and/or respiratory systems. Among the ailments tuina treats best are neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica and tennis elbow. However, because tuina is designed to improve and restore the flow of qi, treatment often ends up causing improvements to the whole body, not just a specific area. There is anecdotal evidence that headaches, constipation, premenstrual symptoms and some emotional problems may also be effectively treated through tuina. Some patients may also experience feelings of sleepiness or euphoria.

Finding a qualified tuina practitioner is relatively easy. The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) maintains a list of qualified tuina practitioners throughout the U.S. For more information, contact the AOBTA by phone at 856-782-1616, or online at www.aobta.org.

Burdock is a member of the thistle family. It was originally grown in Europe and Asia, but is now widespread throughout the United States. It is a short, green plant that grows in light, well-drained soil, with wavy, heart-shaped leaves and roots that are brownish-green or black on the outside. Both the root and leaves are used in herbal remedies.

Ancient texts classified burdock as an "alterative" or blood purifier. In Japan and elsewhere, it is eaten as a vegetable. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root is often used in combination with other herbs to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles. Today, it is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis and gout. Preliminary studies have shown it can reduce inflammation and liver damage, although these studies have not been duplicated in humans. There is also preliminary evidence that a burdock-based tea can treat cancer.

Many herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of burdock tincture per day, or 1-2 grams of burdock capsules three times per day. In addition to the forms mentioned above, burdock is available as a powder or extract. In addition, dried burdock root can be used in tea.

While there are no known risks associated with burdock, the plant's toxicology is admittedly not well-known. Skin contact with burdock may lead to irritation in sensitive patients. Pregnant and lactating women should not take burdock. Additionally, burdock may interfere with certain medications used to treat diabetes and hypoglycemia. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking burdock or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

References

Bradley P (ed.) British Herbal Compendium. Dorset, England: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992; 1992:1:46-49.
Lin CC, et al. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of arctium lappa. Am J Chin Med 1996;24:127-137.
Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, pp. 9-101.

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: How effective is acupuncture in treating Type II diabetes? What methods might be used?

Answer: There are acupuncture treatments for the symptoms of diabetes. Chinese herbal medicines have also been effective. Some cases respond very well to treatment; others, not at all. Effectiveness depends on the diagnosis, or root cause, which is expressed differently than in Western medicine, and the individual responsiveness of the patient to treatment.

Question #2: I am a Graves' disease sufferer, and since I had radioactive iodine treatment last November, I haven't been feeling like myself anymore. I've been very tired, and became uninterested in everything ... I'm only 29 and don't want to live the rest of my life like this anymore. Please help.

Answer: I hear your plea, and you should investigate Chinese medicine to see if anything can be done to help your symptoms. An acupuncturist will have a different viewpoint on the problem than the Western doctors, and maybe some therapeutic ideas. Seven to ten treatments will let you know if it can be helpful to you. Many people have had this radiation treatment, because it is better than the alternative. It hasn't been that long, less than a year, and you may be still adjusting to the differences. Acupuncture can help with that, too.

Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask

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.

	Archives Unsubscribe Update e-mail address
August 2003 [Volume 2, Issue 8] To Your Health is brought to you by:

This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to: https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/subscribe.php In this issue of To Your Health: The ABCs of TCM: Tuina Herb of the Month: Burdock Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum The ABCs of TCM: Tuina Tuina (pronounced "twee nah") is a form of Oriental bodywork that has been used in China for centuries. A combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of qi. Removing these blockages restores the balance of qi in the body, leading to improved health and vitality. The details of tuina's techniques and uses were originally documented in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which was written about 2,500 years ago. Its popularity and recognition grew steadily to the point that by the sixth century, many traditional Chinese medical schools had incorporated tuina into their programs as a separate department. In China, tuina is currently taught as a separate but equal field of study, with practitioners receiving the same level of training (and enjoying the same professional respect) as acupuncturists and herbalists. It is also taught as part of the curriculum at every accredited acupuncture school in the United States. Tuina practitioners may employ a variety of methods to achieve their goal. In a typical tuina session, the client remains clothed but wears loose clothing, and sits on a chair or couch. The practitioner will ask the patient a series of questions, then begin treatment based on the answers to those questions. Practitioners may sometimes use herbal compresses, liniments, ointments and heat to enhance these techniques. Tuina is best suited for rectifying chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions and stress-related disorders that affect the digestive and/or respiratory systems. Among the ailments tuina treats best are neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica and tennis elbow. However, because tuina is designed to improve and restore the flow of qi, treatment often ends up causing improvements to the whole body, not just a specific area. There is anecdotal evidence that headaches, constipation, premenstrual symptoms and some emotional problems may also be effectively treated through tuina. Some patients may also experience feelings of sleepiness or euphoria. Finding a qualified tuina practitioner is relatively easy. The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) maintains a list of qualified tuina practitioners throughout the U.S. For more information, contact the AOBTA by phone at 856-782-1616, or online at www.aobta.org. Herb of the Month: Burdock Burdock is a member of the thistle family. It was originally grown in Europe and Asia, but is now widespread throughout the United States. It is a short, green plant that grows in light, well-drained soil, with wavy, heart-shaped leaves and roots that are brownish-green or black on the outside. Both the root and leaves are used in herbal remedies. Ancient texts classified burdock as an "alterative" or blood purifier. In Japan and elsewhere, it is eaten as a vegetable. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root is often used in combination with other herbs to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles. Today, it is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis and gout. Preliminary studies have shown it can reduce inflammation and liver damage, although these studies have not been duplicated in humans. There is also preliminary evidence that a burdock-based tea can treat cancer. Many herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of burdock tincture per day, or 1-2 grams of burdock capsules three times per day. In addition to the forms mentioned above, burdock is available as a powder or extract. In addition, dried burdock root can be used in tea. While there are no known risks associated with burdock, the plant's toxicology is admittedly not well-known. Skin contact with burdock may lead to irritation in sensitive patients. Pregnant and lactating women should not take burdock. Additionally, burdock may interfere with certain medications used to treat diabetes and hypoglycemia. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking burdock or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement. To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral. References Bradley P (ed.) British Herbal Compendium. Dorset, England: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992; 1992:1:46-49. Lin CC, et al. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of arctium lappa. Am J Chin Med 1996;24:127-137. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, pp. 9-101. 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: How effective is acupuncture in treating Type II diabetes? What methods might be used? Answer: There are acupuncture treatments for the symptoms of diabetes. Chinese herbal medicines have also been effective. Some cases respond very well to treatment; others, not at all. Effectiveness depends on the diagnosis, or root cause, which is expressed differently than in Western medicine, and the individual responsiveness of the patient to treatment. Question #2: I am a Graves' disease sufferer, and since I had radioactive iodine treatment last November, I haven't been feeling like myself anymore. I've been very tired, and became uninterested in everything ... I'm only 29 and don't want to live the rest of my life like this anymore. Please help. Answer: I hear your plea, and you should investigate Chinese medicine to see if anything can be done to help your symptoms. An acupuncturist will have a different viewpoint on the problem than the Western doctors, and maybe some therapeutic ideas. Seven to ten treatments will let you know if it can be helpful to you. Many people have had this radiation treatment, because it is better than the alternative. It hasn't been that long, less than a year, and you may be still adjusting to the differences. Acupuncture can help with that, too. Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask 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.