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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:

In the United States, it's not uncommon for a patient transported to a hospital by ambulance to be administered drugs or receive some form of care by paramedics prior to arrival. In many European countries, however, paramedics are prohibited from administering medications or performing certain procedures, such as acupuncture. As a result, many patients frequently experience unnecessary pain and anxiety during the ambulance ride.

Numerous studies have shown that ear acupuncture can be effective in reducing the anxiety that occurs before a person undergoes a surgical procedure. Ear acupressure has produced effects similar to ear acupuncture, and since acupressure is considered noninvasive, it may be applied by health care providers such as paramedics.

To test the effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety in patients while being transported to the hospital, researchers in Austria selected 36 patients with gastrointestinal illnesses who were transported by ambulance to local hospitals. Patients were randomized into two groups: a "relaxation" group of 17 patients that received bilateral ear acupressure at a points on the triangular fossa of the ear, and a "sham" group that received acupressure at a sham point. Before receiving acupressure, the paramedics measured the level of anxiety in each patient, along with their anticipated level of pain from medical treatment at the hospital. These readings were retaken upon arrival at the hospital.

Results: Patients in the relaxation group experienced sharp decreases in anxiety and pain anticipation scores compared to those in the sham group. In relaxation patients, anxiety scores dropped an average of 25.2 points per person, while in the sham group, anxiety scores actually increased more than 4 points per patient. Individuals who received acupressure at the relaxation point also had "significantly lower" anticipation of pain scores than individuals who received the sham treatment.

"We demonstrated that auricular acupressure is an effective treatment for anxiety and improves the patients' overall perception toward medical care," the researchers concluded. They added, "This technique not only is easy to learn, but it also has great potential to improve the quality of care for patients who are being transported to the hospital."

Reference

Kober A, Scheck T, Schubert B, et al. Auricular acupressure as a treatment for anxiety in prehospital transport settings. Anesthesiology June 2003;98(6):1328-1332.

Siberian ginseng is somewhat different in appearance than its Asian or American counterparts. The Siberian ginseng bush grows between 3-10 feet high, with a main stem and long branches covered by thorns. Yellow or violet flowers grow in clusters on the plant, which turn into round, black berries. As with the American and Asian varieties, the root of Siberian ginseng is used medicinally.

Siberian ginseng root contains a vibrant mixture of chemicals called eleutherosides. These substances have been shown to boost the immune system and lower blood sugar levels in animal studies. Other studies have shown that Siberian ginseng helps the body fight stress; improves capillary function, ameliorates resistance to disease and fatigue, and increases stamina and concentration.

The recommended dose of Siberian ginseng is 2-3 grams of dried root daily, which can be taken in tea or capsule form. Patients may also take tinctures (5 ml three times daily) or extracts (2-4 ml one to three times daily). Both fresh and dried Siberian ginseng root can be found in Asian markets and some health food stores. It can also be found in liquid and solid extracts, capsules and tinctures. Make sure to purchase standardized products that contain at least one percent eleutheroside F.

The American Herbal Products Association has given Siberian ginseng a class I rating, meaning it is safe when taken as directed. However, it should be avoided by patients who are pregnant or have high blood pressure. In addition, Siberian ginseng may increase the effects of caffeine or other stimulants, which may cause sweating, insomnia, or an irregular heartbeat. It should not be used in conjunction with antipsychotic medications, steroids or hormones. As with all dietary supplements, consult with a licensed health care provider before taking ginseng products.

References

Asano K, et al. Effect of eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human physical working capacity. Planta Medica 1986;3:175-177.
Foster S. Siberian Ginseng (eleutherococcus senticosus). Austin, TX: American Botanical Council, 1990.
Xiao PG, et al. Immunological aspects of Chinese medicinal plants as antiaging drugs. J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:167-175.

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: I have a problem whereby I sweat excessively. It is not just in the usual areas such as the underarms, but all over my back, chest, face, hands, feet - even the tops of my arms. It's not just as a result of intense activity, but of any movement. My friend suggested acupuncture as a possible treatment. Do you think it could help me?

Answer: Whole body sweating as you described is often due to imbalances of the body's energetical organ system such as the Lung mai. Acupuncture can definitely help.

Question #2: My mother (age 69) suffers from chronic pain in her pelvic area. She has been to numerous urologists, gynecologists, proctologists and neurologists. All of her tests have come back with no major findings. Her pain appears to move around, focusing on or near her bladder, but more often in or near her anus. It is bearable on some days and drives her crazy with its intensity on others. She carefully follows a non-acidic diet as prescribed for bladder problems and is taking antidepressants to address potential nervous origins. The pain also changes characteristics: sometimes a pressure, sometimes a crawling, itching or burning feeling. All of the doctors have given up. She has no quality of life. Do you think she could be a candidate for acupuncture, and if so, how do you find an acupuncturist with experience in this area?

Answer: It is a type of symptom that acupuncture can relieve. Her symptoms sound like they are a little stubborn, so I do not know about a quick fix. She needs an examination for a proper evaluation, then 10 or so treatments to see how she can respond. It is not necessary to find someone with specific experience, but someone she feels comfortable with, and confident in. The acupuncture treatments should not be painful. You can get a list of acupuncturist using the "Acupuncturist Locator on AcupunctureToday.com, or the phone book. You can call each one, and speak with the acupuncturist, till you find one you would like to see for a consultation.

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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December 2003 [Volume 2, Issue 12] 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: www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/subscribe.php In this issue of To Your Health: Ear Acupressure Reduces Anxiety, Pain Levels in Ambulance Patients Herb of the Month: Siberian Ginseng Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum Ear Acupressure Reduces Anxiety, Pain Levels in Ambulance Patients In the United States, it's not uncommon for a patient transported to a hospital by ambulance to be administered drugs or receive some form of care by paramedics prior to arrival. In many European countries, however, paramedics are prohibited from administering medications or performing certain procedures, such as acupuncture. As a result, many patients frequently experience unnecessary pain and anxiety during the ambulance ride. Numerous studies have shown that ear acupuncture can be effective in reducing the anxiety that occurs before a person undergoes a surgical procedure. Ear acupressure has produced effects similar to ear acupuncture, and since acupressure is considered noninvasive, it may be applied by health care providers such as paramedics. To test the effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety in patients while being transported to the hospital, researchers in Austria selected 36 patients with gastrointestinal illnesses who were transported by ambulance to local hospitals. Patients were randomized into two groups: a "relaxation" group of 17 patients that received bilateral ear acupressure at a points on the triangular fossa of the ear, and a "sham" group that received acupressure at a sham point. Before receiving acupressure, the paramedics measured the level of anxiety in each patient, along with their anticipated level of pain from medical treatment at the hospital. These readings were retaken upon arrival at the hospital. Results: Patients in the relaxation group experienced sharp decreases in anxiety and pain anticipation scores compared to those in the sham group. In relaxation patients, anxiety scores dropped an average of 25.2 points per person, while in the sham group, anxiety scores actually increased more than 4 points per patient. Individuals who received acupressure at the relaxation point also had "significantly lower" anticipation of pain scores than individuals who received the sham treatment. "We demonstrated that auricular acupressure is an effective treatment for anxiety and improves the patients' overall perception toward medical care," the researchers concluded. They added, "This technique not only is easy to learn, but it also has great potential to improve the quality of care for patients who are being transported to the hospital." Reference Kober A, Scheck T, Schubert B, et al. Auricular acupressure as a treatment for anxiety in prehospital transport settings. Anesthesiology June 2003;98(6):1328-1332. Herb of the Month: Siberian Ginseng Siberian ginseng is somewhat different in appearance than its Asian or American counterparts. The Siberian ginseng bush grows between 3-10 feet high, with a main stem and long branches covered by thorns. Yellow or violet flowers grow in clusters on the plant, which turn into round, black berries. As with the American and Asian varieties, the root of Siberian ginseng is used medicinally. Siberian ginseng root contains a vibrant mixture of chemicals called eleutherosides. These substances have been shown to boost the immune system and lower blood sugar levels in animal studies. Other studies have shown that Siberian ginseng helps the body fight stress; improves capillary function, ameliorates resistance to disease and fatigue, and increases stamina and concentration. The recommended dose of Siberian ginseng is 2-3 grams of dried root daily, which can be taken in tea or capsule form. Patients may also take tinctures (5 ml three times daily) or extracts (2-4 ml one to three times daily). Both fresh and dried Siberian ginseng root can be found in Asian markets and some health food stores. It can also be found in liquid and solid extracts, capsules and tinctures. Make sure to purchase standardized products that contain at least one percent eleutheroside F. The American Herbal Products Association has given Siberian ginseng a class I rating, meaning it is safe when taken as directed. However, it should be avoided by patients who are pregnant or have high blood pressure. In addition, Siberian ginseng may increase the effects of caffeine or other stimulants, which may cause sweating, insomnia, or an irregular heartbeat. It should not be used in conjunction with antipsychotic medications, steroids or hormones. As with all dietary supplements, consult with a licensed health care provider before taking ginseng products. To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral. References Asano K, et al. Effect of eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human physical working capacity. Planta Medica 1986;3:175-177. Foster S. Siberian Ginseng (eleutherococcus senticosus). Austin, TX: American Botanical Council, 1990. Xiao PG, et al. Immunological aspects of Chinese medicinal plants as antiaging drugs. J Ethnopharmacol 1993;38:167-175. 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: I have a problem whereby I sweat excessively. It is not just in the usual areas such as the underarms, but all over my back, chest, face, hands, feet - even the tops of my arms. It's not just as a result of intense activity, but of any movement. My friend suggested acupuncture as a possible treatment. Do you think it could help me? Answer: Whole body sweating as you described is often due to imbalances of the body's energetical organ system such as the Lung mai. Acupuncture can definitely help. Question #2: My mother (age 69) suffers from chronic pain in her pelvic area. She has been to numerous urologists, gynecologists, proctologists and neurologists. All of her tests have come back with no major findings. Her pain appears to move around, focusing on or near her bladder, but more often in or near her anus. It is bearable on some days and drives her crazy with its intensity on others. She carefully follows a non-acidic diet as prescribed for bladder problems and is taking antidepressants to address potential nervous origins. The pain also changes characteristics: sometimes a pressure, sometimes a crawling, itching or burning feeling. All of the doctors have given up. She has no quality of life. Do you think she could be a candidate for acupuncture, and if so, how do you find an acupuncturist with experience in this area? Answer: It is a type of symptom that acupuncture can relieve. Her symptoms sound like they are a little stubborn, so I do not know about a quick fix. She needs an examination for a proper evaluation, then 10 or so treatments to see how she can respond. It is not necessary to find someone with specific experience, but someone she feels comfortable with, and confident in. The acupuncture treatments should not be painful. You can get a list of acupuncturist using the "Acupuncturist Locator on AcupunctureToday.com, or the phone book. You can call each one, and speak with the acupuncturist, till you find one you would like to see for a consultation. Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at 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.