May 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 5]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture Gets Worldwide Exposure From Oprah Winfrey
• Herb of the Month – Dalbergia (jiang xiang)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Acupuncture Gets Worldwide Exposure From Oprah Winfrey

Earlier this year, acupuncture and Oriental medicine got a huge boost in a featured segment of the Oprah Winfrey Show, which reaches an estimated 48 million Americans each week and is shown in 126 other countries. On Feb. 13, Oprah and an audience member received acupuncture treatments from Daniel Hsu, a licensed acupuncturist from New York. The acupuncture segment was part of "Ask Dr. Oz," a popular periodic feature of the show, during which Mehmet Oz, MD, answers audience members' questions about specific health issues.

Despite initial trepidations about the needle insertion, Oprah commented that it didn't hurt. In fact, once the needles were removed, she commented, "I felt it, [but it's] not as bad as getting your blood drawn. It's not bad, not bad at all." Her guest, Angela, who received a full treatment for shoulder pain, had even better results, commenting that her chronic pain was gone, following treatment with approximately a dozen acupuncture needles.

"I feel rejuvenated," Angela said. "The pain that I had was a constant, radiating pain, and I don't feel it ... I don't feel it. I feel wonderful."

To view the Feb. 13, 2007 episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show online, visit: www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200702/tows_past_20070213.jhtml. To find out more about acupuncture and Oriental medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.

Herb of the Month – Dalbergia (jiang xiang)

Also known as rosewood, dalbergia is a type of fragrant tree that grows in China and other parts of Asia. It can reach a height of 35 to 45 feet, with elliptical leaves and small yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The inner wood, or "heart wood," of the tree is harvested and used in herbal preparations. After the wood is harvested, it is sawed into small pieces, then dried in the shade.

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, dalbergia is associated with the liver, spleen and stomach meridians, and has spicy and warm properties. Its main functions are to invigorate the blood, remove stagnations, and help move the qi downward. Dalbergia is used to treat conditions such as congestion in the chest and lungs, and abdominal pain. Dalbergia can also be used externally to treat pain, swelling and bleeding caused by external injuries. Dalbergia is often used with other herbs, such as frankincense, agastache and costus. The typical dose of dalbergia is between 3 and 6 grams, usually decocted in water. If dalbergia powder is being used, a smaller dose (1-2 grams) may be employed.

Exposure to dalbergia may cause some contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Otherwise, dalbergia is considered extremely safe. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with dalbergia. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking dalbergia or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: I have been experiencing fatigue, palpitations, lightheadedness and some anxiety for the past six months. Can you tell me if acupuncture is effective for the above-mentioned symptoms and how many visits will I need to see an improvement? Does acupuncture eventually cure the problem or alleviate the symptoms?

Answer: Acupuncture treatment is applicable for these symptoms. Also there is treatment with Chinese medicinal herbs and diet. In general, one would expect around 10 to 12 treatments to help alleviate these symptoms. Treatment can reduce or eliminate symptoms. It depends on the treatment and the patient.

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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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