June 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 6]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture May Help Lower Your Blood Pressure
• Herb of the Month – Eclipta (han lian cao)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Acupuncture May Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

In addition to many other benefits, acupuncture may help lower high blood pressure, according to a new study. Researchers in Germany and China found that among160 patients with high blood pressure, those who received acupuncture treatment significantly lowered both their systolic and diastolic pressure, compared to those who received sham acupuncture treatments.

Study participants received acupuncture treatment consisting of 22 30-minute sessions over the course of six weeks. Blood pressure was measured immediately before and immediately after treatment. A noticeable drop in blood pressure was noted after receiving acupuncture treatment.

The lead researcher of the study noted, "For the first time, in a reasonably sized but still relatively small randomized study, this establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that acupuncture lowers blood pressure. It's a modest but undeniable effect on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure."

For more information on the many benefits of acupuncture, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.

Herb of the Month – Eclipta (han lian cao)

Eclipta is an annual herb that is hardy and non-invasive. The plant grows to approximately two feet in height, with a thin, wooden stem, dark green leaves and small white flowers. The aerial parts of the plant, such as the leaves, flowers and upper stems, are used medicinally.

Eclipta is used for a variety of purposes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that when applied to the scalp, an extract of fresh eclipta can promote hair growth. Other known uses are for blurry vision, headaches, dizziness and premature gray hair. It can be applied topically to treat nosebleeds and bleeding caused by traumatic injury.

The general recommended dose of eclipta is 10-15 grams, but this amount varies on the condition being treated. Fresh and dried eclipta leaves and stems are available at some specialty stores. Some stores also sell water-based eclipta extracts. Eclipta should not be taken by patients who have acute or chronic diarrhea, or patients who have deficient cold in the spleen. There are no known drug interactions with eclipta. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking eclipta or any other herbal product or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: Over the past 6 months, I've been treated for rheumatoid arthritis using both methotrexate and Leflunomide. After doing more research and reading about many of the side effects of each drug, I thought I would start looking at some alternative treatment ideas. Any ideas or information that you might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herbs, moxibustion, and other treatment modalities are often used to manage the symptoms of RA. Response varies from patient to patient, and some patients do go into remission. A person with RA might consider a treatment protocol of 15 or so treatments, one to three times per week, and then a break of a couple of weeks, and then another series of treatments. RA is chronic, so it is not known how long treatment will continue. Chinese medicinal herbs also can control symptoms. You need to have an examination for an evaluation to know what can be done and what treatment modalities are available for you.

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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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