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August 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 8]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
Herbs to Treat Summer Allergies
More than 50 million Americans suffer from some sort of allergy. Allergies are the sixth leading chronic disease, costing the U.S. health care system over $18 billion annually. Now, a new study from Taiwan suggests that a particular method of using Chinese herbs, known as sanfujui, may help keep allergies at bay.
Sanfujui is a method of herb treatment whereby an herbal medicine paste is applied to the fengmen and feishu acupoints during the three hottest days of the summer. According to the study authors, those three days have the highest amount of yang qi, so treatment at that time enhances the herbs' efficacy and strengthens lung qi.
Patients received treatment during the three hottest days of summer in 2003 – July 16, July 26 and Aug. 15. One year after treatment, almost one-quarter of 105 patients reported that the treatment was "very effective," and one-third said it was "somewhat effective."
The study authors concluded, "The results demonstrated that the Sanfujiu treatment was moderately effective, as perceived by patients, in treating their allergic symptoms."
For more information on the many benefits of acupuncture, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.
Herb of the Month – Gadfly (meng chong)
Also known as tabanus or horsefly, the gadfly is among the largest of all two-winged insects. Gadflies can grow quite large (reaching an inch in length) and look much like the typical housefly. In terms of herbal medicine, only female gadflies are used. They are typically caught in May or June, and then boiled or steamed, and allowed to dry in the sun.
In traditional Chinese medicine, gadflies have bitter, slightly cold and slightly toxic properties. They are associated with the Liver meridian. The main functions of gadfly are to invigorate the blood and remove stagnation. Among the conditions gadfly treats are masses in the abdomen and intestines that may be caused by blood stagnation, amenorrhea, and pain caused by external injury.
The typical dose of gadfly is between 1 and 1.5 grams. Smaller doses (0.3 grams) can be taken if baked, powdered gadfly is being used. Dried, powdered gadfly can be found at some Asian markets and herbal shops. Gadfly is also incorporated into pills and capsules, and is often a part of larger herbal formulas.
As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with gadfly. However, because of gadfly's somewhat toxic properties, it is contraindicated for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and by children. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking gadfly or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Ask an Acupuncturist
Question: Can acupuncture be effective in helping with the nausea created due to ingesting chemo pills? How many treatments would be necessary, and when should they be given? During, before or after the chemo treatments?
Answer: Yes, acupuncture can be effective, but Chinese medicinal herbs are usually more effective. It would be best use both in combination. It would not be one acupuncture treatment, and when to have them would be decided on an individual basis. Often, you would start to have regular treatments. Then, if and when the nausea occurs, you would have a treatment to minimize or eliminate it. Usually there is still some discomfort, but it is minimal. You would want to discuss these things with an acupuncturist yourself because patients have different needs, but yes, acupuncture and TCM can help you.
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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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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