September 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 9]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Cancer Patients Want Acupuncture as an Option
• Herb of the Month – Halloysite (chi shi zhi)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Cancer Patients Want Acupuncture as an Option

For patients with terminal or advanced cancer, there can be a seemingly endless search for options to help relieve pain, either from the cancer itself or from treatment side effects such as nausea and vomiting. A study published in the August 2007 issue of Supportive Care in Cancer found that many of these patients not only have a good understanding of acupuncture, but also would be willing to receive acupuncture treatment if it were offered at their hospice.

In this study, 50 patients in a palliative-care setting with advanced stages of cancer were surveyed about their knowledge of acupuncture, prior acupuncture use, perceived benefits, and interest in receiving treatments. Over half of the patients (54 percent) correctly identified acupuncture as "a process where needles are used to target certain points in the body to aid in controlling symptoms." This is particularly heartening in light of the fact that only 30 percent of the patients had used acupuncture to treat noncancer medical conditions and only 10 percent had used it specifically for cancer-related symptoms. Even more positive, however, was the fact that a clear majority (80 percent) would be interested in receiving acupuncture treatments if they were made available.

The researchers were encouraged that "if patients are eventually offered acupuncture in the palliative care unit, they appear to have some accurate preliminary knowledge of this treatment modality."

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

Herb of the Month – Halloysite (chi shi zhi)

Halloysite is actually not an herb, but a clayish mineral comprised mainly of silica, aluminum and other elements. Also known as kaolin, halloysite is found in the mountainous regions of China and other parts of Asia, and is mined year-round. After being mined, halloysite deposits are cleaned and then ground into powder.

Halloysite acts as an astringent, helping to constrict tissues, making it a good remedy for conditions such as diarrhea and excessive bleeding. It is particularly effective for bouts of prolonged diarrhea or dysentery and leucorrhea. Halloysite also treats external disorders such as skin lesions, ulcers and boils.

The typical dose of halloysite is between 10 and 20 grams, decocted in water for oral use. Halloysite can also be used externally, with an appropriate amount applied directly to the skin, or mixed with water and applied to the skin. Halloysite is available most often as a powder, and can be purchased at some herbal shops and specialty stores.

As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking halloysite or any other herbal product or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: My mother has been suffering from tinnitus for about 13 years. Early on, a specialist operated on the affected ear, but after 12 years it has come back again. Sometimes it is in both ears. She says that it sounds like a running motor. Please help me.

Answer: Acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs are both effective treatments for tinnitus. However, this is a difficult symptom to treat, and results are mixed. In addition, there are several treatment protocols available. There is acupuncture in the area of the ear, and acupuncture to the scalp in certain zones, as well as other treatment possibilities. Your mother should have an examination to find out if treatment may help, followed by a series of 10 to 15 treatments to see how she is able to respond.

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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