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November 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 11]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.4 million youth, ages 4-17, have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by a health care professional. Furthermore, the American Psychiatric Association estimates the child ADHD prevalence rate at 3 percent to 7 percent. Now, a study published in the June issue of Medical Acupuncture may offer a new way to help children suffering symptoms attributable to the condition.
Researchers compared two forms of Korean acupuncture – Koryo Hand Therapy and Three-Phase Hand Acupuncture – in a group of 40 male children, ages 10-15. Each child received a total of 20 treatments, once a week. Parents were asked to assess ADHD symptoms biweekly.
At the end of the treatment sessions, half of the patients receiving Koryo treatment did not show any improvement in terms of ADHD symptoms. The other half showed an improvement of between 20 percent and 40 percent. By contrast, 85 percent of patients treated with Three-Phase showed improvement, with more than half showing an average symptom improvement of 60 percent.
For more information on the many benefits of acupuncture, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.
Herb of the Month – Juncus (deng xin cao)
Juncus is one of the most unusual looking herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The English translation of deng xin cao means "lamp-wick herb," which is what the herb resembles in appearance after being dried. Only the pith, the soft, sponge-like cylindrical center of the plant, is used in herbal remedies.
Juncus acts as a diuretic and is often used to treat dysuria and other urinary conditions. In addition, it helps treat edema and acts as a sedative to promote sleep and reduce irritability and insomnia in both adults and children. The type of juncus being used will depend on the condition being treated. Unprocessed juncus is used to promote urination. Charred juncus acts as a sedative.
The typical dosage of juncus is between 3 and 5 grams of pith, added to hot water and drunk as a decoction. Powdered juncus also can be applied topically to help relieve pain and swelling. Dried juncus can be found at some herbal shops and Asian markets. It is also available as a powder, pill, capsule or tablet. Some formulas that promote relaxation include juncus as an ingredient.
Juncus should not be used if you have urinary incontinence. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions associated with juncus. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking juncus or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Question: I am five weeks pregnant and have had two miscarriages in the past. I have a 15-month-old daughter. I went to acupuncture today to help sustain my pregnancy. I am curious about how safe it is to take herbs while pregnant. If so, what are good herbs to take?
Answer: Many herbs can be used with safety during pregnancy. Most are tonic herbs. You would want to ask your acupuncturist for the best herbs for you. There is a formula that helps prevent miscarriges and this may be appropriate for 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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