May 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 5]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Scalp Acupuncture May Help Language Development for Children With Autism
• Herb of the Month – Patrinia (bai jiang cao)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Scalp Acupuncture May Help Language Development for Children With Autism

With the growing concern over a possible link between childhood vaccinations and autism, any good news regarding this mysterious disorder is certainly welcome. A group of Egyptian researchers have just published findings that suggest the use of scalp acupuncture may help boost language skills – an area in which children with autism are generally delayed.

In the study, 20 children ages 4 to 7 with autism and language delay were divided into two groups – one receiving scalp acupuncture twice weekly in addition to language therapy and the other receiving just language therapy.

At the end of nine months, while both groups showed improvement on cognitive and expressive language skills, those children who also received scalp acupuncture showed a significantly greater improvement in those areas.

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

Herb of the Month – Patrinia (bai jiang cao)

Patrinia is a perennial herb that belongs to the valerian family. In addition to China and Japan, it is also found in Africa and South America. The whole plant, including the roots, is used in herbal preparations.

Patrinia is pungent, bitter and slightly cold, and is associated with the Large Intestine, Stomach and Liver meridians. It often treats inflammatory conditions related to the colon and abdomen, along with abscesses and infections. It can also treat various skin ailments via external administration. The typical dose is between 6 and 15 grams per day, decocted in water for oral administration. Larger doses can be used externally.

Patrinia should be avoided by patients diagnosed with weakness of the spleen or stomach. Long-term use may lead to nausea and/or dizziness, and may even lead to a temporary reduction in the amount of white blood cells.

As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with patrinia. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking patrinia or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: My 75-year-old mother has recently been suffering from severe lower back pain that extends down one hip into her leg. She has had an MRI and was diagnosed with a generative spinal condition as a result of osteoporosis. She tried physical therapy but it did not ease the pain. She is getting no relief from prescribed painkillers. Can acupuncture bring her any relief? And if so, does it need to be done multiple times, such as weekly visits?

Answer: Yes, it is likely with her diagnosis that acupuncture treatment can help relieve her pain. If not completely, it may help the pain medications to work more effectively. In general, a person would have multiple visits for this, especially at her age. Typically, a person would have two or three treatments a week for three or four weeks. Then an evaluation would be made of her response. She should see an acupuncturist for an initial examination because her general physical condition also would determine if acupuncture treatment is appropriate.

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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