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November 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 11]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
Oh, Your Aching Head? Acupuncture May Help!
If you happen to suffer from chronic headaches, you should know that you are not alone. Chronic headache affects approximately one-third of the global population. Furthermore, an estimated 10 million people in the United States visit the general practitioner for chronic headache every year. Now, a group of researchers, writing in the December 2008 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, has combined data in a unique way to show the strength of evidence for acupuncture to help with this painful problem.
The researchers combined data from 31 different studies looking at the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating chronic headache. Combining studies provided them a total of almost 4,000 patients.
In looking at the data from all these studies, the researchers found acupuncture was superior to medication therapy for headache intensity, headache frequency, physical function and response rate. From this, they concluded, "Acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic headache. Specifically, acupuncture is superior to sham with a significantly higher response rate in patients with migraine and tension-type headache, and it significantly reduced headache intensity at the late follow-up period. When compared with pharmacological and waiting list options, acupuncture was also more effective for reducing headache intensity and frequency."
For more information on the many benefits of Oriental medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.
Herb of the Month – Talc (hua shi)
Talc is actually a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, hydrogen and other elements. In its natural state, it is white or whitish-yellow and resembles soap in texture and appearance (which is why talc is also sometimes known as soapstone). Talc is often broken down mechanically into a fine powder before it can be used in herbal formulas and traditional remedies. Although talc can also be taken internally, most of the time it is used externally as a powder.
In traditional Chinese medicine, talc is associated with the Kidney meridian, and has sweet and cold properties. It promotes urination and clears heat, especially heat caused by bladder lin syndrome, and absorb dampness.
The recommended dosage of talc depends on if it is being consumed internally or externally. Internally, the recommended dosage is 9-24 g per day as part of a decoction, or 2-5 g taken in a 5:1 concentrated decoction. Externally, large amounts of powdered talc can be applied to the skin to help heal wounds and keep the skin soft and smooth.
Patients with high fever, or spleen and stomach deficiencies should not use talc. In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use it. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with talc. As always, make sure to consult with a license health care provider before taking talc or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Always consult your health care provider before taking any herbal or dietary supplement, and be sure to let them know of any medications you may be taking.
Question: Would acupuncture or Oriental herbs be able to help me with Candida yeast infection?
Answer: Acupuncture is one treatment method used by TCM, and Chinese medicinal herbs are another. TCM does treat the symptoms of this condition named by Western medicine (fatigue, pain, etc.). Usually the acupuncturist will have a different diagnosis, based on the individual's symptoms. There are other treatment methods that are often part of the treatment plan.
Do you have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit the "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.
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