January 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 1]

To Your Health is brought to you by:

In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture Cost-Effective for Treating Nasal Allergies
• Herb of the Month – Viola (zi hua di ding)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Acupuncture Cost-Effective for Treating Nasal Allergies

It's the time of year when nasal allergies start acting up. We sniffle, sneeze and cough. In fact, one 2006 study says that more than half of Americans suffer from nasal allergies. Unfortunately, treatment costs can also add up, totaling anywhere from $500 to $630 for six months of treatment.

Now, however, acupuncture may prove to be a more sensible alternative. A new study in the Jan. 6 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology has found that not only did acupuncture improve the quality of life for patients, it also turned out to be more cost-effective in the long run. Witt and colleagues from Germany divided a group of 981 nasal allergy sufferers into an acupuncture treatment group (487 patients) and a standard-treatment group (491 patients).

At the end of three months, the acupuncture patients had a better quality of life than those receiving standard treatment, with female acupuncture patients showing the strongest response. Furthermore, after adjusting for the fact that the acupuncture patients had a lower quality of life before starting the study, the researchers determined that over the long run, acupuncture was indeed more cost-effective for treating nasal allergies. The researchers concluded, "Using acupuncture in addition to routine care to treat patients with allergic rhinitis resulted in a benefit and was, according to international benchmarks, cost-effective.

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

Herb of the Month – Viola (zi hua di ding)

Also known as the Chinese violet, the viola is a small plant native to East Asia. It can reach a height of approximately nine inches, with small purple flowers that bloom in April and May. In China, the viola grows in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the provinces of southern China.

In traditional Chinese medicine, viola is considered bitter, pungent and cold, and is associated with the Heart and Liver meridians. Its main functions are to clear heat and release toxins, and to resolve masses. Typically, it is used externally to treat skin conditions such as boils and carbuncles. It can also be used to treat snakebites.

The typical dosage of viola is between 10 and 16 g, based on the condition being treated. Usually, viola is mixed with water as part of a decoction. Larger amounts can be used if viola is being applied externally. Whole, fresh or dried viola can be found at some Asian markets and specialty stores. Some shops also sell viola powders, pills and decoctions.

Viola should not be taken by patients who have been diagnosed with deficient cold syndrome. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with viola. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking viola or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: I have severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). I've had it about 20+ years and have taken various RLS medications for it. Most of them haven't done anything for the RLS and/or I couldn't tolerate the side effects. I have been taking Mirapex for about 8 years, but it has lost its effectiveness. I have gone off it from time to time and then resumed taking it again which improved its effectiveness. I am wondering if acupuncture has been successful for RLS.

Answer: Acupuncture has been successful in treating the symptoms of RLS. It does help some patients more than others. You could have an examination and evaluation. If treatment is appropriate, you could have ten to thirteen treatments to find out how you respond.

Do you have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit the "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

Unsubscribe
Thank you for subscribing to To Your Health. If you have received this newsletter in error or wish to unsubscribe, you may remove your name from our e-mail subscription list at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/unsubscribe.php.

Update your e-mail address
To update the e-mail address your newsletter is sent to, click here.

If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please complete this form at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletterhelp/TYH.