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August 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 8]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
Acupuncture Visits Almost Triple
There's no doubt that health care expenditures are foremost in the minds of most Americans. We want better quality care at a lower cost. For many, this may mean turning to alternative and complementary medicine. Now, a new government report shows that Americans have nearly tripled their visits to acupuncturists over the course of the past 10 years.
According to a recently released federal report, there was a very substantial increase in visits to acupuncturist between 1997 and 2007. The report by the National Center for Health Statistics showed data on the median number of visits to a practitioner in the last 12 months. There were 79 acupuncturist visits per 1,000 adults in 2007. By comparison, there were only 27 visits per 1,000 adults in 1997 – an almost three-fold increase.
Clearly acupuncture is having an impact on Americans' health care choices. More and more people are finding the benefits that AOM can provide for them. To keep up on this trend, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.
Herb of the Month – Dendrobium (shi hu)
Dendrobium is a type of orchid. The plant consists of a long, thin stem, which is golden yellow in color, with a flower at the end (which usually has five or six petals). Different varieties of dendrobium have different colors, but the most common colors are yellow and pink. The stem is used in herbal remedies.
In traditional Chinese medicine, dendrobium is used primarily to replenish fluids. It is commonly used as a yin tonic to moisten the stomach and lungs, and has also been traditionally used as a tea to replace kidney yin jing. It is very effective for treating conditions such as dry mouth, stomach pain, mouth sores, sunstroke, and other conditions caused by dry weather, pollution or smoke.
Additionally, dendrobium is used to enhance skin quality. Dendrobium keeps the skin moist; dendrobium tea is believed to result in soft, beautiful skin.
The typical recommended dose of dendrobium is between 6-12 grams, which is boiled in water and used as a tea. Larger doses (up to 20 grams) may be used depending on the condition being treated.
The American Herbal Products Association has given dendrobium a class one rating, meaning that it is safe when consumed at appropriate doses. However, large doses can have an adverse effect on the heart and lungs, and overdoses can cause convulsions. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with dendrobium. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified, licensed health care provider before taking dendrobium or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Question: I have had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn tendon in the left shoulder. I had five months of light physical therapy and still cannot lift my arm higher than the elbow. Can acupuncture help me with the tightness and pain in the arm?
Answer: Acupuncture treatment and physical therapy go very well together for just that reason. I combine the two in my practice because TCM includes techniques. I am sure to include manual traction. These treatments work best when given several times a week, or daily. If there are not limiting factors, treatment most often is completed in six to eight weeks.
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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