September 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 9]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day is Oct. 24
• Herb of the Month – Elder (Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day is Oct. 24

Are you curious about acupuncture, but want to learn more? Maybe you are just working up the nerve to go "under the needle." Or perhaps you are an acupuncture veteran, but want to find out about different or new techniques.

No matter your level of experience with acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Oct. 24 is the day to find out even more. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is once again sponsoring National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day, held on Oct. 24. Various acupuncture and Oriental medicine organizations, colleges and businesses will all be helping to spread the word and garner support for acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

To find out more about various events and programs, or to find a participating practitioner, please visit www.aomday.org.

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

Herb of the Month – Elder (Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis)

Elder is a fast-growing, shrub-like tree that grows in North America and Europe. There are several regional varieties of elder, some of which can reach a height of more than 12 feet, with small white flowers and berries that range in color from red to blue or black. Both the flowers and berries are used in herbal preparations; only those with blue or back berries are considered medicinal, however. Species of elder with red berries are not used in herbal medicine.

Elder berries contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C, along with various flavonoids, tannins and amino acids. The flowers contain similar elements and are also praised for their tonic properties. The flowers have been used by herbalists to treat skin conditions and infections, and to promote wound healing. Studies in Europe have shown that syrups made from elderberry, along with extracts taken from elder flowers, can help treat influenza.

For treating influenza and related conditions, some herbalists may recommend a syrup containing elderberry extract at a dose of one to three teaspoons for children, and two to six teaspoons for adults, taken twice daily. Alternately, an elder tea can be made using dried elder flowers steeped in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes and drunk up to three times per day. Crushed elder flowers can also be incorporated into a poultice and applied for skin infections.

Elderberries are mildly poisonous, and can cause vomiting if eaten raw or unripe. Cooking elderberries will remove toxicity. The roots, stems and leaves are also considered poisonous; supplements or preparations containing any of these parts of the elder should be avoided. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions associated with elderberry. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking elder flowers, elderberries, or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: I have been getting acupuncture treatments for tinnitus. Each time, the doctor would put needles around my ears, my hands and my legs. However, lately, I have been diagnosed with TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a jaw problem), I hear a click every time I open my mouth, and I was wondering if it is possible that the needles inserted into the areas in front my ear might have injured the TM joints? If possible, should I ask my acupuncture doctor not to insert needles in front of my ears? Or are the spots in front of the ears such as ting gong really important in the treatment of tinnitus?

Answer: Acupuncture is not known to cause TMJ, and it would not be anatomically correct. Those points in front of and around the ear are important treatment points. There are other points that can be used, for instance, scalp acupuncture points. Also, some of the same points are used in the treatment of tinnitus as in TMJ. This is something you can discuss with your acupuncturist and have both conditions treated at once.

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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