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October 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 10]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
Moxa May Treat Menopause Symptoms
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. In one study of 638 menopausal women ages 45 to 54, approximately 75 percent reported experiencing hot flashes. Another study shows that loss of sleep due to hot flashes may lead to daytime fatigue and irritability.
Now, a study published in the July-August 2009 issue of Menopause may have a solution. Moxibustion is a treatment method where the herb mugwort is burned over acupuncture points on the skin to produce a warming sensation. According to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine in Seoul, moxibustion alleviate menopausal hot flashes.
The researchers divided a group of 51 women, ages 45 to 60 with at least five moderate to severe hot flashes every 24 hours, into three groups. The first group received a moxibustion based upon evident from clinical experts (Moxa 1). The second group received their moxibustion treatment based upon published literature (Moxa 2). The third was a wait-list control group. Both moxibustion groups received 14 treatments over the course of four weeks.
At the end of the four-week period, the frequency of hot flashes was reduced significantly; 60 percent in the Moxa 1 group and 59 percent in the Moxa 2 group. In the control group, however, the frequency increased slightly at the second week before returning back to baseline at the fourth week.
In terms of severity of hot flashes, both moxibustion groups also showed significant reductions at the end of four weeks. The Moxa 1 group reported a 50 percent reduction, and the Moxa 2 group reported a 43 percent reduction. The control subjects, however, showed only a minor reduction in severity.
The researchers concluded, "Our study explored the efficacy of moxibustion in reducing menopausal hot flashes. In our study, participants who received moxibustion treatment exhibited a stronger reduction in both hot flash frequency and severity. Furthermore, we investigated the point-specific effects of moxibustion by using different acupuncture points based on clinical expert opinions (Moxa 1) and published literature (Moxa 2). Moxa 1 was found to be no different from Moxa 2 in reducing hot flash frequency and severity ... Our results suggest that moxibustion improves menopausal hot flash symptoms in terms of both frequency and severity, as compared with a control group."
For more information on the many benefits of Oriental medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.
Herb of the Month – Fenugreek (hu lu ba)
Fenugreek is a plant that belongs to the legume family. Originally grown in southeastern Europe and western Asia, fenugreek is now found in many parts of the world, including Africa and the United States. Fenugreek seeds contain the plant's most potent medicinal properties and are often used in herbal preparations. Historically, fenugreek was used to treat wounds, abscesses, arthritis and digestive problems. Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and reproductive conditions.
Fenugreek seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which has led some researchers to suggest they can lower blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Substances called saponins in fenugreek have been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, according to some controlled studies. Generally, fenugreek does not lower HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
The German Commission E recommends a daily intake of 6 g fenugreek. To treat diabetes or lower cholesterol, some practitioners recommend taking 5-30 g with each meal, or 15-90 g all at once with one meal. Use of more than 100 g fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal distress and nausea. In addition, fenugreek causes uterine contractions, so it should not be used by pregnant women. Children under age two should also not take fenugreek.
Fenugrek may react adversely with a variety of medications, including glipizide, heparin, insulin, ticlopidine and warfarin. As always, consult with a health care provider before taking fenugreek or any other dietary supplement.
Question: I was thinking on trying acupuncture for my neck. The test said I have a deteriorated disk and arthritis there also. Is acupuncture safe and will it help the pain?
Answer: Acupuncture for neck pain is totally safe. You can check with the acupuncturist before your treatment. Most of the time when a patient has a deteriorated disc and arthritis, acupuncture treatment helps by reducing the pain. Everybody is different and people respond differently. In general, you want to have 10 to 12 treatments before you evaluate how it has helped you.
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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