January 2011 [Volume 10, Issue 1]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Cultural Competency in East Asian Medicine: Perspective as a Tool
• Herb of the Month – Valerian (jie cao)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Cultural Competency in East Asian Medicine: Perspective as a Tool

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc

Medical education involves the development of cultural competencies. In this discussion, I present the idea of perspective as a tool for navigating complex cultural environments. Hopefully, this article will provide a consideration for coursework in U.S. schools of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Skilled reasoning allows for the other points of view, especially for controversial subjects. The ability to articulate another point of view is evidence of that understanding. Good thinkers will actually seek out opposite points of view. Abraham Lincoln,for example, brought his competitors into his cabinet.

There are further reasons to pursue perspective. Hot spots abound in the field of acupuncture and East Asian medicine. Consider specialty groups and the Internet flame wars over a few years ago. Or, the current embattlement from community acupuncture network seeking lower cost training in acupuncture in order to serve the community acupuncture business model. The list is long and can include positions relative to medical ideologies such as the five-element/TCM arguments, economic forces such as insurance, and issues related to power and closure such as licensing, scope and turf concerns between professions

Read the full article.

Herb of the Month – Valerian (jie cao)

What is valerian?

Valerian is a tall perennial herb found in damp, elevated areas and grasslands. It consists of a long stem (3-5 feet in length) with pointed dark green leaves. It blooms in the summertime, with small, fragrant flowers (white, light purple or pink) that can reach four inches in diameter.

Most of the medicinal properties of valerian are contained in the plant's root. It is usually available as a powder or extract; some manufacturers also sell valerian teas.

Why do we need valerian? What is it used for?

Valerian has a variety of medicinal uses. In human studies, valerian has been shown to reduce night-time sleep disturbances, ease anxiety, and improve the overall quality of sleep. It may also ease menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, and some types of headaches. Preliminary clinical trials have also shown that valerian is as effective as benzodiazepines in treating sleep disorders without any adverse side-effects.

How much valerian should I take?

Although a standard recommended daily allowance has yet to be determined, most herbalists recommend that patients take valerian three times a day to reduce sleeplessness. To reduce insomnia, it is recommended that patients take a dose of valerian 30-45 minutes before bedtime. Among the recommended doses:

• 2-3 grams of dried root in tea (take several times daily);
• 1/4 -1/2 teaspoon of valerian tincture (can take up to several times daily);
• 1/4 teaspoon extract;
• 150-300mg valerian extract, dried or liquid

What forms of valerian are available?

Valerian is usually available as a powder, extract or tincture. Some manufacturers also sell valerian teas. It is usually sold as a stand-alone product, but is also found in compounds with other herbal supplements.

What can happen if I take too much valerian? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?

Valerian is considered safe and mild. The German Commission E has listed no side-effects for valerian, while the American Herbal Products Association has given valerian a class I (safe when used appropriately) rating.

Some people have experienced a "paradoxical reaction" to reaction: instead of feeling calm or sleepy, they may feel nervous and anxious after taking the product. In these cases, it is recommended that you stop taking valerian and speak with your health care provider.

Because valerian is a sedative-type herb, it may increase the effects of anti-anxiety medications or painkillers. It may also react with antiepileptic drugs, and may enhance the effects of other herbs (including kava kava, passionflower, hops, poppy and skullcap).

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question about piriformis syndrome: I have been seeing an acupuncturist for piriformis syndrome. The pain is in the buttocks and on the left side of my shin as if my L5 is causing the issue. When sitting I am fine. Standing kills me after about 20 minutes. I have no pain in the low back. I have had three treatments with no improvement. I am taking JinGu Die Wan and Zuo Gu Shen Jing tong. He said do not try stretching. From what I have read, this is good for the muscle. Should I continue the acupuncture? My doctor said it would take about three treatments, which I finished two days ago. I am not sure what to do at this point. Can you advise?

Answer: In general, it can take 10 to 12 treatment sessions to improve the symptoms of piriformis syndrome. It is often more effective to have two or three treatment sessions per week. The Chinese medicinal herbs can also help, but they need around three weeks to take effect. You could discuss this with your acupuncturist and find out if it applies to your condition.

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