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March 2011 [Volume 10, Issue 3]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
By Brenda Thompson
To accommodate a rapidly growing student population, officials at one of the leading graduate schools of acupuncture and Chinese medicine opened the doors of a larger state-of-the-art campus this month.
The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin (AOMA) is now operating at its new 20,000-square-foot campus located in the southern part of the city. The school has also adopted a new descriptor: AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine along with a new brand and logo.
The school's makeover was the result of school officials planning ahead for a projected growth in size in the next five years. Since it opened its doors in 1993, the school has seen an increase in both students and faculty from around the world, school officials said.
The previous space for the campus was 17,500-square-feet accommodating 213 students. Officials said the new facility, with an additional 5,000 feet of future development space, would be able to accommodate up to 400 students.
Some of the new additional upgrades to the new campus include: five smart media classrooms, a student intern clinic, a mind/body center, faculty and administrative offices, an expanded library, student and faculty gathering spaces, group study areas, an herbal medicine center and a bookstore/retail space.
Herb of the Month – Persimmon (shi di)
What is persimmon? What is it used for?
Persimmon is a type of tree that usually grows in the tropics. It is made of especially hard wood and yields an orange-reddish fruit that can be eaten only when the fruit is completely ripe.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the calyx, or protective outer covering, of the fruit is used in herbal remedies. The calyces are gathered in August or September and allowed to dry in the sun before use.
In traditional Chinese medicine, persimmon calyx is associated with the Lung and Stomach meridians, and has bitter and neutral properties. Its chief functions are to stop hiccups and belching, and to move stomach qi downward. Persimmon calyx is often taken with cloves and fresh ginger or bamboo shavings. Some practitioners may also use fresh persimmon juice to lower blood pressure.
How much persimmon should I take?
The typical dosage of persimmon is between 6 and 12 grams, which is typically taken as part of a decoction. Some herbalists and practitioners may recommend a smaller dose (4.5-9 grams).
What forms of persimmon calyx are available?
Whole, dried pieces of persimmon calyx can be found at some herbal shops and Asian markets. Persimmon calyx is also available as a powder or decoction.
What can happen if I take too much persimmon? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?
As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with persimmon calyx, nor are there any adverse effects associated with taking large amounts of persimmon calyx. As always, however, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking persimmon calyx or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Question: Diagnosed as having peripheral neuropathy in feet probably caused by herniated back disc. Cymbalta prescribed. Have numbness and slight burning in both feet. Affecting walking and driving. Could acupuncture possibly be helpful?
Answer: Yes. In general, you would have a series of ten to twelve treatments with the pins in your legs and feet. It may also help to have pins in the area of the herniated disc. Your acupuncturist will decide. E-stim is a good addition for this condition. It is better to have three treatments sessions per week for three to four weeks. After this series, you can take a break and evaluate how your symptoms have changed.
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