July 2011 [Volume 10, Issue 7]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture and Illnesses That Plague the 21st Century
• Herb of the Month – Torreya Seed (fei zi)
• Ask an Acupuncturist

Acupuncture and Illnesses That Plague the 21st Century

By John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac. (IAMA)

Within the last 30 years, new cases of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, depression, neurogenic syndrome, and fibromyalgia have been on the rise. Cases of children's cancer, breast cancer, prostate and testicular cancers have also skyrocketed. The unprecedented acceleration of these conditions has been cause of major concern within the medical field. Science has yet to explain the dramatic increase, yet the answer may be very obvious.

It cannot be denied that within the past three decades, Earth has been bombarded with man-made Electro Magnetic Frequencies (EMF) that has given rise to an increase in Electro Magnetic Radiation (EMR). Studies have shown these frequencies have more than quadrupled in the last 25 years. Humankind is being blasted by literally tens of millions of frequencies on a daily basis affecting our organs, tissues and body cells. These frequencies cannot be detected by human senses, however they are constantly surrounding every living organism on Earth 24 hours a day. These frequencies barely existed 50 years ago, but have grown to staggering levels.

There are estimated to be more than 10 billion different appliances worldwide, which emit EMF and EMR frequencies to include computers, television LCD flat screens, microwaves, Wi Fi hot spots, nuclear power plants, digital appliances and an increasingly wide variety of others. With the invention of the cell phone just three decades ago (with an estimated excess of four billion in use internationally), there is overwhelming evidence that electromagnetic pollution may emphatically be the primary causative factor of many, if not most of the severe neurologic and somato viscero issues plaguing modern man.

Read the full article.

Herb of the Month – Torreya Seed (fei zi)

What is torreya seed? What is it used for?

The torreya is a type of evergreen tree found not only in China and Japan, but also North America. The torreya has large, linear, bristling leaves and an aromatic wood, which often smells rather foul. The tree produces large, globular fruit, which encompasses a large seed.

The seeds of the torreya are used in medicinal remedies. They are gathered in the wintertime when the fruit of the plant is ripe, then dried in the sun.

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, torreya seeds have sweet and neutral properties, and are associated with the Lung, Large Intestine and Small Intestine meridians. Its main functions are to kill intestinal parasites such as hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms, and to treat indigestion and other digestive disorders. It can also relax the bowels and treat constipation. Torreya seeds are often used with other herbs, such as areca seed, quisqualis and basket fern.

How much torreya seed should I take?

The typical dosage of torreya seed is between 30 and 50 grams per day, drunk with water as a decoction. The seeds should be crushed prior to cooking. As an alternative, some practitioners recommend that the seeds be ground up into a type of bolus with honey and consumed orally. If being used in a decoction, raw torreya seeds should be used.

What forms of torreya seed are available?

Whole, dried torreya seed can be found at some herbal shops. Powdered torreya seed may be available at some specialty stores and nutrition stores, along with torreya pills and capsules.

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

As of this writing, there are no known side effects or drug interactions associated with torreya seeds. As always, however, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking torreya seed or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question about Choosing an Acupuncturist: The scientific medical profession has the AMA governing the doctors. Does the acupuncture profession have a similar governing body? What I really want to know is other than just looking in the phone book, how can a person know they are going to someone who is trained, knows what they are doing & are not going to cause you harm?

Answer: Yes, acupuncturists have similar organizations to medical doctors. NCAA is one that comes to mind. Acupuncturists are different, though, in that little more than half belong to an organization, and close to 100 percent of MD's are members of the AMA. Finding an acupuncturist is similar to finding a doctor. One will often ask for a personal referral. Acupuncturists are more approachable than MD's, and most acupuncturists will at a minimum speak to a potential patient on the telephone. Some will meet with you. A person should look for someone they feel comfortable and confident with.

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