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January 2012 [Volume 11, Issue 1]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
- Acupuncture Study Brings Hope For Parkinson's Disease Patients
- Herb of the Month – Hemp Seed
- Ask an Acupuncturist
Acupuncture Study Brings Hope For Parkinson's Disease Patients
By Brenda Duran, Senior Associate Editor
For people living with Parkinson's disease, the future is full of obstacles and uncertainty.
This is the sole reason the second most prevalent neuro-degenerative disease that affects about 1 million people in the U.S., and 5 million worldwide has researchers constantly on the hunt for not only a cure, but also a way to improve the quality of life for patients.
By the year 2013, a current research study involving acupuncture is hoping to find answers for Parkinson's disease patients living with one of the most debilitating side effects – fatigue.
The research study funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is currently determining whether alternative Eastern medicine, specifically acupuncture, can help alleviate symptoms of severe fatigue in those living with Parkinson's.
Herb of the Month – Hemp Seed
What is hemp seed? What is it used for?
Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant (cannabis sativa L), an annual herb that grows throughout the world's temperate regions. (Note: hemp is illegal to grow in many countries, since the leaves and other parts of the plant are widely used as a narcotic.)
The plant can reach a height of approximately 30 inches, and flowers during the summer. The seeds are harvested in autumn; they are pounded or powdered, and taken raw for use. Hemp seeds contain a fatty oil, and are a good source of many essential fatty acids.
Hemp has a long history of medicinal use. In traditional Chinese medicine, hemp seed has sweet and mild properties, and is associated with the Spleen and Large Intestine channels. Traditionally, it is used as a laxative to loosen the bowels and relieve constipation. Many practitioners prescribe it to help relieve pain, induce sleep, and treat nausea associated with chemotherapy. It also has a soothing effect on some nervous disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, and has been used to relieve pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma.
When treating constipation, hemp seed is often used with other herbs, such as rhubarb and magnolia bark. How much hemp seed should I take?
The typical dosage of hemp seed is between 10 and 30 grams, used in a decoction. It is usually mashed or powdered before being added to water. Some practitioners also provide concentrated hemp seed extracts (in a 5:1 ratio); for extracts, the recommended dose is 2-3 grams per day.
What forms of hemp seed are available?
Because of hemp's narcotic effects, the sale of hemp seed and other parts of the plant has been banned in most Western countries. As a result, hemp seed is practically impossible to obtain without a doctor's prescription.
What can happen if I take too much hemp seed? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?
Hemp is a narcotic that can produce feelings of exhilaration, along with possible hallucinations. In the United States, it is illegal to possess hemp or hemp seed without a doctor's prescription.
Question about Bi-Polar Mental Illness and Acupuncture: How effective is acupuncture in treating Bi-Polar Mental Illness?
Answer: Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of symptoms of mild to moderated bi-polar illness. An individual needs an evaluation by an acupuncturist because the evaluation is different than western medicine. A treatment series typically is twelve to fifteen sessions.
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