April 2004 [Volume 3, Issue 3]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture Reduces Pain Levels in Cancer Patients
• Herb of the Month: Damiana
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Acupuncture Reduces Pain Levels in Cancer Patients

While acupuncture has been used for many years in the United States as a treatment for chronic muscle pain, only recently has it been considered as a remedy for other types of pain, including cancer-related pain. The results of a small study conducted in France suggest that acupuncture is an effective form of relief from pain caused by cancer, and that it could be used as an adjunct to, or replacement for, traditional types of pain relief.

In the study, 79 patients who had been treated unsuccessfully with conventional drugs for cancer pain were divided into three groups. One group received true acupuncture, with needles inserted into valid acupuncture points on the ear. The second group had needles inserted into placebo points on the ear; the third had steel beads applied to placebo points on the ear with an adhesive patch. Patients in all three groups were instructed to leave the needles and beads in place until they fell out on their own.

At a two-month evaluation, patients in the true acupuncture group reported a 36 percent drop in pain intensity levels. In the placebo groups, however, pain intensity levels only dropped an average of 2 percent.

The researchers concluded: "The observed reduction in pain intensity ... represents a clear benefit from auricular acupuncture for these cancer patients who are in pain, despite stable analgesic treatment." They also recommended that further large-scale studies be conducted to verify their results.

Herb of the Month: Damiana

Damiana is indigenous to Central America and Mexico. It can reach a height of approximately two feet, with smooth, green leaves, yellow flowers and a many-seeded, globular fruit that has a resinous coating. The plant's leaves are harvested during the flowering season and are used medicinally.

Since ancient times, many cultures have used damiana as an aphrodisiac, or to treat sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction and low libido. It is also used for conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Damiana is commonly used either as a standalone product or in combination with other herbs. In addition to dried damiana leaves, tablet, capsule and tincture forms are available at many health food stores and specialty stores.

While there are no well-known drug interactions with damiana, the German Commission E does not recommend it for traditional uses. The leaves have a minor laxative effect and may cause loose stools or diarrhea at higher amounts. It may also interfere with iron absorption, and should not be taken by women who are pregnant or lactating. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking damiana or any other herbal product or dietary supplement.

To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral.

Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Question #1: Are there any specific points or treatments for irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer: Yes. Acupuncture treatment is effective for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The points used vary according to the condition and symptoms of the patient.

Question #2: I was recently diagnosed with "trigger finger," and was advised of my options for curing it (steroid shots or surgery). Can you consider as an alternative to the two methods mentioned above? If so, what are the after-effects of acupuncture regarding my job? (I do some heavy lifting sometimes.)

Answer: Contractures of the tendons are treatable with acupuncture, usually with good permanent results. Find a practitioner and give it about 6 to 10 treatments. /p>

Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask

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