June 2004 [Volume 3, Issue 6]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• The ABCs of TCM: What Is Qi?
• Herb of the Month: Pearl
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The ABCs of TCM: What Is Qi?

Qi - pronounced "chee" - is considered one of the vital substances in traditional Chinese medicine. Qi is a vital force or energy believed to control the workings of the human mind and body. As such, it plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine by warming the body and protecting it from illness. Qi also has a close relationship with jing, or essence, the substance responsible for reproduction and regeneration. Together, jing and qi help form the shen, or spirit.

Qi is derived from two main sources: the air we breathe and the food we eat. Qi is believed to flow through the body via channels, or meridians, that correspond to particular organs or organ systems. Each organ, in turn, has its own characteristic qi (e.g., liver qi, kidney qi, and so on).

Occasionally, qi may become imbalanced due to depletion or obstruction. When this occurs, the function of organs or organ systems may be adversely affected, because of the body's inability to transport or produce the qi necessary to fight illness or infection.

To learn more about qi and other vital substances, visit http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/qijingshen.html.

Herb of the Month: Pearl

While pearl is not an herb, it is nevertheless a vital component of traditional Chinese medicine. A pearl is actually a precious gemstone, the result of a combination of minerals that forms around a grain of sand or other foreign matter in the shells of oysters and other mollusks.

In traditional Chinese medicine, pearl can be administered internally or externally. Internally, pearl is used as part of a tonic to calm the spirit and clear phlegm from the body; other uses include improving one's eyesight and invigorating circulation. Hydrolized pearl powder has been shown to lower blood pressure, increase endurance and relieve some of the symptoms of constipation. Externally, pearl powder is used to help heal blemishes and other skin problems, and to keep the skin looking young.

Pearl is most often available as a powder or cream. Pearl powder is available at some health food stores and specialty markets, while pearl creams can be found along with some cosmetics and other skin care products.

There are no known drug interactions or adverse side-effects associated with pearl. Several studies have shown that hydrolyzed pearl powder is harmless, and can be taken by anyone without experiencing negative side-effects. As always, however, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking pearl, pearl powder, or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.

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: I'm just wondering if acupuncture will get rid of my eczema for good. I've tried everything and it always comes back.

Answer: If the underlying energetical/physiological imbalance is discovered and treated, you should be able to "cured." Consult with a practitioner and see.

Question #2: When walking for approximately 10 minutes, I get a pain in my right leg. It's hard to pinpoint exactly where it stems from. It could be claudication, as I have high cholesterol and am now on Lipex (simvastatin). Can acupuncture help?

Answer: You need a physical examination to diagnose your pain further, but most leg pain is made better by acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture often works better than other methods when the symptoms are vague, or non-specific.

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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