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Pain in the lower back and pelvic area is one of the most common symptoms suffered by women in the last trimester of pregnancy. A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica examined the role acupuncture could play in relieving pelvic and low back pain in pregnant women, and has concluded that it is a safe and effective method of reducing pain, without producing any serious side-effects.

In the study, 72 pregnant women with pelvic or low back pain were randomized, during weeks 24-37 of their pregnancies, to either an acupuncture group or a control group. Women in the acupuncture group received needling at traditional acupuncture points and “local tender points” based on their individual pain patterns, and were treated once or twice a week until the child was delivered. Women in the control group were given no stimulation. Throughout the study, patients in both groups were asked to rate their pain weekly on a visual analog scale, and to rate their pain on a three-point scale during various activities.

Over time, visual analog pain intensity scores decreased in 60 percent of the women given acupuncture, but in only 14 percent of the women in the control group. Additionally, 43 percent of the acupuncture patients reported a decrease in pain during activity, compared with only 9 percent of the control patients. No serious adverse effects were observed in the women receiving acupuncture, and no adverse effects of any kind were noticed in the babies born to women in the acupuncture group. The authors noted succinctly that acupuncture “relieves low back and pelvic pain without serious adverse effects in late pregnancy,” and suggested that further studies be conducted to validate their research.

SOURCE: Kvorning N, Holmberg C, Grennert L, et al. Acupuncture relieves pelvic and low-back pain in late pregnancy. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, March 2004;83(3):246-50.

Xanthium is another name for the cocklebur, a common bush native to Europe, North American and western Asia. The name comes from the Greek “xanthos,” meaning yellow, and referring to the bush’s seed pods, which turn from green to yellow as they ripen. The pods are used in traditional Chinese medicine, and are referred to as cang er zi based on their color and appearance.

In traditional Chinese medicine, xanthium is associated with the Lung meridian, and is considered to have sweet, bitter and warm properties. It is used to dispel wind and damp, and is one of the most important herbs used for sinus congestion, chronic nasal obstructions and discharges, and respiratory allergies. In the West, xanthium is employed as an analgesic to relieve aches and pains, and headaches associated with nasal congestion and sinusitis. It is often used with other herbs, such as angelica and magnolia.

The traditional dosage of xanthium is 3-9 grams per day, usually taken as a decoction, but sometimes taken as a pill or capsule. Although some sources consider xanthium to be toxic, evidence suggests the toxicity can be removed by washing the fruit in water, subjecting it to high heat, or stir-frying it. Overdosing on xanthium can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In addition, it should not be used by patients suffering from blood deficiency (anemia). As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking xanthium fruit or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

References

Jing X, Sui J. Elementary introduction about toxicity of Chinese herb cang er zi and rescue measures for poisoning. Heilongjiang Journal of TCM 2000;63(4).
Yang Y. Chinese Herbal Medicines. Comparisons and Characteristics. London; Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Zhu YP. Chinese Materia Medica: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications. Amsterdam: Harwood Academic Publishers, 1998.

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 recently started experiencing pain in the thumb of my right hand. It doesn't occur all the time, but sometimes, while grabbing something, I'll experience a short, sharp pain in the lower part of the thumb, closer to the rest of the hand. I have full range of motion, but still, it concerns me, and I'm worried it'll get worse with age (I'm in my mid-30s now). Is there anything acupuncture and/or traditional Chinese medicine could do for me?

Answer: You need to have an examination to know what the pain is and then what can be done for it. Similar symptoms are relieved by acupuncture. It might be better to get a handle on it now, in case it is one of those situations that does not go away. A course of acupuncture treatment can strengthen a weak body part.

Question #2: I have had a twisting injury to my back for at least 15 years. It feels extremely painful and unstable, and doctors think the ligaments are strained or torn. Can acupuncture help this kind of old injury?

Answer: Generally, I would say yes, acupuncture can help, but you really need to see someone and have them evaluate you according to Oriental medicine. It is important to know that the approach of Oriental medicine is different than Western medicine and therefore can help many problems that are not addressed by MDs.

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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