November 2004 [Volume 3, Issue 11]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Managing Chronic Fatigue With Acupuncture
• Herb of the Month: Magnetite
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

A study published in a recent issue of Medical Acupuncture suggests that acupuncture may help improve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents. The study found that patients receiving acupuncture at a specific set of points along the spine showed improvements in activity levels and the ability to sleep, without producing any unwanted side-effects.

The study group consisted of eight patients between the ages of 11 and 18, all of whom had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and had dropped out of school as a result. Acupuncture was performed with the patients in a prone position. The major acupuncture points included hua tuo jia ji, a group of 34 points on both sides of the spinal column. All hua tuo jia ji points were palpated, but only the tender points were needled. In addition, BL 18, BL 20, BL 23 and SP 6 were stimulated. Treatment was performed once per week for a course of 6 weeks. Outcomes of treatment were measured using an 11-point visual analog scale for pain, and an 11-point functional activity scale. Patients were also asked to report any changes in sleep, ability to return to school, and adverse effects associated with acupuncture.

While the average pain score among patients was reduced only slightly (6.5 at baseline versus 5.8 following the last treatment), average functional scores improved dramatically (4.5 at baseline, 7.0 after the last treatment). All of the patients reported that they were able to fall asleep more quickly after the first treatment, and felt "more energetic" following treatment. They were also able to return to school after the course of acupuncture; no side-effects or complications related to acupuncture were reported. "Thus," the authors wrote, "acupuncture can be a useful tool for the management of chronic fatigue syndrome."

Although magnetite is not an herb, it is nevertheless an important component of herbal medicine. Magnetite is a magnetic iron ore belonging to the spinelle family. It ranges in color from black to brownish; is tasteless (but usually has an "earthy" odor); and has magnetic and metallic properties. It can be used raw or after being "calcined" (dipped in vinegar and finely ground).

In traditional Chinese medicine, magnetite is considered salty and cold, and is associated with the Heart, Liver and Kidney meridians. It is a tranquilizing substance, and is used to clear the mind and suppress hyperactivity, producing a calming sensation. It is also believed to improve the functions of the eyes and ears, and has been used to treat conditions such as tinnitus and poor vision. Depending on the condition being treated, magnetite may be used with herbs such as cinnabar, cornus or rehmannia.

Magnetite is available most often as a powder (finely ground) or a pill. When used as a decoction, many practitioners recommend using 10 to 30 grams, finely ground and mixed with water. Smaller doses (1-3 grams) are used in pills and powders.

Magnetite is considered difficult to digest by some patients. As a result, excessive doses should not be taken, especially if magnetite is being ingested as a pill or powder. In addition, it should be used carefully by anyone with a deficiency of the spleen and/or stomach. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking magnetite 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 have severe pain in my shoulder/upper back, along with numbness and tingling. Can these symptoms be alleviated by acupuncture?

Answer: They are symptoms that are treatable by acupuncture. When you use the term "severe," I have to add that your individual symptoms have to be evaluated. You could see an acupuncturist in person to find out what can be done for you.

Question #2: My primary care provider is suggesting surgery for my carpal tunnel syndrome. My nerve conduction study is positive for carpal tunnel syndrome. As a single person, relying on my income, I can't afford to take time off for surgery, let alone the cost. I have heard so many negative things about surgery. One thing I know is that you must stop the repetitive motion that took you to CTS. I am considering acupuncture. Do you think this is a good idea? How long is treatment? How many times a week is the treatment? Do I have to wear braces at night?

Answer: Acupuncture treatment is a good idea – better than surgery, in my opinion. What it can do for your individual symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is difficult to know, even though an exam does help. In general, you would have acupuncture for 10 to 15 treatments. Usually it is best to have three treatments a week, but this is not mandatory, so you would discuss it with the acupuncturist you choose. I cannot say about the braces at night, but most patients do not use them. During that treatment time, you would probably still need to rest somewhat. You might not be 100 percent symptom-free, but if it goes well for you, you should be able to continue your work with minor discomfort. It is also possible that you would benefit from more than 15 treatments (less might be sufficient).

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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