June 2005 [Volume 4, Issue 6]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture Reduces Effects of Pain, Neuropathy in HIV-Infected Individuals
• Herb of the Month: Imperata (bai mao gen)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

A common side-effect associated with HIV infection is peripheral neuropathy, a neurological disorder that can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. While several studies have examined the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of pain, virtually none have investigated acupuncture's ability to treat some types of neuropathy. A study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has found that acupuncture can reduce pain and peripheral neuropathy in HIV-infected individuals, especially when treatment is directed at a patient's specific symptoms.

In the study, 21 people infected with HIV were treated with acupuncture twice per week for five weeks, for a total of 10 sessions. During each session, patients were needled at between 10 and 15 locations. Standard points included Heart 7, Spleen 6, Kidney 3 and Pericardium 6; other points were stimulated depending on the patient's pattern of pain, sleep problems, or other health issues. Needles were manipulated briefly after insertion, then left in place for 30 to 45 minutes. To measure the effect of acupuncture, patients completed a pair of surveys on pain and neuropathy prior to the first session and at the conclusion of the last session.

Results showed "significant reductions" in both pain and neuropathy at the end of the study. The average pretreatment pain score among patients was 20.9, with 18 individuals reporting a total pain score above 20. After the last acupuncture session, the average pain score had dropped to 11.8; only four patients reported a pain score above 20. Similarly, the average neuropathy score among patients prior to being treated with acupuncture was 31.1. By the end of the study, the average neuropathy score was 15.7.

"The results of this study indicate that peripheral neuropathy and pain in HIV-infected individuals may be treated successfully through acupuncture directed at the individual's specific symptoms," the authors noted in their conclusion. "Future research should include a randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy directed at the subjects' individual symptomatology."

Imperata is a type of grass native to southeast Asia. It grows up to four feet in height, with leaves that taper off to a sharp tip. The surface of the plant is yellow-white in color; when it dies, however, it turns dark red, which has given imperata the nickname "blood grass." The rhizome of the plant is used medicinally; it is harvested in the spring or autumn, cleaned, dried and then cut into small pieces.

In traditional Chinese medicine precepts, imperata has a cold property, and works on the Lung, Stomach and Urinary Bladder channels. It functions to cool the blood and stop bleeding, and to clear heat from the lung and stomach. Among the conditions it treats are vomiting; febrile diseases that cause excessive thirst; edema; dysuria; and bleeding. Imperata also has antibacterial properties.

The typical recommended dosage of imperata is 15-30 grams taken as a decoction, or 30-60 grams of fresh herb. The dosage may be adjusted depending on the condition(s) being treated. The American Herbal Products Association has given imperata a class one rating, meaning that it can be safely consumed when used appropriately. As of this writing, there are no known adverse drug interactions with imperata. Make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking imperata or any other herbal remedy 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: Is there an acupuncture treatment for erectile dysfunction?

Answer: The short answer is yes. The long answer is that there are several possible conditions (in TCM) that are causing it, so you will need to be assessed for this to get the best treatment.

Question #2: I read an article a year or so ago about acupuncture helping lower high blood pressure. Is it possible? I'd like to get off my medication.

Answer: Yes. Acupuncture and\or Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries to lower blood pressure. Recently, clinical trials have verified its effectiveness. A recent study has shown it to be more effective in controlling mild to moderate hypertension. You need to have your individual situation evaluated. You would want to slowly reduce your medication over the treatment period as it is indicated. Generally, 10 to 15 treatments are given, with lasting results and follow-up treatments as needed.

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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